My Bratty Wife
Chapter 152 - Hundred And Fifty Two

Chapter 152: Chapter Hundred And Fifty Two

The silence in the room was deafening, broken only by the footsteps in the hallway. Suzy sat by the window, her gaze fixed on the courtyard below, her heart heavy with worry. Two days had passed since Ryan had left, and she hadn’t heard a single word from him. No message, no letter, nothing, not even a whispered word from a passing servant.

A wave of anxiety washed over her, leaving her breathless. "He should be here by now," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "Two days is too long."

The silence became agonizing. Every creak of the floorboards, every rustle of leaves in the garden, sent a jolt of fear through her. Was something wrong? Was he injured? Was he in danger? The possibilities, each more terrifying than the last, swirled in her mind, threatening to consume her.

The door creaked open, and Doris entered the room, carrying a tray laden with a steaming pot of tea and delicate china cups. "Milady," she announced, her voice soft and soothing as she began pouring the tea into the cup. "your tea."

Suzy startled, her hand flying to her chest. "Doris! You startled me. How did you come in without me noticing?"

Doris smiled gently, "I came in a moment ago, Milady. You seemed so engrossed in watching the courtyard, you didn’t hear me."

Suzy accepted the cup of tea, her fingers trembling slightly as she brought it to her lips. "Thank you, Doris. I... I needed this." The warm tea soothed her throat, a small comfort in the midst of her growing unease.

"Of course, Milady," Doris replied, her eyes filled with concern.

Suzy sighed, her gaze returning to the window. "I’m worried about Ryan. He’s been gone for two days, and I haven’t heard a word from him. I’m starting to feel... lost."

Doris placed a comforting hand on Suzy’s shoulder. "I’m sure his Grace is on his way as we speak, Milady. Perhaps something unexpected has delayed his journey."

Suzy managed a weak smile. "You said the same thing yesterday, Doris. And he’s still not here."

Doris’s smile faltered. "I know, Milady. But I truly believe he’ll be home soon. He wouldn’t willingly stay away from you for this long."

Suzy looked at Doris, her eyes filled with doubt. "I hope you’re right, Doris. I hope you’re right."

Suzy looked back out the window, her gaze drawn to the empty courtyard. "I know," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "But it’s so difficult to wait."

Doris sat beside her, her presence a silent comfort. "Perhaps a stroll through the gardens would ease your mind, Milady? The air is so pleasant this afternoon."

Suzy hesitated, then nodded. "Yes, perhaps you’re right. A change of scenery might do me some good."

As they walked through the gardens, the vibrant colors of the flowers and the gentle breeze did little to soothe Suzy’s troubled heart. Every rustle of leaves, every distant sound, made her jump, her ears straining for the sound of approaching horses.

Suzy, restless and anxious, decided to find a quiet spot to escape the stifling silence of the castle.

She wandered towards a large oak tree, its branches offering a welcome shade from the sun. As she settled herself beneath its cool canopy, Doris approached.

"Milady," Doris said, concern etched on her face. "It would be better to sit on the bench. The ground might be damp."

Suzy smiled gently. "I think this spot is quite lovely, Doris. The shade is perfect."

Doris hesitated, then shrugged. "As you wish, Milady."

Suzy leaned back against the tree trunk, the rough bark a comforting presence against her back. "What is Isabella doing, Doris?" she asked, trying to distract herself from her worries.

"I saw her practicing her music sheets in the drawing-room, Milady," Doris replied. "She seems quite engrossed."

"That’s good," Suzy said, a faint smile touching her lips. "It will keep her occupied."

Doris nodded. "Indeed, Milady."

A gentle breeze rustled the leaves of the oak tree, creating a soothing, rhythmic sound. Suzy closed her eyes, inhaling deeply, trying to calm her racing heart. The scent of freshly cut grass mingled with the sweet perfume of roses, creating a fragrant and calming atmosphere.

"Doris," Suzy said, opening her eyes. "Would you do me a favor? Please go to the library and retrieve a book for me. Tell Elias I would like something light and entertaining. He knows my preferences."

"Certainly, Milady," Doris replied, hurrying towards the library.

"And Doris," Suzy called after her. "Please also tell Mrs. Madelyn that I would like some light refreshments brought to me here. Some tea and perhaps some biscuits or pastries."

Doris bowed her head. "Yes, Milady."

Left alone, Suzy finally allowed herself to relax. The gentle rustling of leaves, the distant chirping of birds, and the warm sunlight filtering through the branches created a sense of tranquility. She closed her eyes again and tried to focus on the soothing sounds of nature, hoping to find a momentary escape from the anxieties that plagued her mind.

Hours had flown by as Suzy sat engrossed in her book, and she was already halfway through. The plate of pastries and cookies lay scattered with crumbs, and the pot of tea was half empty.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her. Suzy startled, nearly dropping her book. A figure had appeared beside her, and now, to her surprise, he was leaning his head on her lap.

"Ryan!" she exclaimed softly, her heart pounding.

He didn’t respond, his eyes closed, his breathing slow and even. "Let me stay here for a little while longer," he murmured, his voice weary.

Suzy hesitated, unsure of what to do. She wanted to stand up, to move away, but his words, his exhaustion, held her in place. He looked so tired, so utterly disheartened.

"What book were you reading?" he asked, his voice a low rumble.

"Just a story," she replied, her voice a little breathless.

"Can you read it out loud?" he requested, his eyes still closed. "I’d like to hear it."

Suzy was confused. What had happened in court? Was he alright? But his words, "Or do you prefer staring at me? Anyone you choose, I’m okay with it," made her heart ache. He sounded so defeated.

She blinked, then picked up the book, the pages rustling softly. "Alright," she said, her voice a little shaky. "I’ll read."

And so, she began, her voice a gentle murmur in the garden. The words flowed from the page, painting pictures in her mind. Ryan remained still, his breathing steady, his eyes closed, his head resting on her lap.

As Suzy read, she couldn’t help but steal glances at him. His face was pale, his jaw clenched. He looked so vulnerable, so unlike the confident, ambitious man she usually knew.

The story was about a young woman who faced countless obstacles, but never gave up hope. She persevered through hardship, found strength in unexpected places, and ultimately, found happiness.

Suzy read on, her voice a comforting rhythm in the surroundings of the garden. Ryan remained silent, but she could feel his presence, his weight on her lap, the warmth of his hair against her skin.