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He had been the one to suggest the arrangement, so why did his chest close in on him like that?

“Rhysand…” She said his name as though she was trying it out for the first time. His features hardened, and he looked away.

“Are you all right? Where is Patrick? Tell me you called the duel off.”

He balled his fingers in a fist behind him. He ached to touch her, to touch all of her, kiss every inch of her, and thank her for giving him a chance to start a family. For believing in him when no one ever did.

“All is well. The duel has been called off. We could not go through with it after…” A sweet smile coated her features. This was Penelope; even in her pain, she wore a kind smile. “The doctor assured me you will be all right. You are with child.” A gasp escaped her lips, and she caught with her hands over her lips.

“I am so happy,” she said and searched his face. She offered him her hand, and he pulled her up to a sitting position, but before he could let go of her hand, she pulled him into a hug. “Thank you for making one of my dreams come true, my darling.”

Rhysand bit down on his lower lip so hard he drew blood.

My darling.He was her darling. Oh, what he would give to indeed be her darling. To hold her each morning and worship her with kisses until the sun settled in the sky.

If only.

Rhysand disentangled himself from her warm embrace and shook his head.

“I have spoken to your aunt and Lydia to prepare your things.”

Penny let out a little laugh of confusion. “What do you mean?”

“You are with child, Penelope.”

“Penelope?” She whispered the name as though it were not hers.

“The deed has been done. We agreed to live separately when it is confirmed you are with child.” Her mouth hung open. “I have paid off your father’s debts and sent for his release from prison. So, you can either return to living there, or as planned, I will purchase a house for you where you can comfortably live your life with our child,” Rhysand said, and Penny set her chin in a stubborn line.

“B-But Lydia is not married yet.”

“Angleton wanted to propose to Lydia today, but the timing was wrong. He plans to do it when the tension is lifted.”

Penelope bit her lip. “Why are you doing this? I do not want to live anywhere else if not here with you.”

“That was not the deal. You need love, Penelope, and I do not possess a heart to give it.”

“Liar!” She hit his chest. He let her. It was the least he could do for making tears pool in her eyes. He was such a hypocrite. Just hours ago, he was ready to put a bullet through her brother’s head for doing the same thing.

“I believe I have been upfront from the start, and achieving my goal was all I ever wanted.”

“I never knew you to be a coward, Rhysand. You crave love, happiness, and a family, but you refuse to allow yourself the pleasures. If you truly do not have a heart like you claim, why did you release my father and let go of your revenge?”

“You are the mother of my child. I believe my child would need a grandfather. Imagine the scandal.”

“Do you believe our child does not want a father?”

Rhysand swallowed. “The baby shall have its father.”

“It is our baby, Rhysand! Ours! Do not refer to it asthe baby. It is the product of our happiness, our love.” She paused. “Unless you had not truly been happy.”

Her face paled, and he watched her recoil. He could not back out now. He could not promise her the life and love she desired. He was only sorry that she could not pursue love and happiness elsewhere. He would die before he let such a thing happen.

“Thank you for your understanding and your services,” he said the painful words and turned away.

With every step he took away from her, his heart burned hotter than the base of a volcano.

Chapter30