Emily and I flinched.
The fire flickered in the hearth.
He inhaled loudly as if reigning himself in. His voice, when he spoke again, was low. Dangerous. “Her parents couldn’t control her. She was headstrong, wild, willful.” His lips curled slightly. “So, I remained on the sidelines, watching. I rode by her house. I made excuses to deal with her father, though neither knew who I was.”
His eyes gleamed with something almost haunted.
“I had given them my daughter through a trusted friend. And when Iwas in her presence, I ensured she had everything she needed. She wanted for nothing.”
Beneath his words, I heard the failure—the regret.
Emily and I exchanged a glance, dread curling in my stomach.
Mathias’ voice dropped to something hollow.
“But her obsession with this man only grew. It consumed her. And in the end—” He exhaled shakily.
“He killed her, too.”
A shocked gasp escaped Emily.
I felt my breath hitch.
“That’s horrible,” I whispered.
Mathias idly rubbed the side of his neck. “It’s not a happy story, that’s for sure. But I console myself with the knowledge that my beautiful daughter gave me grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I am truly blessed.”
A touch of warmth crossed his otherwise composed features.
“Where are they?” I asked.
For the first time since he began sharing his story, Mathias smiled.
“They’re close by. I’m fortunate to have them in my life.”
Then, as if shaking off past sorrows, he abruptly rose and crossed to his ornate ebony wet bar. Lifting a decanter filled with amber liquid, he asked, “Would you care for some brandy? This is a fine distillation made for me in the Royaume de France.”
I blinked at his sudden shift in mood. One moment, he spoke of unbearable tragedy; the next, he offered drinks.
“No, thank you,” I said, still reeling.
“You, Emily?”
Emily’s cheeks flushed. “No, thank you, Mathias. I—I am pregnant.”
“Ah, yes.” Mathias poured himself a glass, swirling the liquid before taking a sip. “Warms the soul, does it not?”
Drink in hand, he wandered back to his seat.
I studied him for a moment before speaking. “You’ve suffered so much in your life,” I said. “How do you maintain such a positive attitude? Until today, I’ve only ever seen you as kind and gracious.”
Mathias waved a hand dismissively. “Over the years, I’ve learned that true wealth comes not from gold but from giving to others.” His eyes softened. “And you and Emily have given me joy. Since meeting you both, I have considered you my granddaughters.”
Something in my chest tightened.
“I had no idea you felt that way,” I murmured, crossing the space between us. Crouching beside him, I took his hand gently. “That’s… a beautiful sentiment. I’m fond of you aswell.”
Mathias cleared his throat before firmly drawing my hand to his lips and kissing my knuckles. “I make it a point to be a better person.”
