Chapter 75

“My Lord, My Lady, how is the meal? Is it to your liking?”

In the dining hall of Wiltsbrook Castle, Albert and Mrs. Greta, the head chef and housekeeper of the Duke of Brent, stood side by side, beaming at Alec and me.

Putting down my cutlery, I felt tears welling up in her eyes. Whether it was just my emotions or not, actual tears gathered.

“…It’s so delicious. It’s been so long since I’ve had Albert and Greta’s cooking, I feel like I could cry.”

Sniff.

I dabbed at the corners of my eyes with the table napkin.

Albert, too, began to tear up a bit.

“We prepared only the dishes you used to enjoy the most. I can’t tell you how happy we are to cook for you both again.”

“If there’s anything else you want to eat, don’t hesitate to let us know. We will do our best to prepare it.”

“No, Greta. You’ve already done so much, especially considering this is the first time cooking in this castle. You’ve worked so hard.”

“My Lady…”

Mrs. Greta’s eyes also glistened with tears.

I didn’t forget to say the words I had been meaning to.

“For a while, it might feel uncomfortable because it’s hard to adjust, but I’ll do my best to make sure we all get used to life here. So please, hang in there just a little longer.”

“We understand, My Lady.”

The servants gave me determined looks as they glanced at me, then excused themselves, wishing us a pleasant meal.

I lifted my head and surveyed the large dining hall.

The walls and ceilings were adorned with intricate paintings.

Then my gaze fell upon Alec, seated at the far end of the table.

Noticing my stare, he flinched, unable to look away.

A sigh, like a burning fire inside me, escaped.

‘How can you even eat right now?’

What is wrong with this man?

They’d kissed, and things had progressed enough for him to make a move, so why did he reject me? I couldn’t understand.

It seemed like tonight, a deep conversation was inevitable.

With a soft sigh,I forced a smile and raised my wine glass towards him.

“It’s our first night at Wiltsbrook Castle. Let’s toast to our first night… in this castle.”

* * *

The lord’s chamber was located in the center of the castle.

If this were a high-end hotel, it would easily cost a fortune per night, given the elegant atmosphere and refined décor.

But Alec couldn’t take in any of it right now.

With one hand covering his face, he paced nervously around the dimly lit room.

“We can do it here.”

The dry swallow in his throat was loud.

He almost gave in and did it.

His chest, ignited with passion at the top of the tower, still felt like it was burning.

Yet, with all the strength he had, he had managed to pull himself away from Louise’s lips before he lost control completely.

Though her disappointment was obvious, she didn’t try to convince him further. She had only smiled quietly while they shared their meal.

‘Somehow, that made it even scarier…’

He stopped pacing.

How did it come to this?

He regretted ever kissing her in the first place.

Had he never experienced the sensation of her lips, he might have been able to resist her now. But knowing that sweetness, that warmth, how could he possibly push her away?

He never imagined that holding a woman, especially one as beautiful as Louise, could be so tender and overwhelming.

But of all women, it had to be someone else’s wife.

On top of that, he was deceiving her by pretending to be her husband.

It wasn’t intentional, but with each kiss, his guilt piled up.

At the same time, his desire to touch her more grew, pulling him into the blissful emotions of those stolen moments.

If Louise made even the slightest move closer, he was certain he would crumble.

‘I can’t let this happen.’

Alec steeled himself, determined not to cross the final line.

He took a deep breath.

Knock, knock.

The sudden sound startled him, and he spun towards the door.

“Who is it?”

“It’s James, my lord.”

“…Ah, come in.”

With a sigh of relief, he answered, and the door soon opened to reveal James.

James Rohart, the head servant, was a man in his early 40s, exuding the polished efficiency and calm demeanor of a seasoned corporate secretary.

Given the many conversations Alec had likely had with James about the family’s affairs, there was little small talk between them.

“Is the room comfortable for you, my lord?”

“I’m fine, but I’m more concerned about how you all are faring.”

“It’s an honor for us to serve you in such a historic castle, my lord.”

“Don’t overwork yourselves.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

James gave a short reply but hesitated, clearly having more to say. Alec noticed and asked, puzzled,

“Is something wrong?”

“Ah, well…” James carefully continued,

“It’s just… I still find it hard to believe I’m speaking with you like this, in such a grand castle.”

“…”

James’ gaze was deep, as though he were looking back over the many years, perhaps reflecting on everything Alec had been through. His eyes even glistened a bit.

Alec took a short breath, running a hand over his face.

“I find it hard to believe, too.”

A genuine sigh of both disbelief and exhaustion escaped his lips.

He could understand the strangeness and adjustment the servants must be feeling, as he was experiencing it just as deeply.

“Since this place is unfamiliar, we’ll serve you with even more care, my lord. If you need anything, don’t hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you.”

“I still carry the kindness you’ve shown me close to my heart.”

“…”

Kindness? What kindness had Alec shown him? Whatever it was, it seemed that Alec had treated the staff very well.

Finally, James moved on to his actual message.

“The lady of the house has requested your presence in her chambers.”

“The lady…?”

“Yes.”

“…”

Countless thoughts raced through Alec’s mind. Why now, so late at night? What could she want?

His throat bobbed once as he forced out a reply.

“…I understand. I’ll be there shortly.”

“Yes, my lord. I’ll take my leave.”

James bowed respectfully and exited the room.

As soon as he left, Alec lowered his head, burying his face in one hand. His heart felt as if it were tightening painfully.

After taking a deep breath, he donned an indoor mantle.

Louise was someone he would see every day anyway, so avoiding her now wouldn’t solve anything.

The lady’s chambers were on the opposite side of the castle from the lord’s. It wasn’t a short walk.

What was Louise doing? Why had she summoned him?

When he finally reached her chambers, a soft light streamed out from the slightly ajar door.

Quietly, Alec pushed the door open and stepped inside.

“Louise…”

But the words caught in his throat.

As soon as he entered, the sight before him rendered him speechless.

Louise stood by the window, bathed in the soft glow of the room’s warm light. Her loose silver hair shimmered under the moonlight, as though it were molten gold. Her delicate lips, slightly parted, glistened with a faint crimson sheen.

Her slender jawline and the graceful curve of her neck led down to her petite shoulders, and below that…

“…!”

Alec froze as if struck by lightning.

Through her thin nightgown, the curves of her chest were clearly visible, illuminated by the light, casting shadows that accentuated her silhouette.

It felt like an accident waiting to happen.

Alec stood there, utterly paralyzed, unable to move.

Louise, who had been looking out the window, turned her head absentmindedly. When she saw him, she smiled softly.

“…Oh. When did you arrive?”

“…”

His eyes were still locked on a place they shouldn’t be.

With great effort, Alec lifted his gaze to meet hers.

Grand Cali was known for its frigid winters, yet why did it feel like his chest was burning?

As Louise fully turned towards him, her silhouette became even clearer, the curves of her body gracefully accentuated like the soft fluttering of a butterfly approaching him.

“Have you been resting well?” she asked.

“…”

Alec rubbed his brow slightly as he stepped further into the room, reaching behind him to firmly shut the door.

“It must be cold for you, wearing something like that here,” he said, his voice strained.

Was she trying to seduce him?

It felt like he was stepping into a dangerous trap.

Of course, from her perspective, this wasn’t something to be concerned about—it was natural in front of her ‘husband.’

As he deliberately avoided looking at her, moving closer, Louise stood right before him, her voice steady despite her almost bare appearance.

“Sometimes, I like to endure the cold.”

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