Of course.Rachel exhaled, shaking her head. “She had no right.”
“She had every right,” Marina countered, crossing her arms. “You are starving yourself in this ridiculous, self-imposed exile of yours. What did you expect her to do? Watch in silence?”
“I am not—” Rachel scoffed, arms folding tightly over her chest.
“Yes, you are,” Marina cut in, her gaze unwavering. “And if you try to argue with me, I will shove this spoon in your mouth myself.”
Rachel’s gaze flickered to the basket. The scent was unmistakable—a dish she had adored since childhood. Her throat tightened.
“I brought your favorite,” Marina smirked slightly, catching her hesitation.
“Where did you get this?”
“I made it.”
“Since when do you cook?” Rachel’s eyebrows shot up. In all her years, she did not know her sister could cook.
“Well, since you left,” Marina dismissed with a shrug. “Now, are you going to eat it or not?”
Rachel swallowed, glancing at the basket again. The familiar scent curled in the air, tugging at her chest.
“If you refuse, I will personally drag Agnes in here to spoon-feed you like a child.” Marina arched a brow.
Rachel’s lips twitched despite herself. How the tables had turned. Herlittlesister was the one who was looking afterhernow.
“You are allowed to be sad. Agnes told me that the duke has not been home in a while,” Marina said after a moment. “But you are not allowed to destroy yourself over him.”
“I do not need you to fuss over me.”
“Too late,” Marina said. “Now, eat.”
Rachel reached for the dish, her fingers brushing against the warmth of the bowl. Maybe she would allow herself this.
As Rachel slowly began to eat, Marina kept a watchful eye on her. It was not until she had taken more than a few bites that Rachel turned to her again.
“Are you going to keep staring at me the entire time?”
“Yes,” Marina replied. “Unless you wish to tell me what happened with Simon.”
Rachel’s fingers stilled, and she suddenly lost her appetite again. She had known this question was coming. Marina had never been one to tiptoe around things, and Rachel doubted she would start now. Still, answering felt like cutting open a wound she had been desperately trying to seal.
“He left,” Rachel said curtly.
“Where did he go?” Marina’s brows drew together. “Did he mention when he will return?”
“He did not,”Rachel exhaled, placing the napkin down. “He said he had business elsewhere and that I was free to live my life however I pleased.” She had meant to sound indifferent, but her voice wavered just enough for Marina to catch it.
“And you let him go?” Marina asked, incredulous. “You should have pressed him for more details at the very least. This does not seem like a very nice thing to do, especially to a newly wedded wife.”
“What else was I supposed to do? Beg him to stay?” Rachel replied, growing annoyed.
“Well…” Marina pressed her lips together. “I suppose that depends as well. If you feel you truly are freer in his absence, then perhaps you should let him go entirely.”
“That is not what I meant.” Rachel’s breath caught, and she turned sharply toward Marina.
“Then what did you mean?” Marina gave her a knowing look.
Rachel pressed her lips together, folding her hands in her lap. The weight in her chest grew heavier. “I did not want him to go.”
