My Bratty Wife
Chapter 136 - Hundred And Thirty Six

Chapter 136: Chapter Hundred And Thirty Six

"Milady," Doris announced, her voice filled with excitement, "You won’t believe what I just heard! We’re going on the annual hunt. We’re leaving tomorrow!"

Suzy, lost in her book, barely acknowledged her maid’s enthusiasm. A faint sigh escaped her lips as she murmured an indistinct reply.

"It’s going to be thrilling! We’ll watch the men ride horses, hunt deer, and also join the other women anticipate what prize their husband will hunt for them. It will be a perfect experience!" Doris gushed, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

Suzy, still lost in her book, merely glanced up, her expression indifferent. "Oh, is that so? How exciting." she replied, her voice low as a whisper.

"Oh, come on, Milady! You’ll love it, I’m sure." Doris said, trying to convince her. " I wonder what his grace will get you?"

Suzy merely waved her hand dismissively, her attention firmly fixed on the pages before her.

"Well, I’m off to pack," Doris said, disappointment coloring her tone. "We leave early tomorrow, so I’d better get ready."

Suzy nodded absently, barely registering her maid’s departure. As soon as Doris was out of sight, a sense of unease settled over her. She closed the book, a frown creasing her brow. A thought, persistent and nagging, had been plaguing her mind. It was a thought she couldn’t shake, a feeling she couldn’t ignore.

With a heavy sigh, she rose from the bench and walked away, her mind racing, her heart heavy. The annual hunt, a tradition she had always looked forward to, now held no allure. The excitement, the thrill, the camaraderie—all of it seemed hollow, a mere distraction from the foreboding ahead.

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Doris, her heart pounding with anticipation, entered Suzy’s room to begin packing for their journey. As she moved about the room, a strange feeling washed over her. A sense of being watched. She paused, her gaze scanning the room. "Who’s there?" she whispered, her voice barely audible.

A figure emerged from the shadows, a man cloaked in darkness. His voice, cold and menacing, echoed through the room. "I hope you’re keeping to your word," he demanded.

Doris, her heart pounding, stammered, "Ye...Ye...Yes, she doesn’t remember anything. I’ve tried everything to...to make sure she doesn’t have those dreams again."

The figure chuckled, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Doris’s spine. "Good. One mistake, and you join your lady in her death."

Doris’s breath hitched. Her hand flew to her mouth, her eyes wide with fear. She nodded frantically, her body trembling.

The man, sensing her distress, dipped his hands into his pocket and held her scared gaze. "The Lord has forgiven your carelessness," he said, his voice dripping with contempt. "He’s in possession of the ring now."

As the figure turned to leave, they paused, their voice echoing in the silent room. "Do a good job, or you find yourself below the ground."

With those chilling words, the man turned and vanished into the shadows, leaving Doris alone with her fear. She sank to the floor, her mind racing. The weight of the task given to her, the threat of imminent danger, it all seemed too much to bear.

With a deep breath, she forced herself to her feet and continued packing. She would carry out her task, she would keep her promise. And she would pray that the Lord would have mercy on her soul.

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Ryan snuffed out his cigar and watched as Suzy disappeared from view. A knock sounded at the door, and Davis entered the room. "Is there anything you require, Your Grace?" he asked.

"Prepare a horse for me, Davis," Ryan replied.

Davis raised an eyebrow. "A horse, Your Grace? If I may ask, for what purpose?"

"To clear my head," Ryan answered, his tone evasive, his gaze fixed on the window.

Davis nodded, understanding the unspoken request. " Very well, Your Grace." He bowed and left the room.

Ryan tidied up the study and stepped out onto the balcony. As he walked, he accidentally collided with Suzy. She stumbled backward, but he quickly caught her, preventing her from falling. For a moment, their eyes met, a silent connection passing between them. Suzy, startled, broke free from his grasp.

"I apologize," Ryan said, his voice filled with genuine remorse. "I wasn’t paying attention."

Suzy forced a smile. "It’s quite alright."

As they regained their composure, Ryan’s gaze fell upon Suzy’s feet. Her right shoe was unbuckled, a clear sign of their earlier collision. "I must have knocked it loose," he thought to himself.

Suzy curtsied, her voice barely a whisper. "If you’ll excuse me, I must be going."

But Ryan, his mind made up, held her hand. "You’re not excused," he said, his tone firm. Before she could react, he scooped her up and gently placed her on a nearby bench. Kneeling down, he took her right foot in his hands and began to buckle her shoe.

"I can do it myself," Suzy protested, but Ryan ignored her. His touch was gentle, his movements deliberate. As he worked, he couldn’t help but admire the delicate curve of her ankle, the softness of her skin. A particular sensation, a mix of longing and possessiveness, stirred within him. He knew he couldn’t deny the pull of her and here he is torturing himself.

His touch was gentle, almost reverent, sending shivers down Suzy’s spine. Her thoughts drifted to a scenario in Ryan’s room. Ryan towering over her on the bed, her legs on his shoulder as he rains kisses on her thighs to her ankle reminding her how much he loves her.

The moment Ryan secured the strap, Suzy stood up abruptly, her cheeks flushed. Without a word, she turned and walked away, her heart pounding in her chest.

Ryan watched her go, a strange mix of longing and frustration filling him. He knew he should have said something, done something, but his guilt had held him back.

With a heavy sigh, Ryan stood up and headed towards the stables. He took the reins of his horse from Davis, mounting it without a word. As he rode away, his mind was filled with thoughts of Suzy.