In the Doghouse - Chapter 175
Courtney sighed, feeling her annoyance grow as she listened to the faint sounds coming from outside the door. She propped her chin in her hand, watching the remainder of the cherry pie in front of her.
After her last scolding, Richard had stopped his constant vigil outside her room. According to Anton, he had thrown himself into his work with a newfound dedication. But as far as she was concerned, it made little difference.
Instead, Richard seemed to save time by skipping meals and sleep, dedicating any spare moments to lingering in the corridor outside her room. He constantly questioned the passing physicians and attendants, and, inevitably, all of it reached her ears.
Seeing the half-eaten pie, Isabella spoke gently.
“Is it starting to lose its appeal?”
“No… well… maybe a little.”
Courtney admitted, abandoning her attempt to lie. When she hadn’t been able to stomach anything else, she’d relied on cherry pie almost exclusively. But now that her appetite was returning, it didn’t appeal quite the same.
Isabella smiled, clearing the plate.
“It’s good to be able to enjoy a bit of variety again.”
Courtney touched her stomach absentmindedly, wondering if she could already feel a slight rounding under her hand. Maybe it was just the return of her appetite, but there was a fullness now that hadn’t been there before.
As Isabella tidied the tray, the door suddenly swung open. Rebecca, who had been sent to run an errand for Madam Berricker, came in carrying an armful of pristine white flowers.
“Back from the errand!” she announced brightly.
“Flowers?”
Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise. Fresh blooms at this time of year were unusual.
Rebecca’s expression turned a bit sheepish, while Courtney looked away knowingly. There was only one place where flowers would still be blooming at this time, and only one person who would bring them to her.
“Should I… take them out?” Rebecca asked hesitantly.
“No, leave them.”
“Then I’ll put them in a vase.”
Rebecca happily set about arranging the flowers. Courtney watched the fresh white blooms as they took pride of place at the center of the table.
Gently stroking the petals, she murmured softly,
“Could I have a moment alone?”
“Your Highness?” Rebecca asked, startled.
“Yes, of course!” Isabella quickly took hold of Rebecca’s arm and guided her toward the door.
Rebecca blinked, as if only now understanding, and hurried out after Isabella.
Ever attentive, Isabella left the bedroom door open, giving Courtney a discreet moment. Courtney chuckled softly, glancing at the doorway.
There, standing just outside with his head bowed, was Richard. He looked like someone who felt he didn’t deserve to even look at her. Courtney spoke first, breaking the silence.
“Say what you want.”
But Richard remained silent. He must know there was no excuse for what he’d done. If he dared say something clever now, he wouldn’t be worth even half a man. With a voice laced with thorns, she continued.
“You call me ‘master’, but you’ve never actually respected me.”
Richard’s head snapped up, revealing the exhaustion in his eyes from countless sleepless nights. Courtney felt a pang of emotion but bit her lip, determined not to let him see her cry.
“Courtney, I…”
Richard began, but the words faltered. He couldn’t deny it.
He had always thought he was prioritizing her. But deep down, he realized that he had only ever acted to satisfy his own desires. He had treasured her as someone who fulfilled his needs, but true respect was something he had never offered. He had broken the sacred trust between them.
Richard knelt at the threshold, not as her obedient ‘pet’ as he had once relished, but as a man weighed down by his own failings.
“Courtney, I… I was wrong. I didn’t mean to disregard you, it’s just… I was…”
The room spun as Richard struggled to continue. He had convinced himself that treating her ‘special’ was enough. He had always assumed she would ultimately forgive him, no matter what he did. That arrogance had blinded him.
But now, he realized the full depth of his selfishness. He had never truly considered her feelings. The entire world had indulged him, and he’d never questioned it.
He wanted to beg, to promise that he would change, to say whatever it took. But he couldn’t do that—he still didn’t even understand why she had rejected him that night. To make empty promises now would only insult her further.
