My Bratty Wife
Chapter 175 - Hundred And Seventy Five

Chapter 175: Chapter Hundred And Seventy Five

Evan allowed his horse to drink from the stream, gently patting the animal’s sleek mane. He gazed up at the sky, noting the fading light, the sun beginning its descent towards the horizon. It was almost dusk. Brook stood beside him, his gaze also fixed on the sky.

"Are you sure?" Evan asked, his voice low and cautious. He continued to pat his horse, his expression thoughtful. Brook replied, "I was certain about it before bringing this information to you."

Evan let out a soft chuckle, a sound that held no warmth. "Very well then," he said, his eyes shifting to Brook. "Let’s see how it plays out." He paused, then looked directly at Brook. "Have you done what I asked of you?"

"Yes, my lord," Brook replied, his voice steady. "We are just waiting for the results. But..." He hesitated, his gaze flickering towards Evan’s eyes, searching for any sign of anger or displeasure. He needed to gauge Evan’s mood before proceeding.

Evan, his expression unreadable, simply looked at him, his eyes holding a silent command. "Speak," he said, his voice calm but firm.

Brook cleared his throat, his words coming out in a slightly stammering rhythm. "I found out Lord Byron has someone following you."

Evan let out a short, sharp laugh. "That bastard," he said, his voice laced with disdain. "That tainted blood has the guts to trail me."

"I presume he is doing it for his brother, he finds your action suspicious." Brook added, his voice quiet.

Evan gently patted his horse’s neck, his gaze distant. "Byron, Byron, Byron," he murmured, his voice filled with amusement. "Still looking for acknowledgment, are you now? Always ready to be a lap dog for Ryan, without hesitation." He turned his attention back to Brook. "See that this disturbance is dealt with," he instructed, his voice cold and decisive.

"Certainly, my lord," Brook replied, bowing his head slightly.

Evan looked at his horse, a beautiful mare named Nala. "Seems Nala has had her fill," he said, his voice softening slightly. "It’s getting dark. I’ll continue my hunt tomorrow."

Brook collected Evan’s rifle, carefully placing it in its holster. They mounted their horses, the animals shifting slightly beneath them. With a gentle nudge, they turned their horses and rode off, the sound of their hooves echoing through the twilight air.

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Suzy’s head rested comfortably on Ryan’s shoulder, her mouth slightly open, a soft, quiet snore escaping her lips. The gentle rhythm of her breathing filled the quiet carriage. Ryan gently patted her head, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Your unorthodox ways still amuse me till this time," he murmured, his voice low and affectionate.

He carefully closed her mouth, his touch light and tender. "Your sleeping pattern in the bedroom is different from how you sleep in the carriage," he mused, his eyes filled with amusement. "I wonder how you would sleep in a garden, I won’t even be surprised if you sleep at a ballroom." He let out a soft chuckle, careful not to disturb her slumber.

Suddenly, Suzy stirred, her eyes fluttering open. Instead of returning to her previous position, she shifted, settling onto Ryan’s lap. She wrapped her arms around his waist, her body seeking the warmth and comfort of his embrace. She snuggled against him, her head resting on his laps, and drifted back to sleep almost immediately, her breathing becoming even and relaxed.

Ryan was momentarily stunned, his eyes widening slightly in surprise. He looked down at her, his expression a mixture of bewilderment and tenderness. "Whenever I think I have known you we’ll enough, you prove me wrong," he thought to himself as gently stroked her hair, his touch tender. "Seems I’ll spend the rest of my life knowing every bit of you, from your soul to your body to your mind."

He adjusted his position slightly, making sure she was comfortable, and settled in for the rest of the journey. He held her close, his arms wrapped protectively around her, his gaze fixed on the passing scenery. He was content to simply hold her, to feel the warmth of her body against his, to listen to the gentle rhythm of her breathing as he would be soon be apart from her.

The hours passed, the rhythm of the carriage wheels and the gentle rustling of leaves lulling them into a state of quiet contentment. Eventually, the carriage began to slow, the sound of the horses’ hooves changing as they turned onto a different path. Ryan looked out the window, seeing the imposing silhouette of his chateau looming in the distance.

"We’ve arrived," he whispered, gently shaking Suzy awake. She stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and looked up at him, her expression still slightly dazed.

"We’re here?" she asked, her voice soft and sleepy.

"Yes," Ryan replied, smiling. He helped her sit up, adjusting her dress and smoothing her hair. "We’ve arrived at your new home, for the next month."

The carriage, along with Davis’s accompanying carriage, rolled into the courtyard, the wheels crunching on the gravel. It was dusk, the sky painted with hues of orange and purple. The servants, alerted to their arrival, were already lined up outside, ready to receive them. The soft glow of lanterns illuminated the scene, casting long shadows across the cobblestones.

Ryan turned to Suzy, his eyes filled with concern. "Can you walk?" he asked gently. "You seem tired."

"Yes," Suzy replied, offering a reassuring smile. "Just a little."

As the coachman opened the carriage door, Ryan gently lifted Suzy into his arms, carrying her as he stepped down onto the courtyard. He carried her past the waiting servants and towards the entrance of the chateau.

The servants, their voices calm, greeted him. "Welcome, Lord..." they began, then paused, realizing their mistake. "Welcome, Your Grace," they corrected themselves, bowing respectfully.

Suzy looked at Ryan, her eyes filled with an unspoken question. She was curious about the place, and about his reaction.

Ryan looked down at her, a soft sigh escaping his lips. "This was where I lived before I became the Grand Duke," he explained, his voice low. "I always sought solace here when my father became too demanding."

Suzy’s expression softened, a wave of sympathy washing over her. She understood the weight of his past, the pressures he had faced.

A woman in her late fifties approached them, her face etched with warmth and kindness. She curtsied respectfully and gracefully, her movements smooth despite her age. "Your Grace," she greeted, her voice gentle.

"You know you don’t have to be so formal, Mrs. Agnes," Ryan replied, his voice laced with affection.

Mrs. Agnes smiled, her eyes twinkling. "The last time I saw you, you were still a lord," she said, her gaze sweeping over him. "And you look good too. I knew I could trust Madelyn to take good care of you."

Suzy signaled to Ryan that she wanted to get down. He gently lowered her to the ground, his hands lingering for a moment.

Mrs. Agnes turned to Suzy, her eyes filled with curiosity. "Is she the one?" she asked, her voice soft.

Ryan nodded, a gentle smile gracing his lips.

Mrs. Agnes turned back to Suzy, her expression filled with affection. "May I hug you, Your Grace?" she asked.

"Of course you may," Suzy replied, her voice warm and inviting. "Don’t be too formal with me."

Mrs. Agnes enveloped Suzy in a warm hug. "Thank you for giving this poor lad all the love that was deprived of him," she murmured, her voice filled with gratitude.

She broke the hug and turned to Ryan, her eyes filled with affection. She gave him a warm, motherly hug, her touch comforting and reassuring. "You’ve found a good one, Ryan," she whispered, her voice filled with approval. "Duchess Leah will be happy that her son is happy." Ryan hugged her back, showing how close they were.