Jewelry Box

Ch. 9 The Hideous Ex

Victoria

I watched my maids fix my luggage and take my things to the three carriages Alexander sent from early in the morning.

It was the day I was supposed to move with him and, to be honest, I was more than nervous. It was the first time I had left the duchy and stayed away from my family, my people.

A knock had me darting my eyes to the bedroom door. To my surprise, the butler stood with a grim look facing me.

I furrowed my brows and walked toward him.

“My lady,” the butler greets.

“Is something the matter?” I asked, confused by his behavior.

“Sorry for disturbing you, but you have a guest,” the butler explained, to which I raised my eyebrows in a questioning manner.

“Who is it? I don’t think I have the time to attend to someone,” I explained.

My butler shook his head; he seemed troubled. With a sigh, I started heading down the stairs when I heard the familiar voice—my body halted on instinct.

As I looked up, I saw the person I never thought ever to see again, not this soon.

“Victoria,” he smiled.

“James,” I clenched. A few servants stood at the sides, looking uncomfortable.

“My lady, should I call the duke?” the butler whispered from behind. I shook my head and descended the stairs—a smug look of satisfaction rested on James’ face.

Why was he here? How dare he come after all that happened?

“What do you want, James?” I asked, while taking a step at a time.

“I came to visit,” James smiled. My hand stiffened on the rail.

“There’s no reason for you to visit!” I spat coldly. “I ask you, please leave.”

James’s lips turned into a thin line. He was enraged.

“I think we have nothing to talk about, and you know you should get out before my father appears,” I explained, and stopped on the top stair.

“We don’t have anything?” James pointed, as if something remained between us. “I think we do.”

I studied his face. All I could think of was the look he gave me before killing me. The sneer, how his eyes glowed from satisfaction at seeing me at my worst.

My body shuddered just thinking about it. Taking a deep breath, I closed my eyes, but I heard James’ footsteps.

I backed away instinctively, but he grasped my wrist, halting me.

“James!” I groaned and looked at his hand. “Let go!”

“Mr. Kendrick,” my butler intervened, and thankfully, James let go of my wrist obediently.

“Get out!” I groaned close to his face. “Out before I throw you myself.”

“Who do you think you are?” James mumbled back. His eyes seemed dilated.

I took a deep breath and tried to remain calm. It was not the right time to snap at him. However, I have a plan, so it is best to follow it.

“Fine, I’m leaving then,” I said, turning from him, but then James reached for my arm and yanked me hard.

I yelped in shock as he started dragging me out of my house.

“JAMES!” I yelled. Everyone started panicking, and my butler headed somewhere. “James, let go!” I ordered this time, but he wasn’t budging.

Moving this time, I tug back, making James turn in confusion. As I raised my hand, something gleamed under the intense sun's rays.

I’m blinded for a moment, but that’s when I feel someone’s arm around me. I looked up and found Alexander hugging me close to his chest.

“Alex-“

“How dare you?” Alexander groaned while his eyes were focused on my guest.

I looked to the front and saw the sword in James’s throat. My eyes widened. When did Alexander get here?

“I think you were dragging my fiancé somewhere without her approval. Am I right?” Alexander asked. “Against her will, no less.”

James scoffed and threw me a menacing glance.

“This is not over Lombardy,” James warned. I felt Alexander’s arm tighten around me.

“Are you threatening Victoria?” Alexander asked.

“This is between her and me,” James replied, and turned away from us. His body was stumping all its way until he got on the carriage and left.

I finally relaxed, unconsciously leaning on Alexander’s comfort.

“Are you all right?” Alexander whispered. His breath fanned my neck.

My eyes snapped open. Turning around, I looked into Alexander’s blue eyes, which seemed so clear like the sky. A few loose hair strands fell over his chiseled and well-defined face, hiding some of his handsome features.

“Victoria?” Alexander called, but I only blinked.

“Why are you here?” I asked after a few seconds. “When—”

“When did I arrive?” Alexander said, a small smile playing on his lip. “I was going to come and pick you up. But then I saw this.”

I let out a breath and patted his chest. Alexander still had me close to his chest.

As I opened my mouth, I picked up a few steps. So I looked over Alexander’s shoulder.

“Father?” I frowned.

“What happened?” my father asked as he looked at the man. Then, frowning, he realizes it's Alexander.

“It’s nothing,” I forced a smile. “Alexander came right on time.” My father seemed still hesitant about Alexander being close to me.

Trying to ease the tension, I said, “James, came over.”

“Why?” my father asked, getting his full attention. “How dare he step foot here?”

“I don’t know,” I answered with honesty. I wasn’t even sure myself why he came over. It made no sense.

“I will tighten security. He has no permission to step foot here, or close to you,” my father muttered. I could see how distressed he was.

“There’s no need for the second one,” Alexander commented. “Greetings, duke.” My father nodded back.

“Victoria will leave with me. I will have my men guard her wherever she goes.” Alexander explained, but my father remained silent. “Nothing will happen to her by my side.”

“You have more enemies than the king himself,” my father's clipped voice cut through. “I’m worried she might be more in danger with you than with that Kendrick boy.”

Alexander remained silent. We knew it was the truth that he had enough enemies out there to get me in danger. But knowing Alexander, he won’t let anything happen to me.

“I trust Alexander,” I smiled. Everyone looked at me. “It’s getting late. Now that the guest has left, we should take our leave.”

“Yes, you’re right,” my father cleared his throat. I walked over and kissed my father’s cheek. His arms wrapped around me in a bear hug.

“You have everything you need?” my father whispered.

“Yes, don’t worry,” I laughed. “I will come to visit every day.”

“I hope so,” my father laughed. “This old man will miss you.”

“Don’t worry, you may come over anytime,” Alexander said smiling, then standing next to me he hugged my shoulders. “I know Victoria would love to have you over.”

My father gave him a firm nod, and we all bid farewells.

Once the carriage was far away, I turned to face Alexander, who seemed lost in thoughts.

“Thank you,” I mumbled. Alexander shifted his eyes. “I appreciate what you did. I was about to lose it.”

I chuckled, but Alexander’s lips remained sealed.

I stopped laughing and looked at him—a small v forming between his brows.

“Is something on your mind?” I asked, tilting my head. Alexander sighed.

“That Kendrick guy looked mad,” Alexander whispered. “Do you know what he wanted?”

“No,” I sighed. “I do not know.”

Alexander nodded in silence, then turned away.

“I will monitor him,” he said after a while. His eyes seemed distant.

Doing the same, I looked everywhere that wasn’t him. From afar over a hill, I could look at the duchy.

“It seems we are here,” I whispered.

“Yes,” Alexander said without looking. “Welcome home, my duchess.”