Did Axion know about Diana’s worries? Bc if those “accidents” kept happening, then I figure they would’ve been more careful like have her be guarded or smth Or did Diana keep everything to herself? Did the Royal Family have something to do with Diana’s death? This is pretty suspicious. Get rid of his most beloved person (wife) so that they can choose someone for him to marry?
The prologue started with Nick Wydrian woke up and looking for his stepmother. Cassia was nowhere to be found, and the young man quickly went to his father's office. Duke of Wydrian holds a letter from his wife. The Duchess left a letter, stating that her task is already done and now she wanted to continue with her own life. She thanked the Duke and his family who accommodated her for 7 years, although she was never able to be a replacement for Diana. Cassia Benett arrived at Wydrian manor to attend her best friend's funeral. Duchess Diana Wydrian death caused a big shock for her acquaintances because she was always bright and healthy, but no one can expect what happened to her. The Beautiful Duchess died from a carriage accident. The butler guided the guests to a hall where the family put Diana's coffin
Cassia reminiscing about her first meeting with Diana Allison in the academy where noble and commoner study together. As a commoner, Cassia's friendship with the daughter of a Count is unusual yet it worked perfectly for more than 20 years. Many people talked and commented that Cassia is akin to a maid for beautiful Diana, but both of them didn't really get bothered by that. Diana then dated, married, and had children. Cassia remained single but she always there in Diana's every important event...and now, it's her funeral. Cassia can't believe herself when she heard the news.
The Wydrian and Allison family bid their farewell to a precious Daughter, exemplary Duchess and best mother, and Cassia followed soon. Cassia asked the deacon to open the coffin because she wanted to see her best friend for the last time. The deacon hesitated but Axion Wydrian (Diana's husband, the Duke) instructed him to grant Cassia's wish, stating that Cassia had a special relationship with his wife. Cassia stared at the body of her best friend and hold her hand. In Cassia's eyes, Diana still very beautiful and serene, although the wound on her head still visible. Cassia bid her farewell and left the hall, but she stayed for the burial proceeding together with the family. <ouch>
Cassia exchange words with Diana's family. Count Allison and his family actually welcomed Cassia and supported their friendship. Cassia asked Michael to take care of the count and the countess. Everyone left, including Ken & Nick. both are the sons of the deceased. Axion stopped Cassia for a bit because he has something to say. He planned to burn Diana's belongings as soon as possible because he can't endure the pain of seeing Diana's traces all over the manor. He gave Cassia a chance to pack her things in the manor, too.
Cassia often played and visit Diana & the children in the manor. She opened a small bakery in the duchy and the children loved the cakes she baked for them and calling her Aunt Cassia. Diana arranged a beautiful room for Cassia to stay in, and they often spent the night together talking about many things...well, mostly Diana's woes as a noble, wife, and mother which can't be talked to her husband. Cassia listened and encouraged her, but one of the topics suddenly became strange to Cassia. Several days before the accident, Diana wondered what will happen if she suddenly died. She asked Cassia to take care of her family. Cassia hushed it off and took it lightly (yeah..okay), but she didn't expect that Diana is really dead.
Cassia suppressed an urge to ask Axion if Diana behaved strangely before her death, and can't say anything about Diana's "request". Cassia knew the Duke since he gave a love letter to Diana, and watched the unfolding relationship between those two. Axion has a cold demeanor, but he is totally in love with his wife and became overjoyed when he learned about the pregnancy. He appointed a representative when his sons were born and spare most of his time taking care of the children. In the end, She promised to come in the next day and left the cemetery.
Next day, Cassia went to the manor and Axion guided her to the bedroom. Cassia saw the gloomy atmosphere in the manor and Diana's things already piled up, ready to be burned. Cassia asked about the children's condition. Axion answered that the kiddos were exhausted, and he was worried because they didn't shed even a single tear. Cassia wished to be allowed to visit Ken and Nick from time to time, because she wanted to see them grow. Axion welcomed that idea because he didn't want to separate Cassia from the children.
Cassia started to pack her clothes and makeups while reminiscing about her past with Diana in that room, she wondered that she was a bad girl because she didn't cry at the funeral. Then, she found a diary. Cassia became curious because it was not hers, and opened the book. The contents were written by Diana, and Cassia bolted out of the room and barged into the Duke's office.
The content of the diary is about Diana's suspicions that she was being targeted by someone. There were many accidents near her and she almost got run over by a carriage. Diana poured out her worries about the political situation and her request to Cassia. Cassia started to interrogate the Duke if Diana has enemies. Axion can't deny the fact. He acknowledged that the diary belonged to his late wife and the possibility that Diana's death is not a normal accident.