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It was her first time to hear that voice in a year, and just the sound of it made the past come to life, every beautiful and painful part of it.
“My name is Rathe Wellesley. I’m thirty-seven years old. I’m also the fifth Duke of Flanders.”
It was the same British accent that she loved, something she liked to imagine was just a little crisper, cooler, and sexier than everyone else’s English accent.
“This is my first reality show – the first for my entire family, actually...”
The camera zoomed out, revealing the rest of the scene. She recognized the living room in the country manor they once shared. A smile wobbled on her lips when she saw Warren and Alyssa in the background as well, the two of them on the sofa, enjoying a cup of tea.
Seeing that the entire family was dressed lightly, Mary guessed the scene was shot in spring, probably right after she had left.
On the screen, Rathe was talking a little about his home. “It’s been with us for generations, and this was where I had the most amazing time of my life, living with Mary.”
The mention of her name made Mary gasp, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. Why was he talking about her, for God’s sake? Wasn’t he already engaged—-
Her gaze strayed to his finger, just before Rathe raised his hand himself. His eyes focused on the camera.
“And little pearl, if you’re watching this, you see my hand?”
She pressed her hands closer to her mouth, unable to shake off the feeling that Rathe was really speaking directly at her from the TV.
“I’m not engaged. I’m single, but I’m waiting for you to claim me.” There was not an ounce of shame or discomfort as he said the words, nothing to remind the public that this gorgeous man was once notorious for being cold and aloof.
Behind him, Warren groaned. Did that really come from you, son?”
The scene changed, and Mary guessed the cut was for commercial breaks. This time, the focus was on Alyssa, who was in her bedroom. Dressed in another one of her patterned wrap dresses and kitten heels, she was as beautiful as always. Looking at her, it was hard even for Mary to remember that Alyssa had been married for almost four decades.
“Hello. I’m Alyssa Wellesley, the Dowager Duchess of Flanders.” She threw a candid look at the camera. “Formerly, I was just Alyssa, a Greek girl who once married for money.”
Mary gasped, unable to believe what the older woman had just said.
Alyssa nodded gamely. “You heard me right. I took one look at Warren and thought, hey, this guy’s good-looking, sexy, loaded, and helikesme. So why don’t I marry him?” Moving into her walk-in closet, she said over her shoulder, “So I did. But then I ended up falling for him anyway, which was why I signed...”
Alyssa pulled her drawer open, rummaging through its contents. “There you are.” Retrieving a set of documents, she wagged the papers in front of the camera. “A pre-nuptial contract, between Warren and me. You can read its entire content on our show’s website.”
Smiling, she said, “You’re all probably wondering why I’m telling you guys all of this. Well, in the past, hiding these truths caused a lot of hurt. It hurt not just my son but a very special woman in our lives as well. She’s someone I’m still hoping may be my daughter-in-law in the future.”
Planting her hands on her hips, she said, “This time, though, the Wellesley family’s collectively decided to start fresh. No more lies. So, that’s my story. Once a gold-digger, now beloved wife and mother and the envy of all of society matrons because my husband is still sexy as he was thirty-plus years ago.”
A groan sounded, coming from the bedroom, followed by Warren’s exasperated voice. “Why do you all insist on saying such ridiculous things?”
Alyssa burst into laughter. Winking at the camera, she said confidingly, “He’s still the jealous and protective sort, too. He insists on being present every time it’s my turn to shoot for the show.”
Clearing her throat, she turned around and walking to one of the corner closets. “Anyway, the reason why I also chose to film here is because...”
She flung the doors open to reveal a beautiful pearl-studded dress behind a glass case. “It’s my wedding gown and...” Alyssa stopped speaking.
When she looked at the camera again, she had tears glistening in her eyes, and the sight of it made Mary cry again.
“Mary, I hope one day you’ll be able to watch this. And if you do, I want you to know I’m still hoping the time would come you’ll wear this for me.” Wiping the tears away, she whispered, “I pray for you two every night, you know. I know he’s done so many things to hurt you, but I’m still hoping that you’ll be able to forgive my son and...”
Her shoulders lifted in a shrug as she let out a teary laugh. “Oh dear. I reckon viewers are thinking they’re watching a soap rather than reality TV.”
Another cut, and this time it was Warren’s turn, and he was shown seated behind his desk in his private study.
Mary choked back a giggle when she saw the former duke simply nod in greeting at the camera, as if the act alone was the greatest concession for someone of his standing.
“My name is Warren Wellesley. I abdicated as Duke of Flanders several decades ago and now head a multi-billion-dollar weaponry firm.” Leaning back against his chair, he said gruffly, “The first time I met Mary Ashton, I believed she was the greatest misfortune for my son.”
