XXXII

The morning light in Strathmore bathed the village in a clear, cool glow, characteristic of autumn days. The sun barely peeked over the horizon as the townspeople began preparing for Sunday mass. But in Grace's house, the atmosphere was far from peaceful.

Sitting in her small library, with daylight streaming through the window, Grace desperately tried to focus on her daily tasks, but her mind refused to cooperate. The memory of her kiss with Lord Haspirin, the warmth of his lips on hers, and the familiarity she had felt in his touch suffocated her.

" It can't be, " she repeated over and over, running her fingers along the spine of a book without reading its title. However, no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't ignore what her heart was screaming at her. Marcus had returned. She felt it deep within her. She had to face not only the truth, but also the reason for his return.

Grace stood up and began pacing around the small room. The urge to escape her thoughts overwhelmed her. After so many years of hiding the truth, of protecting Robert from the shadows of the past, she now feared that Marcus knew more than she was ready to admit. " Why is he back? For me? Or for him? " she wondered, her heart tightening with dread.

The fear of losing her son intensified with every passing second. If Marcus had discovered that Robert was his son, would he try to take him away? The fleeting thought of running away crossed her mind, but she quickly dismissed it. She couldn't live her life on the run forever. This village was her home. She had built her life here, and she wouldn't let Marcus destroy it.

" This time, I won't give in, " she said quietly, clenching her fists with determination.

A soft knock on the door pulled her out of her turmoil. Lesly appeared in the doorway, her expression calm, though her eyes revealed the concern she felt for her mistress.

" Is everything all right, my lady? " she asked, though she already knew the answer.

Grace nodded, forcing a smile. She knew her maid wasn't easily fooled, but she appreciated the gesture of not pressing her with questions.

" I was thinking of going out for a bit. I need some air, " Grace replied, trying to hide the agitation in her chest.

Lesly offered her an easy way out. " I was heading to mass at the parish this morning. If you'd like, you could come with me. "

Grace accepted the invitation with relief. The idea of stepping outside, of changing the scenery and calming her thoughts, seemed like the best option.

" Yes, I think that would be good, " she said, rising to her feet.

As they left the small room, Grace called for Robert, who was playing in the garden. She watched him fondly as he ran toward her, his face lit up with the joy of childhood. " I won't let anyone take you from me, " she thought as she smiled at him.

" Robert, we're going to the parish with Lesly. Get dressed quickly, darling, " she said softly.

The boy nodded eagerly and ran off to change. Meanwhile, Grace felt the tension in her chest ease slightly. Despite the confusion that tormented her, Robert remained her anchor, the reason she had fought all these years.

Once Robert was ready, the three of them headed toward the door. The morning air was crisp but pleasant, with the bright sun promising a clear day. The sound of birds and the village beginning its day provided a brief distraction from Grace's troubled thoughts. However, as they walked down the street, she felt a sharp pang of unease.

Instinctively, she looked up at Lord Haspirin's house, and there, from his bedroom window, she saw him. Marcus. He was watching them from afar. His dark, enigmatic figure, with his mask still covering his face, seemed more present than ever. Grace felt a chill run down her spine as she realized Marcus's eyes were fixed on them, more specifically, on Robert.

Though her son was unaware, she knew Marcus was observing him. The tension in the air between them was palpable. Grace pressed her lips together and looked away, determined not to be intimidated. She was no longer the woman she had been ten years ago; now, she was stronger. " You won't take him from me, " she vowed silently.

With that determination guiding her steps, she, Lesly, and Robert continued their way to the parish, while Marcus remained motionless at the window, watching their every move.

The small parish of Strathmore radiated the serenity typical of a Sunday morning. The May sun filtered through the windows, filling the space with a soft light that gently caressed the faces of the parishioners. Grace, accompanied by Lesly and Robert, sat in a front pew. The peaceful atmosphere of the church contrasted sharply with the whirlwind of emotions she was struggling to control.

From the pulpit, the pastor spoke in a calm yet firm voice. Every word seemed measured, aimed at touching the hearts of those listening. Grace tried to maintain her composure, but she couldn't ignore how Elior's eyes kept landing on her, again and again. There was something personal in his sermon, something that seemed intended only for her ears.

" Brothers and sisters, " he began with a slight smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, " today, we will reflect on the sins of the past and the need to confront them in the present, so that we may build a brighter and more fulfilling future. "

Grace felt a knot form in her stomach. She knew Hartwell's words weren't a mere coincidence. Her hands clasped tightly in her lap as she tried to focus on the mass, but Elior's insistent gaze unnerved her.

" We have all lived through difficult moments, made mistakes, or made decisions that left scars, " he continued, raising his voice slightly, " but it is in the present where we must find the courage to right our wrongs. We cannot let the ghosts of the past prevent us from seeing the goodness in our future. "

Grace felt breathless. She knew he was speaking about her—there was no doubt. Her face remained serene, but inside, a battle was raging. She didn't want to make more mistakes, but she also knew that the only way to find peace was to face Marcus. The past was returning, and she had to deal with the scars it had left behind.

" If someone enters our lives, " Elior went on, " we must not fear. Sometimes, fate sends helping hands to guide us to peace, to show us the way to redemption. And although the past may have been bitter, we must recognize when a new future presents itself. A good, righteous man can bring happiness and stability, even to those who have suffered in previous marriages. "

Each word cut deep into Grace. She could feel the eyes of some of the parishioners on her. Her expression remained calm, but inside, a storm brewed. She didn't want to make any more mistakes, but she knew the only way to find peace was by confronting Marcus. The past was coming back, and she needed to face the wounds it had left behind.

Finally, Elior concluded the mass with a solemn tone.

" Reflect, brothers and sisters. The path to happiness lies before you, but you must confront the shadows of the past to find it. "

As the parishioners slowly began leaving the church, Grace, Lesly, and Robert waited until the others had passed before rising from their pew. The cool air outside greeted them as they finally stepped out, but Grace couldn't shake the feeling of being trapped at a crossroads.

" Lady Grace, " Elior's voice sounded behind her, and she froze in place. " May I speak with you? "

Grace hesitated for a moment, but she knew people were watching. She couldn't refuse without sparking more gossip. She turned with a polite smile.

" Of course, Mr. Hartwell. "

They stepped away from Lesly and Robert, moving a few paces from the crowd. Elior's gaze was intense, making her feel uncomfortable.

" Grace, " the pastor began, his tone softer now, " I hope my sermon helped you with your inner turmoil. I tailored it especially for you. "

Grace looked at him, unsure of how to respond. Her mind was elsewhere, occupied with how to deal with the emotional chaos Marcus had stirred in her. But Elior's words dragged her back to the present.

" I thought I sensed that while listening, " she murmured, trying to keep her tone neutral.

" I want you to know, " Elior continued, his voice lower now, filled with emotion, " that by my side, you will no longer suffer. I love you, Grace, and I respect you. And if you allow it, I will treat Robert as my own son. I promise you, I will be the man who brings you the happiness you deserve. "

Grace's heart skipped a beat. The confession didn't surprise her, but it left her feeling defenseless. Elior looked at her with a mixture of devotion and desperation. His words were filled with promises that, at another time, might have touched her heart. But now, after what she had experienced with Marcus, those words felt hollow.

" Mr. Hartwell... " she whispered, unsure of how to let him down without hurting him.

" Don't answer me now, " he interrupted, gently taking her hand and kissing her knuckles softly. " You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to know how I feel. I will accept your decision, whatever it may be. "

Grace remained silent, too overwhelmed to speak. Elior gave her one last hopeful look before stepping back, allowing her to return to her son and Lesly.

As she rejoined them, her mind was more confused than ever. Elior's words echoed in her head, but her thoughts inevitably returned to Marcus. She knew she had to confront him, to discover the truth. Only then could she find the peace she so desperately craved.