Chapter 65

The Forrests were genuinely fond of Liliana. Cedric didn't want to worry his elders over what he considered a minor spat. Once Liliana came to her senses—or once he saw her and set her straight-it would all be resolved.

"She's not feeling well. I'm going to head back and check on her, so I won't be staying for dinner."

The Dowager's worried expression instantly brightened. "Is she pregnant?"

Stoddard, who had been drinking tea, immediately set his cup down. "A pregnancy

is a serious matter. Have her move back to the estate so we can look after her!"

"No," Cedric said flatly. The birth control was foolproof.

The two of them stared at him, their eyes demanding to know how he could be so certain.

Cedric offered a weak excuse. "It's just that time of the month."

"Oh," the Dowager sighed in disappointment, then began to nag him. "If you don't have children soon, you'll be too old..."

Cedric, only twenty-five, was speechless.

Since Liliana was unwell, no one stopped him from leaving. Stoddard walked him to the door, telling him to drive safely, then returned inside.

"Cedric seems to be doing better than I expected," he remarked, sitting next to the Dowager. "At least he's showing some concern for Liliana."

She shot him a look. "That's the bare minimum. You call that concern? If Liliana doesn't get pregnant soon, I'm worried he won't be able to keep her." Though Stoddard was observant, he lacked a woman's intuition. She had a feeling something was off between the two of them.

"That won't happen," Stoddard said, though he made a mental note to have a talk with his son. Work was important, but family was too.

"It's all your fault for marrying such a wonderful woman who gave me a stubborn grandson made of iron," the Dowager grumbled, half-joking.

Just then, Mirabelle came downstairs. "Mom, Stoddard, what's made of iron?"

"Oh!" The Dowager turned with a smile. "We were just talking about the duck in the kitchen. It's not absorbing any flavor, even after marinating all night. Utterly impenetrable..."

Sovereign Peak, North Riverbend.

Liliana wasn't very athletic and was exhausted by the time they were halfway up the mountain. She was dressed in a white tracksuit, her long hair in a ponytail that had loosened and now rested on her shoulder.

"Have some water."

A shadow fell over her, blocking the harsh sunlight. It was Douglas, dressed in a black tracksuit with string of prayer beads on his wrist.

He held out a bottle of water

the cap

already loosened for her.

Even though it was cool, the midday sun was intense. Liliana squinted and took the water from him.

"Thank you, Douglas."

He sat down on a flat rock nearby, his voice gentle. "You don't have to be so formal with me."

The ever-energetic Juniper had scouted ahead and now ran back. "Just two more hours to the summit! You can do it, Liliana!"

"Okay," Liliana nodded.

The scenery was

beautiful, and a

cool breeze made her feel refreshed. Between the decision to divorce Cedric and the news about Hale, she had felt this at ease in a long time The Sewell siblings, sensingbertow spirits, had kept her distracted with cheerful conversation the entire way up. The trip felt like it was planned just for her.

It was ten o'clock at night by the time they descended the mountain. Douglas drove Liliana back to Polaris Court. By the time they arrived, Juniper was fast asleep in the back.

Liliana quietly got out of the car and waved at Douglas through the window. "Drive safe on your way back."