The Bullied Husband’s Club - Chapter 171

Vanessa smirked as she turned the other way around while riding her horse. It’s best if they didn’t know that she was alive or else they might kneel in front of her begging before she even starts the torture. She went to another room where King Edgar and Prince Philip were. She removed her hat as she sat down on the sofa.

“Now, don’t be angry, my dear. I am sure that there will be a time to ghost them.” Edgar said as he sipped on his tea.

“I am not angry, Uncle. I am more pissed off by seeing that man’s annoying face. I just wished that I didn’t marry that bastard.”

“Uhuh,” Prince Philip nodded his head while enjoying the creamy dessert. “How’s the investigation going?”

“It isn’t complete.” She mumbled. “I can’t go down in the reception with many people.”

A knock on the door made them completely silent. Armin approached the door and opened it.

“The Marchioness is here.” He announced as he opened the door wide and let Marchioness Vivien in. She pushed the cart inside and Armin closed the door.

“This one was sent out by one of the maids.” She said, “So, I’ll deliver it myself.”

She curtsied to them.

“Your majesty, your highnesses…”

“Armin, please check,” Vanessa said.

Armin nodded and the Marchioness provided a silver stick to check the water and other foods.

“It seemed alright. But I must taste it first.” Armin said.

Vivien and Armin set it up on the table. They checked it first before serving it to them. Even Armin smelled it since any poison could have smelt different when it was mixed into food. It’s safe to eat. So, they served it to the highnesses as the Marchioness joined them. She bought a special tea for them to taste.

“This is refreshing.” King Edgar said.

“Thank you, your majesty. I made it with my daughters.”

“It must be amazing to have daughters,” Vanessa said as Vivien gave her a very beautiful smile.

“Yes, your highness. I can’t imagine not having them.”

Vanessa nodded and yet, she can’t have kids anymore. She’s glad that she has Maverick before the whole tragedy.

“What is it that you want to tell us?” Prince Philip asked.

“My husband sent me to tell you that there’s an abnormality in the jail at this moment. We expected that they would start moving.”

“Hmm,” Vanessa crossed her arms. “What could it be?”

“Are they trying to escape while we are here busy with this event?” King Edgar creased his brows.

“The security is tight enough and should we do something unexpected?” Prince Philip creased his brows. “Where’s Kenzo?” He asked Armin as he quickly tapped his smartwatch and swiped it to notify the Crown Prince.

In a few minutes, the Crown Prince knocked on the door and entered. He was panting and he closed the door.

“Why are you running?” Prince Philip asked.

“You said that it was an emergency! I thought someone had a heart attack!” Kenzo exclaimed. Vivien giggled admiring her adorable son-in-law. “What’s up?”

He asked as he sat down and crossed his arms.

“Well?” He asked. “The reception will start in a few minutes.”

“It’s about the little criminal, Kenzo,” Vanessa said.

“What happened?” Kenzo asked and gave his full attention to them.

“Can you cover up Maverick’s job tonight?” Vanessa asked again.

Kenzo nodded his head.

“The Belmont is here, I am sure that they have already planned.” The King said. “Do anything if you must, Princess Vanessa, Duke Kenzo. If we lose them, then they might hunt Duchess Stacey.”

“Yes, your majesty.” They said at the same time.

“I will check on the security measures at this time,” Kenzo said.

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In the reception, the master of the ceremony introduces Duke Maverick and Duchess Stacey of Edward. Stacey doesn’t want to meet their eyes but she looks straight while holding Maverick’s hand. She turned her head to Victoria, Kaisley, and Harriet who waved at her. She smiled and bowed her head. Then, she noticed the familiar woman from a group. The Belmont. Vienna Belmont. Their eyes met and when the Maverick looked down at her, she looked up at Maverick.

“What is it?” He asked.

“I just saw a familiar woman in here.”

“Hmm,” He nodded his head. “I invited the Counts and Countess of Marduque and the Baron’s family.”

“Belmont is your family.”

“Yes, your parents are here too. We should approach them.”

Stacey nodded as they walked toward Stacey’s parents. Her mother looked happy that she’s married but she won’t let them use her for their benefit.

“I am glad that you made it.” Stacey smiled and looked at her father who still looked grim. She knew it. Marrying the Duke won’t benefit them since the Duke is new and they don’t have a history of transactions, also they belittle her husband.

They bow their heads to Maverick who didn’t react much.

“Your grace,” They mumbled.

“No need for formality when we are alone,” Maverick said. “Besides, your daughter is already the Duchess of Marduque.”

“I never thought that you’ll be this insolent, boy.” Mr. Gab Tanner grumbled as Maverick only looked at him coldly.

“You deliberately embarrassed your daughter on this very day, by coming late. Am I right?” Maverick’s voice was cold as ice and Stacey held his arm tightly to stop him. “Excuse me.” Maverick let Stacey’s hand go as Stacey hesitated on coming after him.

“Please, not on this day.” Stacey pleaded. She clenched her hand.

“He’s the reason why you got hurt, Stacey.” Mr. Gab Tanner said and reached her hand. “Look at this.”

“I chose him.” She pulled her hand quickly as she exhaled. “I will endure any hardship for him. He’s the only one who was there when I was down. He protects me and loves me. No man can ever do what he could do.” She bit her lip to avoid crying as she approached Victoria and Harriet. She smiled at them. She glanced at Maverick who greeted a few guests and then, he approached her and held her hand.

“Sorry, my love. I’ll introduce you to Belmont.” He whispered.

She nodded at him and followed him.

“I’m sorry.” He said again.

“Let’s talk about it later.” She smiled at him.

He took her to the table of the family Belmont as they bowed.

“Mr. Belmont, this is my wife, Duchess Stacey Edward.”

Stacey curtsied.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” She said gracefully and she caught that Vienna was making that different look. She smiled at them beautifully. “I heard that you are my husband’s former family.”

“Former family?” The Countess’s lips wobbled a little as she looked at her deadly.

“Yes,” Stacey answered with that graceful smile. “I am his family now.”

Geralt glared at Maverick who looked back at him in the same cold.

“I invited you here to greet my wife,” Maverick said coldly.

“This isn’t the reunion that I am hoping for.” Geralt said.

“It isn’t.” Maverick remains cold toward him.

“Darling, don’t be so cold,” Stacey said with a smile. Then, she directly looked at Vienna. “Lady Vienna, isn’t it?”

“Yes, your grace.” Vienna managed to say it formally.

“I saw you many times in Lwazi with Katarina, am I right? You were also there when you embarrassed the Duchess in front of everyone while she’s buying a gift for her husband.”

Vienna’s face turned pale as Maverick frowned.

“This time, you should know where to place yourself, Vienna. Or else you will ruin the Belmont family. I am just concerned about the reputation.” Maverick said it calmly as Vienna bowed her head.

“Don’t be so hard on her,” Stacey told him. “The food is great as we had tasted it before the wedding.”

“Enjoy the banquet,” Maverick said in his usual tune and took her away from them.

“Hey,” Stacey pouted at him.

“Hey, you.” He grinned and took her to their seat near the Duchess of Westeria.

Later on, King Edgar and Prince Philip came with Marchioness Vivien and Duke Kenzo. They took their seats as the Duke took the microphone and gave it to the King. Everyone paid attention as the King sent best wishes messages to Duke Maverick and Duchess Stacey. It’s heartwarming that the Duke takes Maverick as his grandson but never did they know that he’s indeed a grandson of Etrama. The King goes on with his speech.

“I remember your mother from you, Duke Maverick. She’s a smart, alluring girl. She’s the weird niece that I have and I always remember her innocent words.”

Hearing that from the King made all of the guests surprised, well except the Marquess family and Victoria.

“I am also sure that your witty wife will follow in your mother’s footsteps. She’s smart, beautiful, compassionate, and kind. I don’t mind if you marry a commoner. This is the modern world, my dear Duke. Your happiness is what I wish for you.”

Maverick was surprised by the King’s message. Even Stacey never felt at home like this.

“I am also waiting for more animation from the Duchess.” The King said as Prince Philip laughed.

Stacey bit her lip as she tried not to cry but her eyes started becoming blurry because of the tears forming in her eyes.

“The Project,” Stacey mumbled.

“I am waiting for that project to make children happy.” The King said softly directly to Stacey.. She nodded her head as she took the handkerchief from Maverick to wipe her eyes.