Chapter 328 Achieved

Susan stepped inside, carrying the garments with light, graceful steps. Yet, she didn't lift the curtain to enter; instead, she stood silently, waiting. Recalling Ashley's promise, a faint smile curled her lips. She would enter the palace as Ashley's cousin, serve by her side, and oversee the affairs of her palace. Ashley had assured her that she would recommend her to the King. She had no illusions about becoming a consort—if she married outside, she would only be a concubine anyway. A concubine from Vermelle Hall was lower than most, despised even among the lesser wives. If she was to be a concubine, then she would be one to the most powerful man in the land.

From inside, she could hear the sounds—she had heard them plenty before. Though she had never sold herself, in Vermelle Hall, she had witnessed enough to understand. The uneven breathing, the occasional sharp cries—she knew exactly what they meant.

When the noises finally ceased, she quietly stepped back a few paces before walking forward again with deliberate footsteps. Stopping before the curtain, she called out, “Martha, I brought your clothes. I’m coming in.”

William shot up in alarm. The moment he saw Susan enter with the garments, his mind snapped back into clarity. “You…” Susan gasped in shock, covering her mouth as though she had stumbled upon an unspeakable scene. She glanced behind her—no one was around. Hurriedly, she rushed forward, handing the clothes to Martha while lowering her voice to William, “Quick, put your clothes on and leave! If anyone sees this, it will be disastrous!”

William was flustered, scrambling to dress. But before he could finish, Ashley’s voice rang out from outside. “Martha, have you changed yet? I brought a cloak for you.” Even as she spoke, Ashley lifted the curtain and stepped in.

William, caught in the middle of dressing, turned deathly pale, his hands shaking as he fumbled with his clothes. Martha, weeping, trembled as she said, “Ashley, it was my fault. It has nothing to do with Lord William. I seduced him—I was shameless. Please, don’t tell anyone.”

Footsteps sounded outside. Ashley stiffened. Her voice hardened. “No one is to come in. Wait outside.” “Yes, my lady,” a maid answered. Ashley’s sharp gaze swept over the scene. “What are you all standing around for? Hurry up and get dressed!”

Martha and William scrambled to fix their clothes and hair. Ashley snapped, “A scandal? You are my brother now. Even if we share no blood, we are bound by name. If you disgrace yourself, do you think that reflects well on me?”

Tears streamed down Martha’s face. Her voice was barely a whisper. “I don’t know how this happened. I’m sorry. It’s my fault, my fault…” She rose shakily to her feet. “I won’t tarnish your name. You have nothing to worry about.” With that, she turned to leave.

Susan grabbed her wrist, alarmed. “Where are you going? Looking like this, do you want to invite suspicion? And…don’t you know? The household has been arranging a match for you. What will you do now?”

Martha’s eyes brimmed with tears, her voice filled with despair. “Forget the match. If my brother is willing to support me, I will stay in the household forever. If not, I will enter a convent. The world is vast—there will be a place for me somewhere.”

Ashley sighed. “Under these circumstances, William should marry you. But Margaret will never agree. Go back first. Let’s pretend this never happened. No one will speak of it. It’s not that William refuses to take responsibility, but his marriage is his parents’ decision. I hope you understand.”

Martha shook her head. “Ashley, don’t say that. I never expected anything. I know my place. I am not worthy of Lord William. You can rest assured—I will take this secret to my grave.”

William had no desire to marry her. But as he recalled her heartfelt confession that day and saw her now—so fragile, so devastated—guilt weighed on him. This was his fault. If he turned his back now, how could he ever face himself again? There was no wall thick enough to block out rumors. If questioned in the future, things could become even worse.

After a moment of contemplation, he met Martha’s gaze and asked in a low voice, “Martha, will you marry me?” Martha stared at him, her pale lips quivering. “William…you don’t have to—” “Just answer me. Yes or no?” His eyes locked onto hers. Martha hesitated before whispering, “Of course, I would be willing…but my status is unworthy…”

William took a deep breath, his initial resolve fading into uncertainty. “Go home and wait. Once Oliver’s wedding is over, my mother will formally visit your family to propose.”

Martha looked at him with sorrow, then forced a smile that barely concealed her pain. In a quiet voice, she said, “No. I may be willing, but I won’t let you marry me out of obligation. You deserve someone better. I am not worthy. When I return, I will seek a physician to ensure there are no consequences from tonight. I will not burden you. From now on, we will be strangers. This is goodbye.” She curtsied deeply, then allowed Susan to support her as she walked away.

William watched her leave. Unbidden, a tear slipped from his eye. Something in him twisted—an ache, sharp and unexpected.

Ashley observed her retreating figure and shook her head. “Sigh…Once she’s back, she may end her own life. She is a rare, devoted girl.” “End her life?” William turned to Ashley, startled.

Ashley let out a bitter chuckle. “William, a woman’s chastity is everything. Without it, can she still marry? And when she has given her heart to you, when she has already lain with you, how could she bear to wed another? Her place in the Langley family is precarious. Marriage was her only way out. Now that’s gone—what else is left for her?”

William’s voice was hoarse. “How do you know she loves me?” Ashley sighed softly. “I am a woman too. Do you think I don’t understand? She and I barely spoke, yet she always found an excuse to greet me—just to catch a glimpse of you. She never fought for anything, never schemed. That kind of love is rare. But Margaret will never agree to your marriage. She has her sights set on a noble bride for you. And truthfully, she’s not wrong—women of high status may not be easy to control, but they can bring great advantages. Martha, on the other hand…Forget it. There’s no point in discussing it. Go wash up before you step out. We mustn’t invite suspicion. And don’t worry—I won’t breathe a word of this to anyone.”

With that, she lifted the curtain and walked out. William stood frozen, staring at the spot where he and Martha had been entangled just moments ago. A stark stain of crimson remained. Slowly, he walked to a cabinet, retrieved a dagger, and sliced his own hand. Drops of blood dripped down, merging with the stain on the floor. His mind was in chaos. He didn’t know what to do. Two faces interwove in his thoughts, shifting and blending until he could no longer tell them apart. His chest tightened. A decision formed in his heart. With determined strides, he walked out.