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4

The first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, making him slowly open his eyes and looking with some regret at his watch that was still attached to his wrist, when he realised that it was only eight in the morning, he stood up to take a shower. Having fallen asleep on the sofa had left him with an unbearable pain in his back, he only hoped that with the shower, his body could relax and his muscles could unwind. Half an hour later he was clean shaven and neat, he drank some tea and drove to his mother's residence, he needed some advice before making a final decision, this time he didn't want to mess things up. After driving for twenty minutes, he arrived at the residence, where he was greeted by the housekeeper, who, on seeing him, did not hesitate to embrace him and receive him with her usual warmth. After that warm and affectionate welcome, she led him to the small library, where his mother was with none other than the Duke of Hamilton. Armand, at the mention of his father, could not help but tense up, for one thing he was sure of, he would not so easily forgive him, not after he had asked for help, and had been refused.

Young man, are you all right? asked the housekeeper with concern.

Don't worry...have you been here long?

The Duke of Hamilton?

Yes, he managed to say.

If I remember correctly, he's been locked up with his mother for about half an hour, she herself asked me not to disturb them.

I understand.

But, of course, it's different with you, because you're her son and I'm sure she'll be happy with your visit, especially now that she hasn't seen him for a week. To tell you the truth, all of us here have missed you so much, young man.

So have I, but I've had too much work lately, the rehearsals are getting heavier and heavier.

I understand, young man. It was the same with your mother, when she performed, the poor thing was subjected to a great deal of stress. I won't keep you any longer, young man, you'd better join your mother," encouraged the housekeeper, who tapped him lightly on the back. Right away, I'll bring you a cup of tea.

No need, she hastened to say.

Are you sure?

Certainly, and I don't intend to stay long, as she is busy with the grand duke," he said sarcastically. I'd better hurry. Without further delay, he let out a heavy sigh and after adjusting his black coat, he turned the doorknob and with a firm and determined step entered the room, where two pairs of eyes looked at him with surprise.

Armand, son, what a joy to see you," greeted the beautiful former actress with great effusiveness, who ran to embrace him. I've missed you so much, for a moment I thought you were ill.

As you see, mother, I feel perfectly well, to tell you the truth, I have never felt better in my life," I mused with some relief, giving him what was a warm smile. I didn't know you had visitors, if I had known, I wouldn't even have dared to come," he expressed with annoyance, looking at the Duke in a challenging manner.

Son..." the beautiful lady was about to say, until a deep voice interrupted her.

I am glad to see you, Armand," said Richard sincerely, who immediately rose to his feet, intending to go and greet him.

It is a great misfortune that you do not think so, your excellency," the chestnut replied with a certain arrogance.

Armand... please listen to him," pleaded his mother.

There is no use your interceding for him, mother. For if I remember rightly, since I renounced his name and titles of nobility, there is no longer any connection between me and him. We are now two strangers.

Armand, I understand that you are still angry with me, but you must understand me.

Understand, Your Excellency? he questioned ironically, holding back his fury. I put aside my pride and turned to you for help, not for myself, but for her... The woman I really love! It's because of you that we parted, if only you had helped me, maybe... maybe everything would be different now, he blurted out regretfully.

I never imagined that she meant so much to you and I knew it too late. I swear I tried to help her, but there was nothing I could do.

Do you expect me to believe you, Your Excellency?

For once in your life, I beg you to listen to me, for what I am about to tell you concerns you," he said with that calmness that always characterised him.

Son, please listen to him, the beautiful lady begged again.

All right, he said without any other choice, coming to the window.

Armand... forgive me... I know I never behaved like a good father to you, he hastened to say.

You came all this way, just to tell me, that? Don't waste your time, your excellency.

Please, Armand," interrupted his mother.

He was responsible for our separation and for you and me suffering, do you forget that, mother?

Of course I don't forget him, but I, for one, have already forgiven him. Life is too short to hold a grudge, you are still young and good, don't let that negative feeling consume you.

Mother...

You don't know how much I regret it, Armand, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't regret it. It is because of my bad decisions that I am unhappy, for by doing my duty, I lost the most precious thing I had. You and your mother.

Because of her, I was separated from the woman I love so much. She was the only one, who gave meaning to my miserable life. I remember when I went to ask you for help, you denied me and mocked me.

I tell you again, I thought it was just a passing thing... but now I realise how wrong I was. I understand your pain and now I am determined to help you.

And how will you do that, Your Excellency? I ask with irony.

I have learned from good sources what has become of her life, and so far I know she is still single. But before we travel to Chicago to ask for her hand, I would like you to accompany me to Scotland, for I have decided to put the family villa in your name, therefore, I need you to sign some documents," lied the Duke with great skill. For although he was aware of Juliet's secret engagement to Robert, and that the Thompsons were currently holidaying at their villa in Scotland, thanks to Alex, who had become one of his most powerful associates and with whom he had forged a sincere friendship, he was able to investigate further and in more detail. But he knew that, if he told his son the truth, and knowing him, he would be able to give it up again, and he was not prepared to do that.

When are we leaving? he asked curiously, lowering his defences.

For me it would be tomorrow," he replied calmly. But I understand that your work prevents you from doing so at the moment," he ventured.

I'll have to make the most of the weeks I've been given off. But I warn you, Your Excellency, that I shall not be able to stay long in Scotland.

It is clear to me, son, and I give you my word as an English gentleman, that I will do my utmost to get you and that young lady back together.

I just hope it's not too late," he said in a whisper.

When one truly loves, there is no obstacle to two people in love getting back together," said the duke confidently.

Your father is right, son. I am convinced that sooner or later, you and that young lady will be together. You have both suffered too much already and it is time for you to be happy, she said tenderly, caressing his face, just as when he was a little boy.

However, mother, I have come to tell you something else," she hastened to say, taking on a serious countenance. It is about Cecil.

What's wrong with her, I ask worriedly, is she still pressuring you to marry her? If so, I'd better intervene. Armand, you are not alone and I will not allow you to be forced to do something you don't want to do.

That young woman you mention, isn't she the one who saved our son from that accident? asked the duke curiously.

That's right, and she is the same one who has clung to our son, so much so that his mother is pressuring him to marry her daughter," informed the beautiful ex-actress.

Amelia, why didn't you tell me before? I reproach her.

Armand, he had forbidden it. He didn't want that to be known and to a certain extent, I agreed to his request, even though I didn't agree with it myself, since I met that young girl, she never inspired me with confidence.

Then, be it said no more, my son will not marry a woman he does not love. He is not going to suffer the same misfortune as me," said the duke regretfully. I will write them a cheque for the amount they ask for, on the sole condition that they leave you alone," he said firmly, addressing his son.

It is no longer necessary.

What do you mean it's not necessary? asked Amelia in horror, fearing the worst.

Cecil finally came to his senses and decided to step aside.

Are you, are you serious? Amelia asked incredulously, her eyes widening in surprise.

That's right, mother. For the first time in a long time, I didn't feel free, it's wrong for me to say it, but I felt like a great weight was lifted off my shoulders. In the end, she understood that I will never manage to love her, as I do with Juliet, even though six years have passed, the love I feel for her, is still intact, that it hurts, her absence hurts me and the worst thing is that I'm afraid that someone else will take a place in her heart.

My son...

Mother, I know I am damn selfish, but... if there is a supreme being, I beg her not to forget me, and to let me meet her again, for she is the reason why I am still alive.

Armand, very soon you will be with her, and you will be able to make up for all the time lost and I will take care of that," said the duke.

Richard, I appreciate what you are doing for our son," said Amelia sincerely, rushing to embrace him. Even though the two were separated, neither had stopped feeling strongly for the other. Richard had contacted Amelia again with the intention of making things right and showing her that he was now a different man, willing to fight not only for her love, but also for her son's forgiveness, for they were the most precious thing he had.

You have nothing to thank me for, Amelia. Everything I'm doing is to see our son happy and because I still love you," he said quietly, so that she could only hear him.

Richard...me.

It is not necessary for you to answer me now, I want you to take the time you need to think things over, after saying this, he just placed a chaste kiss on her forehead, even though he wanted to kiss her, he had to restrain himself, because he didn't want his beloved to feel pressured.

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