His Mistress is His Ex-Wife
Chapter 170: Tame Her

Chapter 170: Tame Her

Lanny jolted awake, her heart racing from the loud crash that echoed through the house. She sat up in bed, rubbing her eyes to wash away her sleepiness.

’What is that? The sound has come from the kitchen.’ She listened intently.

Throwing off the covers, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up. She lazily dragged herself as she made her way to the kitchen.

As she approached the kitchen, she saw a tall figure pacing back and forth. She paused at the threshold, peering in. The sight that greeted her was chaotic. Pots and pans were scattered across the floor, and the water droplets scattered on the floor.

In the midst of the mess stood her guest, Dmitri, looking more guilty than frightened.

"Good morning, Honey. I’m sorry for waking you up. I’m trying to wash the dishes but the soap made them slippery so they slipped down from my hands," he explained.

"Mr. De Luca, it’s obvious that you are not used to doing household chores. You are such a prince in your house," Lanny sighed as she stepped into the kitchen.

She bent down to start picking up the mess, gently nudging Dmitri aside with her shoulder "What am I going to do with you? Stop messing with my kitchen. This is my favorite place. Just stay put in the living room."

Dmitri just smiled innocently, scratching his face. "I just want to help you. You cook meals for me so this is the least I can do for you. Washing the dishes."

Lanny sized him up from head to toe. She tried to hold her laughter because of Dmitri’s cute appearance. He was wearing a pink apron and washing gloves.

’The mighty De Luca is trying to wash the dishes.’ She felt amused.

Diverting her gaze away from Dmitri, she quickly put the pots and pans back in the sink.

"You’re a prince who’s never had to do menial work like this. Your parents have sheltered you with hundreds of servants attending to your every need. You don’t have to try so hard, Dmitri," Lanny said.

Dmitri looked at her intently, his face painted with indescribable emotions. He let out a sigh.

"Why do you sound like you’ve never been served by hundreds of servants? Aren’t we the same, Lanny?" Dmitri asked, looking at her with puzzlement. "You’re a member of the Ivankov family. Your family’s wealth rivals mine."

Lanny sighed, brushing her hair with her fingers. "Yes, Dmitri, our families share similar wealth and privilege. But it’s not about the money or the servants. It’s about the life we’ve lived and the expectations placed upon us."

Dmitri frowned, leaning against the kitchen counter. "What do you mean?"

"I was raised by Miguel Ivankov... the strictest person I’ve ever known. Growing up in the Ivankov household, there was always a heavy emphasis on self-reliance. I have to do it myself. I have to be strong and protect myself. I don’t rely on my father’s power and wealth... because, unlike my brother, I have to gain his favor and prove my worth."

Dmitri crossed his arms, listening intently. "That’s quite different from my upbringing. My father wanted me to focus on diplomacy, leadership, and maintaining our family’s image. Practical skills were always handled by others. And they spoiled my sister a lot."

"I was quite surprised to hear that from you. You are supposed to be a princess in the Ivankov Family. Why is it your father doesn’t treat you well?" Dmitri looked into Lanny’s eyes, searching for answers. He didn’t understand the different treatment she was receiving from her family.

Lanny let out a soft giggle. "See, there are still so many things you don’t know about me. You still have the chance to walk away from this arranged marriage."

Dmitri raised an eyebrow. "Why do I feel like you’re trying to push me away? Am I not likable, Lanny?"

Lanny chuckled once more. "I’m just giving you a warning, Dmitri. I hope you won’t regret your decision for choosing me."

Dmitri smirked at her cheekily. He was becoming bolder and bolder each day. "Try me. Give me a reason why I should run away from this marriage." He challenged her as he stepped closer to her.

His tall stature cornered her against the kitchen countertop, invading her personal space. He leaned in, lifting her chin as his face moved closer to hers.

Lanny had to admit that Dmitri possessed an undeniable manly charm that any women could hardly resist. His chiseled features and confident demeanor exuded a magnetic allure, drawing attention effortlessly.

His deep, piercing eyes seemed to see right through her, and the subtle strength in his movements only added to his appeal. This was the effect of Dmitri De Luca who could captivate an innocent woman. Fortunately, she wasn’t that innocent woman who could easily fall on his allure.

Lanny stared at him confidently, her posture composed and calm. She even pressed her palms against his chest to keep their small distance.

"Mr. De Luca, I believe my father didn’t inform you about my true origin." She sneered at him.

Dmitri just glanced at her in confusion. "True origin? And what is that?"

She let out a harsh laugh, the sound echoing in the kitchen. "I’m just a daughter of Miguel’s mistress," she revealed, her eyes challenging him. "Can you bear that fact, marrying a bastard woman?"

Dmitri’s expression softened as he looked at her, the initial confusion giving way to understanding and empathy. He cupped her face, his gaze steady.

"Lanny, your origin doesn’t define who you are. It doesn’t change my intentions. I’m not here to judge you based on your father’s mistakes. I’m here because I want to how remarkable a woman you are. In fact, I like your honesty and your bravery. No woman had ever tried to talk back to me like this."

Lanny was taken aback by his response, her defenses wavering. She had expected disgust or disdain, but instead, she found acceptance and compassion.

’Damn! Who would have thought that Dmitri De Luca is also a sweet talker?’ She mused to herself, trying her best to compose herself.

"You deserve to be loved and respected for who you are, not where you come from," Dmitri continued, his voice firm yet gentle. "So, yes, I can bear it. Because to me, you’re not just Miguel’s daughter. You’re Lanny Ivankov, a strong, beautiful woman with a high spirit. Honest and prank."

Lanny immediately pushed him away. "Stop sweet-talking me, Mr. De Luca. Those words won’t work on me. Just go away. I’m going to cook your breakfast now."

Dmitri’s crisp chuckle echoed in the kitchen. "You are so hard to please, Honey. The more you push me away the more I want to get to know you better and get closer to you."

’I want to tame you, Lanny Ivankov,’ Dmitri added to his thoughts as he stared at her with amusement.

Lanny rolled her eyes skyward. "What are you waiting for? Just wait for me outside. Don’t create a mess in my kitchen again, or I’ll kick you out of the house."

Dmitri could only smile while shaking his head helplessly. "Aye, Ma’am."