Sacrificial Bride to the Feared Lord Hastings-Chapter 215: New beginnings (3)

In the Hastings castle, Ophelia settled her emotions and decided it was time to go back to Theo. This time, Dante joined Ophelia to offer support to both her and Theo.

Dante held the door open for Ophelia as she entered Theo’s bedchamber.

Theo sat up, excited to see Ophelia come back to him. He was even more excited to see Dante present.

"I apologise for taking so long to come back to you. I hope I didn’t worry you," Ophelia said as she neared the bed.

"You didn’t. I expected you would need the day to accept what I said, and then you would come to me in the morning. I am happy to see you now with Dante as well," Theo said, feeling a bit nervous.

Theo hoped that Dante had comforted Ophelia after the news. He also hoped Dante had helped Ophelia to be understanding of his decision.

"I had enough time to think about it and calm myself before coming back here. Forgive me for what I am about to ask. Is there no possible way for me to convince you to stay alive? As Lady Hastings, I could find you a better doctor. Someone who can care for you," Ophelia offered.

Before Ophelia accepted Theo’s wishes, she had to know if there was a chance for him to change his mind. Even if there was a small chance.

Theo shook his head. "No, I’m sorry. I’m tired of always being someone’s test. I hate all the medicine and all the experiments they come up with. I hate being stuck inside a bedchamber while the world goes by. This is no way to live."

"Year after year, I am stuck here. You have brought me comfort, and I am forever grateful, but I cannot take anymore of being here with my bad thoughts. You have this new life, which makes it easier for me to go along with my wish. You must accept it," Theo pleaded.

Theo didn’t want to spend these days arguing with Ophelia. He wanted to enjoy his time here and see how she adapted to being Lady Hastings.

Ophelia wasn’t entirely prepared for how Theo would look when he didn’t take his medicine. He would be too weak to move and would need more hands at his side to help him.

Ophelia looked down, not wanting that thought to stay in her mind for too long.

"Very well. I will accept your wishes," Ophelia said, her answer leaving an ache in her chest. "It is your life, and I have little idea what it is like to be in your shoes. I had hoped that we would have this new life together."

"You can share it with your husband. You must stop letting me be the reason you live. I have stopped letting holding on for your sake be the reason I keep going on. If I had been honest years ago, you could have long ago left the Valthorn castle," said Theo.

"I don’t want this to affect our relationship, but I understand if you are angry with me or think it is selfish. You have the right to feel as you do, especially after all your sacrifices. I won’t be angry with you if you push me away," Theo said, ready to accept what Ophelia did or said.

Ophelia sat down on the bed and held Theo’s hand. "How could I be upset with you? You are the one person I cannot stay angry with. We shall enjoy our time together."

Ophelia decided to be positive that even though Theo was no longer taking his medicine, his body wouldn’t fail him. Though Theo wished to die, his body would remain strong to fight.

Theo gave Ophelia’s hand a little squeeze and looked at Dante. "Lord Hastings can be with us on those days."

"He won’t be present for too long. Dante must leave the castle for an important matter," Ophelia shared.

Theo frowned. "Who will protect the castle in his place?"

"I will take control of the castle. I have done it once before when he went to speak to the duke. I hope that he won’t be long, but until he returns, I will do my best with the castle. Do you think I cannot do it?" Ophelia asked, tidying Theo’s bed as she spoke.

"You can do anything you put your mind to, but I worry about you being left with our mother, who wants to kill us. What if she manages to speak to the Valthorns and let them know that Dante is not present?" Theo asked, worried about the plans Giselle came up with. 𝐟𝚛𝕖𝚎𝕨𝗲𝐛𝚗𝐨𝐯𝐞𝕝.𝐜𝗼𝗺

"That will not be our concern since Lady Valthorn is now in the dungeon. She has begun to speak of how Joel sent her with plans to kill Dante and me. She claimed she intended to spare me, but I do not believe her. What reason would he have to spare me?" Ophelia asked, thinking of none.

"I can only think of Nigel sparing you. I have nothing to worry about since she is in the dungeon. Would it be so wrong for me to visit her? I want to see the state she is in," said Theo.

Theo wanted nothing more than to see the downfall of Giselle. Life had changed for her children to be in a better position.

"I want to speak with her only for a moment. There is little left that I must say to her, and I must say that seeing her locked away would bring me joy," Theo confessed.

"You can speak to her tomorrow. I am certain that she is not yet done pleading for her freedom, so she won’t let you get a word in. I am preparing my plans for protecting the castle in Dante’s absence. You should join me and offer ideas," said Ophelia.

"I would love to. Then, if you don’t mind, would I be able to speak to Thomas? He was telling me about when his father used to be in the castle alongside the former Lord Hastings. He enjoys speaking about his father and his late mother," said Theo.

"Well, once I am finished with my plans, then I will send Thomas to you. I will rest while you two speak. Or, should I send for the tutor to come to the castle?" Ophelia wondered, wanting to get back to her studies.

Theo faked a cough. "I think you should rest, dear sister. You must also tell your maid to do better at hiding those marks on your neck."

Ophelia’s hand flew to her neck to cover whatever was being seen.

"I might have spent my life in my chamber, but I know what those marks mean," Theo said, laughing at Ophelia’s expression.