Chapter 4My Sister Stole the White Knight, I Married the Dark Duke After Rebirth

On the wedding day itself, Lucian personally escorted Rosalyn into the hall. The floor before the White Stag shield was carpeted with flowers, and cheers and laughter filled the air. In stark contrast, the Black Wolf altar stood vast and empty, with me as the sole bride standing there all alone.

"Looks like the Hawthorne heir genuinely despises the Vere girl," someone whispered behind cupped hands.

Rosalyn clung to Lucian's arm and deliberately raised her voice. "Thank goodness my Lucian would never abandon his new bride at the altar."

I ignored her provocation and signaled to Rowan, who displayed the military orders from the front for all to see.

The Black Wolf family's wax seal was stamped clearly on the parchment: enemy cavalry had burned supply wagons at North Bridge, and the heir had personally led his riders to hold the mountain pass.

"Adrian didn't abandon this wedding. He is defending Hawthorne's supply lines." I addressed the entire hall. "Today, let all our prayers go first to the soldiers bleeding at North Bridge. If any of you truly value this alliance, consider donating a cartload of grain."

The hall fell silent. No one spoke.

I had the attendants bring out a donation ledger. Baron Vere, unable to bear the embarrassment, was the first to write down a contribution. One by one, nobles eager to curry favor with the Hawthorne family followed suit.

The very people who had been mocking me for being abandoned by my husband were now all signing up to donate grain.

The Dowager Duchess Beatrice studied me for a long time, then instructed her servants to move the heir's empty high-backed chair to my side.

"The Hawthorne seat should not sit empty."

The smile froze on Rosalyn's face.

Before the household key ceremony began, she passed by me, pretending to straighten my cloak, her fingertips ice-cold.

[The key to the restricted armory is already hidden inside her cloak.]

I lowered my gaze, taking everything in.

My sister still hadn't learned one simple lesson: when you're setting a trap, don't be so eager to leave your own fingerprints behind.