My Bratty Wife
Chapter 135 - Hundred And Thirty Five

Chapter 135: Chapter Hundred And Thirty Five

Suzy paced the library, her brow furrowed. She sought Elias but couldn’t find him anywhere. "Where is Elias?" she inquired of the other librarians, her voice tinged with concern.

One of them hesitated before replying, "Elias is not available at the moment, Your Grace."

Suzy’s heart pounded. "Why?" she pressed.

His expression turned somber. "He went into town to purchase some new books for the library, but unfortunately, he was attacked by robbers."

Suzy gasped, her eyes widening. "Is he alright?" she asked, her voice filled with worry.

He nodded, a sigh of relief escaping his lips. "Yes, Your Grace. His family sent a message to Mr. Bradford explaining the situation, and Mr. Bradford has sent him funds for his recovery and a leave."

Suzy relaxed slightly, her tension easing. "That’s a relief," she murmured.

The librarian smiled. "If you need anything, Your Grace, please don’t hesitate to ask. I’m here to assist you."

Suzy returned the smile. "Thank you."

He bowed and left, leaving Suzy alone in the vast library. She began to wander the aisles, her eyes scanning the shelves. She was searching for a book that could offer insight into the minds of children.

As she moved through the stacks, she spotted a book titled "Children’s Paradise." A glimmer of hope sparked in her eyes. This could be the perfect resource. However, the book was placed high on a shelf, out of reach.

She fetched a library ladder and climbed the rungs, her heart pounding with anticipation. As she reached for the book, she lost her balance and stumbled. A sharp cry escaped her lips as she fell backward.

She closed her eyes, bracing for the impact. But instead of the cold, hard floor, she felt warm, strong arms catching her. She opened her eyes to find herself enveloped in the embrace of Lord Evan, who had caught her just in time.

"You should be more careful, Your Grace," Evan said, a hint of amusement in his voice. "You could break an arm."

Suzy pulled away, discomfort evident in her tone. "Noted. Thank you," she replied, straightening herself. She picked the book which fell on the floor and left, her steps quick.

Evan chuckled as she disappeared. "Get me a book on plants," he instructed the librarian.

The librarian bowed. "Of course, My Lord," he replied.

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The rhythmic tapping of a quill against parchment filled the quiet chamber. Ryan was lost in thought, his mind wandering through the labyrinth of his responsibilities. A voice, gentle yet insistent, broke through his reverie.

"Your Grace, your Grace, your Grace."

The repetition was jarring, pulling him back to the present. He looked up to find Davis, his trusted aide, standing before him. Concern etched lines on Davis’s face.

"Are you alright, Your Grace?" Davis inquired, his voice filled with worry. " Are you sick?

Should I call Dr Abernathy?"

Ryan nodded, his expression blank. "I’m fine. You were calling me," he began, his voice barely a whisper. "What seems to be the problem?"

Davis gestured towards the parchment on the desk. "I was waiting for your signature and seal on the invitation," he explained.

Ryan’s gaze fell upon the document. The Annual Noble Hunt. A tradition as old as time, a gathering of the realm’s elite. He dipped his quill into the inkwell, his hand steady as he etched his signature. With a decisive motion, he pressed the duchy’s seal onto the parchment.

"Is everything ready for our departure tomorrow?" Ryan asked, his voice regaining its usual authority.

"Yes, Your Grace," Davis replied, his face lighting up.

"Good," Ryan acknowledged, a hint of satisfaction in his tone.

As Davis turned to leave, Ryan’s thoughts drifted to the upcoming hunt. It was more than just a sporting event; it was an opportunity to see if he could get some clues because all the nobles in the realm will be present, and perhaps, he could even spot the murderer.

Hushed voices could be heard from outside interrupting his thoughts. The sun beamed through the window, casting long, dancing shadows across the room. Ryan stood, his gaze drawn to the peaceful scene outside.

There, on the weathered bench, sat Suzy, a captivating sight. Her auburn hair, neatly tied in a low bun, framed her face. Her freckles, like tiny dark stars, sparkled under the gentle kiss of sunlight. Doris hovered nearby, a steaming cup of tea and a plate of pastries in hand.

Ryan’s heart skipped a beat as he observed Suzy’s expression. Her usually brown bright, inquisitive eyes now held a sadness that tugged at his heartstrings. Last night, those eyes had mirrored the storm raging within her soul - a tempest of sorrow, confusion, and hurt. But today, a glimmer of hope had returned, a fragile spark that threatened to ignite into a flame.

A sigh escaped Ryan’s lips as he resolved to maintain his distance until he could confess the truth. He reached for a cigar, its comforting weight a familiar solace. As he lit the tip and inhaled deeply, the smoke curling around his face, he pondered the challenge that lay ahead. Could he truly resist the temptation not to touch her, the intoxicating pleasures of her nearness? The question hung heavy in the air, a constant reminder of the battle raging within him.

With another long draw, Ryan sought to quell the tempest within. He needed clarity, a steady mind to guide him through the treacherous waters of desire and deception. As the smoke dissipated, so too did the urgency of his longing. A new resolve settled over him, a determination to honor his commitment to truth, no matter the cost even if she ends up hating him.

He watched as Suzy turned the page of her book, her lips moving silently as she read. He couldn’t help but admire her focus, her ability to lose herself in a world of words. He wondered what thoughts were swirling in her mind, what emotions she was experiencing.

Taking another long drag of his cigar, Ryan closed his eyes.