Chapter 17: Heartbeats

After Charles left the study, Duchess Cartie turned toward Alicia and gently placed her hand on Alicia's. She patted the back of Alicia’s hand with care and spoke earnestly. "My dear granddaughter-in-law, as long as I live, I will never let that woman enter this house. As long as I’m alive, I will not let you two divorce." A sudden wave of emotion hit Alicia, and her nose stung with unshed tears. Over the years, Duchess Cartie had been the only one in the family who truly treated her with kindness. Without the duchess’s special care, Alicia couldn’t imagine how difficult her position in the family would have been. "Grandmother, keeping him chained to my side like this will only keep his body here," Alicia said softly. "His heart already belongs to Linda. If I stay in this marriage, it will only make him resent me more. It’s better to let go now while we can still save some dignity." Duchess Cartie was stunned. She hadn’t expected her usually quiet granddaughter-in-law to be so per