If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 94
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Count Fitzgerald’s family, a branch of Kristin Duchy, was the first to send a congratulatory letter when Agatha officially became Duchess Kristin. Though she saw through his shallow attempt to curry favor and didn’t reply, the Count continued to send letters.
Previously, he had likely been aligned with Countess Calvino, trying to extract any benefit he could from the Duchy. Seeing him now, feigning heartfelt sympathy and attending the memorial for the late Duke, filled Agatha with disgust.
Even the act of him approaching her at the memorial annoyed her to no end, but she did not want to display any negative emotions while honoring her father.
The most challenging part of her training to succeed the Duchy had been learning to conceal her emotions. The higher one’s status, the more crucial it was to hide one’s true feelings. After diligently internalizing this lesson, Agatha had become adept at maintaining her composure in almost any situation.
“Seeing you conduct this memorial as the esteemed head of the family makes me feel reassured. This ceremony was long overdue.”
Hypocrite. Agatha inwardly sneered at the Count. Among the dozens of nobles gathered, not a single one was without pretense. She was the only one here who genuinely mourned the late Duke. Without responding, she kept her silence.
Then, murmurs started near the entrance of the temple. A new arrival seemed to be causing quite a stir, louder than what would be typical for a mere guest.
Fighting a sense of foreboding, Agatha turned to look toward the commotion.
“My, my lady, look who has arrived.”
Liana whispered urgently, having stood silently a half step behind Agatha throughout the ceremony. Amidst the gasps and murmurs of astonishment from the crowd, someone wearing a black veil was striding up the dais.
The figure in the black dress was adorned in attire so lavish it could hardly be called mourning clothes. As she lifted the veil to reveal her face, a collective gasp escaped from everyone attending the memorial—everyone except Agatha.
“It’s been a while, dear.”
The woman said, her red lips curving into a seemingly kind greeting. Despite her gentle tone, her eyes remained icy.
“It would have been nice if you’d informed me about the memorial in advance.”
The woman, with her hair elaborately braided and her posture rigidly upright, was Stella.
Her presence was clearly unexpected, as murmurs of surprise spread through the crowd.
“But it’s still good to see you.”
Stella added, her expression shamelessly calm. The cold tension between the two women was clear despite the words ‘good to see you.’
“It took some effort to find my way here since you didn’t inform me.”
She was as nonchalant as if she was attending a dear friend’s birthday party. The audacity of her seemingly casual greeting was almost amusing to Agatha, who could clearly see the anger simmering beneath Stella’s façade.
After all, Stella’s pride must have been wounded when she wasn’t informed of the memorial, even though distant relatives were notified. Yet here she was, feigning friendliness and even pleasure at being there.
“Not informing you was a deliberate choice.”
Those present waited for Agatha’s response. Many were stunned to hear Agatha speak so bluntly to the aunt who had raised her for ten years. It was a side of Agatha Kristin they had not anticipated—cold and resolute.
“Oh, that’s disappointing, dear.”
Stella replied, maintaining her composure despite Agatha’s sharp words for the first time. But Agatha could tell. She noticed the subtle sign of Stella biting the inside of her lip.
“It’s not a good look for you to attend your father’s memorial alone. Where is the Marquis?”
Stella’s question was laced with a thinly veiled barb while pretending to be concerned for Agatha while intending to hurt her.
A son-in-law absent from his father-in-law’s memorial—indeed, not a good look.
Especially with all the rumors swirling around Leden about the state of Cain and Agatha’s relationship, Agatha appearing alone only served to fuel the gossip.
Stella had hit the mark precisely. Where is the husband who ruined my son and me? It was an implicit accusation.
“My husband’s whereabouts are none of Aunt’s concern.”
“Why wouldn’t they be? It’s only natural for me to look after my only niece.”
“Well. I thought our ties were already severed.”
Agatha hadn’t forgotten the numerous cruelties Stella had inflicted under the guise of familial duty. She signaled the guards accompanying her, prepared to have Stella removed from the temple if necessary.
Noticing this, Stella quickly averted her gaze.
“I won’t stop you from mourning my father. Please proceed.”
