Husband With Benefits
Chapter 269: A Realisation

Chapter 269: A Realisation

" I want to see Alpin before I leave."

Alexander sighed. His mother had been sufficiently scared into silence by Nora’s visit since this morning, not protesting a single arrangement that he explained. While on the one hand he felt relieved, on the other he could not help but worry that this was the calm before the storm.

"You cannot, mother. I believe I’ve already explained everything. Outside of here, everyone thinks that you’ve just had a minor heart scare and so leaving the country for rest and recuperation. Banfi has been told the same thing. Why won’t you believe me, mother? He is too dangerous. If you..."

"Be quiet! I am not going to expose myself to him! I’ve been careful to protect myself in the past as well. But since I’ve agreed to all your arrangements, this is the least you can do! Just bring him here."

"Mother...", he warned but also hesitated, torn between his duty as a son and the potential danger of bringing Alpin Banfi into the picture. Despite his reservations, he reluctantly nodded and left the room to arrange Alpin’s visit.

A short while later, Alpin Banfi was escorted into the room with a few guards. Quickly, he approached the queen with a concerned expression," Aunt! How are you doing? We’ve been so worried about your health. We rushed over as soon as we heard the news but those doctors wouldn’t let us stay! They have no consideration for the feelings of the family."

Alexander Sterling watched his cousin’s performance and snorted. The man really could put up an act. He’d tried creating a ruckus in front of the media in the morning, only for them to be shooed away by the hospital security. And now, he was performing in front of his mother. It was like watching a show with star A-list actors.

"I’m doing alright Alpin. Please have a seat", Rosalind replied as she turned to Alexander," Alex. Please leave us."

"Mother..."

"Minister Sterling, it’s alright. Queen Rosalind is my aunt. I won’t trouble her."

Both Banfi and Queen Rosalind stared at him and he could only sigh and walk out with a look of warning at his mother.

Once the door closed behind him, Queen Rosalind’s demeanour turned stern," Banfi. Answer me this. Did you or did you not know about Eleanora’s husband?"

"Aunt, I’ve already..."

"Banfi! Tell me the truth. Because if you did have a hand in an attack on her husband then you need to know that the attack failed and the man survived."

Rosalind was sure that Banfi would breathe a sigh of relief. She remembered how he’d bitterly explained the process then. And how he had not expected the soldiers to not care about her husband and end up killing him.

Once Banfi proved himself, she would warn him that Nora’s memory had returned and that he would need to be careful about her. There was also the entire stupi* plan that Alpin Junior had concocted of which Banfi would have to clean up the mess.

However, as she watched keenly, she noticed Banfi’s expression falter. At that moment, she came to the horrible realization that her son had been right all along. She’d been hoodwinked.

Clenching her hands under the blanket, she felt remorse and guilt. All these years, she had never tried to take someone’s life. She refused to fall that far in politics. And yet, at this age, she had unintentionally become a part of a murder plot. When she’d first heard the news about Nora’s husband being involved, she’d consoled herself that it was an unfortunate accident. But now...

"Well, I think its a pity that he did not die. That would create problems in the future. If Eleanora’s memory returns before she is married to Augustus, then it would mean a disaster. You should have punished the person who failed to do their job correctly. If he’d attacked the man, he should have finished it."

Banfi stared at the ruthless queen before nervously clearing his throat," What are you saying, aunt?"

Rosalind cast a meaningful glance his way before turning her head and looking away," Nothing Banfi. I’ve invited you here for a personal reason, a favour."

"Of course, aunt. Your wish is my command." Rosalind looked at the man and suddenly realized how beady his eyes were. Was she really this blind in the past?

"Banfi, take care of my Evangeline in the future. My health is giving out."

Banfi leaned forward, in a show of feigned concern while Rosalind did not miss the flicker of excitement in his eyes. She felt overwhelmed suddenly. She’d really wronged Nora and the others under this man’s instigation. As tears filled her eyes, she heard Banfi murmur,’ Aunt! You will recover soon. The doctors have assured me..."

"The doctors have been instructed to lie so as not to set panic. My time is limited Alpin. Promise me that you will always support Evangeline! You will take care of her. It is why I called you here. I do not trust my son."

"Of course, aunt! I will always support Evangeline! You don’t even have to ask."

"Thank you, Banfi. I can go from this world peacefully."

"Don’t say that, aunt! May you live a hundred years. I’ll take your leave now. And I’ll pray for you."

"Thank you."

As she watched Banfi leave, a cold look entered her eyes. She’d made a grave mistake in trusting that man. But he’d made an even bigger mistake by using her.

"Don’t worry, Banfi. I will definitely live a hundred years. You, on the other hand..."

As Alexander entered the room, with a worried look on his face, she smiled sadly," I’ve caused you enough worry, Alex. Don’t worry. I’ve not said much to that man. I let myself be manipulated, blinded by ambition and misguided loyalty. I failed you and your father. I won’t create more trouble for you. I hope you will come visit me when everything is settled.

Alexander Sterling nodded cautiously, wondering if his mother was putting on an act. She noticed this but this time, did not try to assure him and simply closed her eyes," I have one final request. I’d like to visit your father’s grave before leaving."

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