Page 80 of A Sinful Virgin for the Duke

She wandered the garden paths, her heart aching painfully, each step weighted with sadness. She hadn’t thought it possible to feel so alone once again. She had foolishly allowed herself to believe that she had found some semblance of happiness and a place where she belonged. But it was now clear to her that Frederick only saw her as a problem to be dealt with, another burden he’d taken upon himself to resolve.

I have been so terribly naïve.

Gemma sank onto a bench, wrapping her arms around herself in an effort to hold herself together. Her mother’s cruel, loveless words still echoed in her mind, reminding her of the woman’s constant rejections, and each attempt she had made to keep her hidden away like a shameful secret. And now Frederick had also deceived her. She had dared to think he had developed feelings for her, but his actions spoke volumes.

She closed her eyes, letting the anger and despair wash over her. She had fought so hard to be free, to carve out her own place in the world, but despite her efforts, it seemed she was destined to always be someone else’s unpleasant afterthought; something inconvenient to be discarded.

The sound of approaching footsteps jarred her from her thoughts. She looked up, her gaze hardening as she saw Frederick standing a few paces away, watching her with a deeply conflicted expression on his face.

“Gemma,” he murmured, taking a cautious step closer, his voice low and tentative.

She met his gaze with an icy, silent stare.

He hesitated, his hand reaching out to her, but she recoiled and slapped away his outstretched hand.

“Donot,” she said sharply, her voice brittle. “Do not daretouchme.”

His hand dropped to his side, his expression wounded but resolute.

“I… I wanted to help you, Gemma,” he said, his tone quiet but firm. “I thought bringing your family here…”

“Youthought?” she interrupted, her voice growing sharper. “What did you think, Frederick? That inviting mymother, theoneperson who has done nothing but belittle me and cast me aside, wouldhelp me? That seeing her look at me as though I was something vile would somehow bring mecomfort?”

Frederick’s face filled with regret, guilt and shame. “I thought you deserved the chance to face her. To have closure.”

“Closure?” Her voice trembled, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. “This is not closure, Frederick. This is a summary of how deeply she has always despised me; confirmation of every single reasonshe abandoned me. You have only made it painfully clear to me that I do not belong here with you or with anyone.”

He took a step forward, regret embedded in his face and speech. “You cannot believe that, Gemma. You belong here with us, with me. You belong more than you could ever know.”

She shook her head, bitterness choking her words. “Stop pretending that you care, Frederick. I have seen enough to know what this was. A convenient way to be rid of me. Well, congratulations. You have succeeded.”

Frederick looked at her, his jaw tight, but his gaze softened as he absorbed the depth of her pain.

“Gemma,” he started again, his voice gentler, though the strain was evident. “I did not intend for it to turn out like this. I did not…”

“Save your words,” she interrupted. “I do not need nor want your pity or your guilt.”

Her voice wavered, betraying the depth of her hurt, but she held his gaze with unyielding strength.

The ferocity of her stare held him in place, silencing him.

Finally, she pointedly turned her back to him and walked away.

CHAPTER 29

Gemma’s steps echoed down the silent hallway as she made her way back to the house, her heart a confusing blend of anger, shame, and bitter disappointment.

She felt the walls closing in on her, suffocating her with reminders of her mistakes, her trust once again misplaced. She was resolved. There was nothing left for her here. Not Frederick, not his kind-hearted grandmother, not even the fleeting peace she had thought she’d found.

As she entered the house, a footman approached her, bowing slightly. “Lady Treston and Miss Elizabeth are resting in their chambers, miss. The Duchess asked that I ensure their comfort.”

Gemma simply nodded, barely hearing him. She didn’t want to see her mother or Elizabeth, and she didn’t want to see Vivian. She could only imagine the pity and confusion on the Duchess’ face, and she wasn’t ready to confront it.

She made her way to a small alcove by the stairs, intending to collect her thoughts, when she heard a gentle yet concerned voice behind her.

“Gemma,” Vivian’s voice was soft and filled with worry laced her tone. “I know you are hurt, but will you not talk to me? Please, darling, do not shut yourself away.”

Gemma clenched her fists, her nails biting into her palms. Shame burned in her chest; she was behaving terribly toward Vivian, who had shown her nothing but kindness since the day they met. But it was difficult to believe in kindness when everything felt so twisted, like another trap waiting to spring.

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