Marriane pov

I walked behind my father as I saw him going to the store. It was something I was not expecting. Had he not given this store to Cassius when I got married to him.

The store I was trying to get back. Then why was he going there? Or was I overthinking!

It might be a coincidence or just a simple visit, yet I could not stop myself from following him. Though i felt bad for putting my doubts above Jamie who was looking displeased clearly, i needed to know the truth.

When I walked out of the tea house he had already entered the store. When I reached the door and entered he was nowhere to be seen.

"Welcome madam, how may i help you?"

"I am looking for the owner of the store?"

"Uh, is there some problem my lady, we can call our head for that, you can discuss it with him"

"No, i want to meet the owner of the store, right now."

The staff looked at me bewildered and hesitating.

"Nora, go and call the lord Lucas" my brows furrowed at the name, i did not know anyone with the name Lucas.

The girl nodded and left to call the man and I looked around, this was my favourite store since the start.

This store has everything you need as a woman. It had clothes, shoes, accessories but all for the wedding and parties. This was an exclusive store for bride and bridegroom for their special day. My dress was also prepared here. And it would not be an exaggeration to say that the dress could compare to the empress wedding gown.

"How may i help my lady?" my reverie was broken when i heard the voice. I turned back to see a short man with a big mustache standing in front of me.

"You are the owner of the place?" i asked raising a brow and the man shook his head.,

"I run this place my lady as the owner is a busy man. He did not come here daily. But trust me I can help you with everything. I know this store better than its owner." His voice was filled with confidence and I was sure he was telling the truth.

"May i know who is the owner of this place?"

His brows furrowed and face turned dark listening to my question, "why are you so interested in knowing the name of the owner, my lady."

"Because I am the new owner of this place '' I announced and he looked at me as if I was crazy. Now he was looking clearly displeased and it would not be any surprise that if he ordered his staff to throw me out.

"Do you not know me, lucas. I am the daughter of Marques Essendson, and wife of duke de luca '' I announced and his eyes widened and he bowed at that instant.

"I apologise my lady, I started handling this store just six months ago and I am not from this empire. I apologize for my insolence" he said with a shaky voice, his confidence was visibly lost and this was my last chance to know the truth.

"I can sentence you to prison for the way you behaved with me, Lucas, do you know that, do you even know the law of our empire."

"I.. i apologise my lady. Have mercy. I did not know you, this would never be repeated. I swear to my family name" he continued apologising with a shaky voice as he bowed further.

"Who do you work for, tell me and I will let the matter rgo. You are working for my husband or my father?" I asked , hoping that he would make a mistake in haste.

"I work for your father, your highness. I have seen his highness here a few times but he never offered me any kind of work, your father trusts me a lot. In fact, he is here. Let me call him." he said and I nodded satisfactorily.

"Yes, go and call him and i will forget our conversation."

He bowed and left for the office and I sat there. Though I looked comfortable, my thoughts were in chaos. How was this place still in the name of my father and Cassius only visited here a few times. I knew the way Cassius behaved there was something amiss, but I had never thought that this could be the truth.

"Did you say Marianne is here?" I heard my father's voice and I stood up and walked up to him.

"We need to talk, father" I said as I stood behind him.

He turned and looked at me surprised.

"What are you doing here?"

I am searching for truth father" i replied cutting the chase and he sighed.,

"Let's talk in my office, darling. Shall we?" he signaled by to enter and I nodded and walked in as he followed me.

I looked at the time and sighed. The noble lady must be there. Jamie surely was going to kill me later.

I sat on the chair and eyed him as he looked at me with the same intensity.

"Mari, why are you here, darling. I didn't get what you are trying to do these days?"

"I am trying to know the truth, father. Is it that hard to tell me?"

"Mari, the point is whom do you want to know the truth with. I am not the right person darling. I am not the one you should look for when you want to clear your doubts"

"I am your daughter, father"

He sighed as he looked at me.

"You are his wife, Mario. You should go to him and talk. He is a tricky and complex man but you are the one who has chosen him and now sticks to your decision. Why do you even care whom the store belongs to? You would remain the owner either it is with me or cassius as we both love you equally"

I knew he would not tell me the truth. But he did not deny being the owner of the store.

"Have you ever transferred this store to Cassius, father?" I asked again and he sighed but shook his head.

"He had not taken a single bronze coin from me Mari. Is that what you are trying to know then your husband is a man of poride, he would not ask for anything from others no matter how much he needed things or love. Try to read signs Mari, and you will find your happiness" he kept talking in a cryptic manner but all i got was he never took anything from father then was he lying to me all this time?!!

"Father, you were lying to me and mother all this time" i did not want to accuse him but i couldn't help it. I was feeling betrayed that also badly. How badly had I insulted him to use my properties which he did not have since the start.

"Mari, go and talk to Cassous, only he knows the truth, my child."

"I want to know what you know father, and i want to know it now"

He sighed again, and this was the first time I had seen him sighing so much.

"When I went to talk to Cassous one oyear ago, he asked me to meet him privately.

He asked me to lie that he had asked me all the properties in exchange of getting married to you. I asked him the reason but he did not tell me. He only said that even my family should not know the truth, not even you and only if I am ready for this condition would he marry you.

Since I did not feel any harm and I knew that many times politics needed some hard measures I agreed and did whatever he asked me too.

I even offered him everything to make the lie a reality but he said he is not cripple to live on others money, and all i could do was accept it.

I did everything for your happiness my child. So it is better that you let the matter go or ask your husband about it" he said as he took the glass of water and finished it in one gulp.

I nodded as I stood up.

"Where are you going, Mari?"

"Brother is waiting for me in the tea house father, i need to go" with that i turned and left the store.

'Cassius we need to talk!!"

[Don't stop voting and comments, i don't know why but these days there is heavy downfall in comments and voting. I hope you will leave a comment and i promise i will try to improve. PS unlock the chapter with coins if you can]