Page 38 of The Duke's Sinful Bride

Time slipped away as Killian immersed himself in the problem, coordinating with his men and ensuring that all avenues were explored. He had not expected to spend the entire day at the site, but by the time the sun had set, he had made little progress.

The mystery of the robbery remained unsolved, and the weight of his responsibility pressed on him even more heavily.

By the time he returned home, exhausted and covered in grime, the house was quiet.

Mrs. Calloway greeted him in the hallway, a subtle concern in her eyes.

“Your Grace,” she said softly, “Would you like your dinner sent up to your room? Your wife and daughter have already eaten.”

He shook his head, his hunger a distant thought compared to the weight of the day. “No, thank you, Mrs. Calloway. I’ll pass on dinner. I am heading to bed.”

Without another word, he made his way to his room, the fatigue of the day dragging at his limbs.

Before he could get comfortable, he glanced at the door that connected his room to Yvette’s.

With a sigh, he crossed the room and opened it, stepping into her chamber.

The door creaked softly as he entered, and for a moment, the quiet of the room seemed to settle over him.

Before he could say anything, Yvette’s voice broke through the stillness.

“How nice of you to finally grace me with your presence,my lord,” she said, her tone cool and laced with sarcasm.

CHAPTER 12

“Ye do not have to be dramatic about it. I was simply occupied,” Killian said, his voice low and controlled, as though they were discussing a trivial matter like the weather.

Yvette’s breath hitched. Her hands clenched at her sides.

“Dramatic?” she echoed, her voice rising in disbelief. “You do not think your behavior was disrespectful, but you think I am being dramatic?”

A tightness settled in her chest, a bitter knot forming with every word he spoke. How could he stand there and act as though everything was normal? He had left, without a word, without a thought of the promise he’d made her.

She stepped forward, her voice sharp as a whip.

“You don’t think this is disrespectful? You promised me you would meet me in the drawing room, Killian. And yet, you decide to leave the house without even informing me. Is that how you show respect for me?”

Her chest heaved with the anger coursing through her, but she continued, not giving him the chance to respond.

“Do you think I am just supposed to accept that? To remain silent, as though nothing happened?” she asked.

Killian raised an eyebrow, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face, but there was no apology in his eyes.

“It is none of yer concern where I go,” he said, his tone clipped and cold. “This is a marriage of convenience, Yvette. Our personal lives, our actions, they belong to us. Not to each other.”

Her eyes widened, as though he had struck her.

“None of my concern?” she repeated in disbelief. “This is not about being in your business, Killian. This is about respect. About common decency!”

She took a step toward him, her voice trembling with anger, but her words scathing.

“You were supposed to be there, but instead, you chose to leave without a single word. And now you do not even care enough to apologize. Can’t you see how wrong that is?”

A brief flash of frustration darkened his eyes, but he stood his ground.

“I had an urgent matter to attend to. It was far more important than whatever it is ye had to say.”

Yvette’s stomach twisted. She had expected him to say something like that. Expected him to brush her off as if she were nothing but an inconvenience.

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