Ch. Called Off the Wedding 45 Called Off the Wedding 45

Chapter 45 

Giselle’s face turned pale, but she still nuzzled her cheek into Benedict’s palm, seeking his warmth. 

“How could I ever compare to Cynthia?” Her voice was soft, almost apologetic. “I know she can act spoiled in front of you and get away with it, but I could never. I’ll never try to outshine her or fight for your attention.” 

Benedict seemed pleased by her answer. He reached up and gently ruffled Giselle’s hair, a small smile tugging at his lips. 

Lois, watching from nearby, couldn’t help but compare Giselle’s obedience to Cynthia’s headstrong ways. The contrast only deepened her dislike for Cynthia.D 

“If you ask me,” Lois said, her tone blunt, “you should call off this wedding with Cynthia altogether. Giselle’s already expecting–why not 

do the right thing and marry her instead?” 

In Lois’s mind, only after Benedict married Giselle would her child truly be the rightful heir of the Shepard family. 

But Benedict’s brief moment of calm vanished at her words. His expression darkened. 

“Mom, nothing will change the fact that I’m marrying Cynthia,” he replied, voice flat.” 

Lois’s face tightened with frustration. 

A 

Giselle lowered her gaze, sensing the tension. She quietly slipped away from Benedict’s side and spoke gently, “Benedict, you haven’t had breakfast yet, have you? Let me make you something to eat.” 

He nodded, barely meeting her eyes.§ 

As soon as Giselle disappeared into the kitchen, Lois dropped onto the couch beside Benedict, lowering her voice to a harsh whisper. “Giselle’s pregnant, and you’re not even going to give her a proper place in your life? What on earth has Cynthia done to you? You’d rather keep your own child out of the family than marry anyone but her.” 

Benedict, still weak from his fever, pressed his fingers to his brow in irritation. “I’ll provide for Giselle and the baby. They’ll want for nothing. If you care so much, you’re welcome to visit them whenever you like. But don’t take it out on Cynthia–she’s got nothing to do with this.” 

Lois had spent her whole life in Shepard Village, holding fast to traditional values. After Benedict’s father died, she’d refused to remarry, preferring to raise Benedict alone and preserve her reputation. Now, his words were almost too much for her to bear. 

She bit her lip, steeling herself for another argument. “So that’s it? Giselle’s just supposed to stay in the shadows, with And what about the baby? Do you think Cynthia will ever accept someone else’s child as her own?” 

no name 

or place? 

Benedict’s brow furrowed in visible annoyance. Of course Cynthia would never accept Giselle’s child. And Cynthia could truth about his relationship with Giselle. 

never 

know the 

“Mom, I’ve been with Cynthia for years. We’re deeply committed. She’s not the type who’ll tolerate anything less than absolute loyalty. She has no idea about Giselle, and I intend to keep it that way. Don’t bring this to her.” 

Lois wasn’t having it. “You might be afraid of her, but I’m not. All these years together, and she still hasn’t given you a child. If she can’t fulfill her role, she should step aside and let someone else take her place.” 

Benedict bristled at her harsh words. “What am I, some kind of placeholder?” he shot back. “If you keep this up, I’ll send you back to the village.“8 

His anger was unmistakable. Lois, cowed by his outburst, clamped her lips shut. She rose from the couch, her face stormy, and hurried into the kitchen. 

Giselle had overheard every word from behind the kitchen door. She’d hoped that carrying Benedict’s child might finally earn her a place in his heart, no matter how small. But Cynthia was still the wall she couldn’t climb. 

Biting her lip to keep from crying, Giselle wiped her tears at the sink. When she saw Lois enter, she quickly composed herself and approached, her voice gentle and soothing.”