chapter 44

The wind blew softly over the graveyard as the final grains of earth were poured over Amelia’s grave. A few mourners remained, scattered under the cloudy sky, but one figure stood out in the distance. Edward, the butler, stood silently with a bouquet of lilies in his hands. His gaze remained fixed on the grave, even as others began to leave.

He stepped forward, laying the flowers gently on the freshly packed earth. His fingers brushed against the cold petals as he pulled out a small locket, glancing from it to Victor, who stood by the grave, lost in his own grief.

“Master will soon be back home,” Edward murmured under his breath, his voice barely audible. His eyes softened, a rare moment of vulnerability washing over him. He kissed the petals and whispered, “I’m sorry, Amelia. I will protect our son from now on.” With that, he tucked the locket back into his coat and turned to leave, his footsteps slow and deliberate as he disappeared into the fog of mourners.

Meanwhile, at the smalle