XXVII

Westlin hadn't stopped feeling uneasy since the moment Grace and Lesly had left. Despite Holloway's constant reassurance that everything was going perfectly and that his plan was working flawlessly, Marcus couldn't shake the sense that something was bound to go wrong. The young valet, always so carefree, kept watching him with that confident smile, but after everything Marcus had been through in the last ten years, he felt more vulnerable than ever.

"Milord, believe me, everything is going according to plan," Holloway insisted as he helped him dress. "You have nothing to worry about. She won't recognize you, and before long, a beautiful connection will blossom between you."

But Marcus wasn't really listening. His mind was trapped in the past. Ten years of distance, of memories, and regrets, and now, suddenly, Grace was back in his life. But not in the way he had imagined. He had to hide behind a lie that burned him inside. Every time he thought about the possibility of Grace discovering who he really was, fear choked him.

" Stop worrying so much, " Simon pressed, adjusting the knot of his tie. " Today is the day you start building your future. Forget the past. "

" It's not as easy as you make it sound, " Westlin replied, gripping the cane tightly in his right hand. " After all this time... " He hesitated for a moment, his voice heavy with emotion. " I can't lose her again. "

For the first time, Simon's expression grew more serious. He leaned in slightly toward his lord.

" Milord, you won't lose her if you follow my plan. Trust me. "

Once he was dressed, wearing the dark suit and the mask that covered half of his face, Marcus headed toward the door. His heart was pounding, as if he were a young man in love for the first time. He carried the cane in his right hand, leaning on it slightly—not out of need, but to maintain the fragile image Simon had created.

As he reached the gate, Simon, still standing in the entryway, raised a hand in farewell.

" Good luck, milord! " he called out, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

He looked like a proud parent watching their child on their wedding day. Marcus glanced at him, shaking his head slightly, trying to focus on Grace. He didn't need any more distractions.

He walked slowly down the street, his thoughts revolving around her. He was about to take a walk with the woman who had shaped his entire life, and he couldn't afford to mess it up. When he reached the front of her house, he took a deep breath and knocked softly on the door.

" I'll get it! " came a child's voice from inside, and Marcus felt his heart stop for a moment.

The door swung open, and there, standing in front of him, was Robert, his son. Marcus stared at him, feeling as if everything around him faded away. The boy, with dark hair and bright eyes, was almost an exact replica of him. The shared features were undeniable—even the small mole beneath his left eye. Westlin gripped the cane more tightly to keep from collapsing to his knees in front of the boy. The emotion threatened to overwhelm him.

" Good morning, young man, " he said, extending his hand toward the child, his voice trembling slightly.

Robert looked at him seriously, with a maturity far beyond his years.

" I am Robert Collier, son of Lady Grace and the late Lord Westlin, " he said, accepting the handshake.

Marcus's heart pounded furiously at that word: late. Anger and pain surged in his chest, but he had to control himself. He couldn't afford to lose his composure now.

" Good morning, Robert Collier, " he replied, keeping his tone measured as he lightly shook the boy's hand, as if they were two respectable gentlemen. " I am Lord... " He paused, struggling to recall the absurd name Simon had invented. " Haspirin. "

Robert, with the same serious demeanor, nodded.

"I know. My mother told me you were going to walk with her."

Marcus confirmed with a slight nod, feeling the weight of the boy's words. His own son, the one he hadn't seen grow up, was looking at him like a stranger. How would he react when he discovered the truth?

"I'll take care of her," Westlin said, sensing the boy's concern.

"I think it'll be the other way around," Robert replied with a mischievous smile before turning away, having heard the sound of his mother's footsteps approaching.

When she appeared at the door, Marcus had to hold his breath. Her black dress, simple yet elegant, accentuated her figure with natural grace. And the familiar scent she carried washed over him, bringing back bittersweet memories.

God, I wasted ten years of my life away from you, he thought.

"Good morning, Lord Haspirin. Ready for your first walk around the village?" Grace asked with a warm smile.

Still dazzled by her presence, Marcus barely managed to respond. "Good morning, Lady Grace. I am," he said, offering her his left arm.

Grace took his arm naturally, understanding it was the only way they could walk together. In that moment, Marcus felt an overwhelming connection, almost too strong to bear. Walking arm-in-arm with Grace after all these years was a dream come true, but at the same time, it was a torment, knowing she didn't recognize him.

"Robert, after you help Lesly with the chores, you can go play," Grace said to her son as they began to walk.

"Yes, Mother," the boy replied before running inside the house.

As they headed towards the village, Marcus struggled to keep his composure. Both of his hands were occupied, one with the cane and the other with Grace's arm. If the mask shifted, he wouldn't be able to adjust it without giving himself away.

"Do you not have classes to teach today?" Marcus asked, trying to keep the conversation light.

"It's Saturday," she replied, looking at him curiously.

He nodded, silently cursing himself for not paying attention to the day of the week. His anxiety grew, and without realizing it, he began gripping the cane more tightly.

Grace, sensing his unease, gently squeezed his arm, a small gesture of support that surprised him. He looked at her and nodded, grateful for that small act of kindness.

Westlin couldn't stop thinking about everything he had missed during the last ten years. Now, with her by his side, he wanted to savor every second of this moment.