The Possessive Lord's Contract Wife

Damien returned to the estate and sent for the family doctor to visit in secret.

He had calmed down from the events of the day before but remained restless with Hayden still being alive. It bothered him that justice had not yet been served.

The doctor arrived quickly, as a call from Damien was never one to be late for.

"Mr Whitefield," Damien said, looking away from the window in his study. "How wonderful it is to see you."

Michael Whitefield, the family doctor of the Hawthornes, bowed his head. "It is also wonderful to be in your presence, Lord Hawthorne. I am your humble servant."

"Please, come forward and take a seat," Damien said, motioning to the chair before his table. "I assume you know why I have called for you."

Michael pushed his spectacles up after he sat down. "I do, Milord. I paid special attention during the visit to Lady Camille’s home. I had to put her husband in a good position before the court arrived."

Michael continued, "He was gravely injured when I arrived, and your aunt had a mark around her neck as well as a bruise under her eye. When her husband woke, he could not speak, and I noted the cause to be the damage to his throat. There seemed to be a bit of vision loss."

"Were you present when the court and town guards came to her home?" Damien inquired.

"I was not, or I would have listened to what they spoke of, but I do know your aunt wasn’t arrested, as I am to go back to her home to treat him. I do suspect she might be leaving town shortly," Michael shared. "The maids looked to be packing."

"I’m sure she is," Damien said, not the least bit surprised. "I recall how, despite them being declared dead by the doctor in court, you wanted to see my parents to treat them."

"I struggled with accepting that they were gone, and your father only ever trusted my hands. I had to see for myself, as I was so certain I could tend to them and allow them to go home. If not for your parents, I wouldn’t have been able to keep studying the art of medicine," Michael said, his voice filled with gratitude.

"No matter what it is you need, I shall follow your command. I won’t question why you must go after him," Michael promised.

"I have found evidence that he ordered a servant here to meddle with their carriage. He is deserving of death, wouldn’t you agree?" Damien asked, already knowing Michael’s answer.

Michael stared at Damien, unable to fathom that the previous Lord and Lady had been taken by someone who was always so near.

"I have been in their presence quite often, tending to them and their children when they were ill. Never would I have suspected he would be the one behind their deaths. Yes," Michael lifted his head. "He deserves to die. Your family has shown me great kindness."

If not for the Hawthornes, Michael wouldn’t have the opportunities he held now. A debt waited to be repaid.

"I want him dead before my aunt gets the opportunity to sneak him out of town or before the court learns of his crimes and takes him away. He must die during your visit today, and you must do it and not draw suspicion to yourself. Can you?" Damien asked.

"I can do it," Michael promised. "There are others present when I care for him, but I can slip by them. Would you prefer for him to go peacefully or painfully, like the prisoners?"

"Must you ask?" Damien pressed, leaning back in his chair. "I want him to suffer during his final breaths, and you must let him know that I send my regards. He can hear, can’t he?"

Michael nodded. "He can. I can make it happen for you and leave no suspicion. Is there more I can do for you?"

"No. This shall do for now," Damien replied, no longer needing Michael.

"Then," Michael said, standing up. "I must return home to prepare for what I must do. I will not leave through the front gate. I was never here," he said.

Damien smiled, knowing exactly what to do. "Once you have succeeded, there will be a hefty pay for you-"

"It is kind of you, but this is a debt I must repay to your parents. One that I have been wanting to settle for years. When people are good to you, you mustn’t accept money when avenging them. For the Hawthornes," Michael said, bowing his head. "May they rest in peace and Hayden know no peace."

Damien watched as Michael headed towards the door. He trusted that Michael could complete the job, and once it was settled, he would send James to the court.

Damien remained silent as there was nothing to do but wait.

Wait for news of Hayden’s death.

Wait for news of his parents’ case being opened, then finally closed after all these years.

Then, for his siblings to come to him to hear the full story.

Damien stared at the portrait of his parents, which had always been in the study before he became Lord Hawthorne. He didn’t dare to take it down, nor did it feel like another portrait would be suited there. Their eyes seemed to follow him, reminding him of the weight he carried.

Damien pulled open a drawer which contained a key, as he wanted to pay a visit to his parents’ bedchamber, which had remained untouched since he had gathered all their valuables.

He closed the drawer, taking the key with him as he exited the study and made his way to the chamber.

Damien stopped before the door he had not dared approach in a long time and started to unlock it, but then stopped. He locked the door again, deciding it was only fair to enter the chamber with his siblings once they were told the news.

Damien placed his hands in his pockets and stared at the door. He so desperately wanted to go inside to refresh his memory and be reminded of all the days he used to visit his parents, but he decided against it.

Before he could go against his plans, Damien walked away from the door.

Fortunately, a distraction came by way of a servant who approached Damien and said, "A man of the court has come to see you again. Shall I see him inside or send him away?"

"Allow him inside," Damien said, certain it was none other than Nathan.

The maid walked away to deliver the orders while Damien kept a slow pace going down to the front door, his mind already bracing for the conversation to come.

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