Later, as she left the estate and the cool night air brushed her skin, Clara's mind replayed the evening.
She actually liked them. Ethan's family was warm, strong, and surprisingly normal.
Maybe one year wouldn't be so unbearable after all.
**
Once Clara left, the estate quieted down,
Ethan was summoned by his father to the study. As the door closed behind him, Mr. Ashford looked up from the papers on the desk, his eyes sharp but carrying a weight. "Ethan, are you sure about this? About marrying Clara?"
His father continued. "She didn't seem like a thrilled bride. There's resentment there, toward you, toward the whole situation."
Ethan leaned back, playing with his fingers. "Maybe it's time to reopen the past."
His father smiled and added. "For all it's worth, I like her. I think your mother and Axiel do too. We're thrilled to have her as our daughter-in-law."
His father's voice softened, but the firmness was now back. "Be kind to her. Be patient. People make mistakes, Ethan. Marriage isn't about perfection. It's about forgiveness."
Ethan nodded, the weight of responsibility settling heavier on his shoulders.
His father's tone shifted, cautious but probing. "Have your men found out who was behind the scandal?"
Ethan's jaw tightened. "Yes. It was exactly as we suspected. The defendant from the case, her brother, in fact… He thought a public scandal involving the prosecutor would sway the jury."
Robert's eyes darkened. "And Clara? Does she know this?"
Ethan shook his head. "I'm handling it. She can't know, not yet. It would break her. I want Clara to feel safe. To do her work without fear of intimidation."
His father regarded him silently for a moment before nodding. "Do what you must, son."
Ethan's hand clenched into a fist. "I will."