My Disfigured Duke Husband Helps Me Plot My Revenge
Chapter 30: What Should Have Been

Chapter 30: What Should Have Been

Valerio had been waiting outside for over an hour, hoping that the leaving guests were a sign he would be able to see Leonor shortly.

Each time someone went out the back entrance of the manor and it wasn’t the object of his affection, he was forced to pretend he was tending to something benign as he observed a bush. He was clearly in commoner clothing and no one would suspect him otherwise.

However, even though he wore average clothing, that day he was perfectly clean. With work gloves left behind and better boots on his feet, he felt more prepared to see Leonor since most workers outside of maids were sent home early due to the tea party being held.

He had an opportunity to present himself more favorably for Leonor. Since it was dark outside, he had taken off his hat and brushed his fingers through his hair to organize it.

Her state of dress was the reason for his care. He knew he could never measure up to her but he had seen Leonor from afar as he tended to a garden earlier in the day. He knew to watch out for a pale green dress that contrasted with her hair so beautifully.

While he preferred her in riding clothing and without an overly accentuated waist, he had to admit that she was breathtaking. He thought that the fashionable style didn’t suit his tastes, but if it involved Leonor, he liked it regardless.

Upon being grabbed so suddenly and seeing ruby-red eyes, a dazed smile appeared on Leonor’s lips. She had expected him to be closer to the stable but seeing him there was a nice surprise. He always looked wonderful, but he seemed to have taken extra care of his appearance. Butterflies flourished in her stomach.

"I’ve never seen anyone more handsome than you," she admitted and took a step even closer.

Valerio’s hand went to her cheek and he smiled down at her. He could tell she was leaning in because she wanted to kiss him, but it was much too close to a manor teaming with nobles who would love to find a scandal in Leonor’s behavior. While the noble life wasn’t his own, he was aware of the snakes feeding each other poison. The Prince had certainly warned him of such through rants while they sparred.

"You are breathtaking," he said in a low voice, resisting her lips as they came closer. He stepped away. "There’s no time to waste. I have to show you something."

Peering out from where they hid, Valerio saw no guests or guards and he pulled Leonor forward by her hand. He started guiding her in an unexpected direction as they headed south.

As they continued, Leonor’s heart dropped.

"I don’t want to go this way," she urged, trying to pull her hand from his. "My mother’s garden is this way."

"Please trust me," he requested. "Close your eyes if you have to."

She met his ruby eyes with a desperate expression and only found love emanating back to her. With a nod, she did as he asked and they resumed on their path. With their fingers laced together as they continued forward, she put her trust in him. She knew he would never do anything to betray her.

They started to slow down and, instead of holding his hand, she grabbed his arm, hugging it close to her body. She was feeling nervous. The scent in the air was recognizable and pulled at her heart in the worst way.

Eventually, they stopped after passing through a tall gate and Valerio simply gazed at her for a moment.

His heart was in his throat and he tried to calm himself down. He had a surprise for her he had been working on for a few days. It was no small feat but it was worth it to show her that he held onto her every word and would do anything he could with what little power he had to make her happy.

"Leonor," he whispered. "I hope you like it."

She already knew where they were, but the moment she opened her eyes, she stumbled backward a couple of steps.

In front of her was the lilac garden her mom loved until her last breath. The bushes were organized by color ranging from dark purple to light purple to white.

For the first time in years, they were perfectly manicured and hanging over the path rather than covering every bit of the space. The count had locked the gate to keep visitors from witnessing the disarray but it seemed Valerio found a way to unlock it.

Tears filled her eyes but she didn’t think she was sad. Her feelings were so complicated.

Valerio wanted to give her a moment to gather herself and figure out how it made her feel. However, Leonor was in front of him, staring up at him with an unbridled expression of shock.

"I don’t know what I could possibly say..." she trailed off.

No words were needed as she leaned into him, requesting he kiss her since no one was around. She needed nothing else at that moment. Her heart was overflowing.

His arms went around her and he returned her affection tenfold. She didn’t know how to use her words, only to show him how she felt.

Her actions became more heated and she slipped her tongue into his mouth, deepening the kiss as she requested a little bit more from him.

They didn’t know how long they kissed before they pulled away from each other and Leonor clung to him.

"I wish I could give you all of myself," she admitted. "I wish I could leave with you."

The word ’love’ was at the tip of Valerio’s tongue. Never was there a more opportune time to say that he had fallen deeply and undyingly in love with the girl before him. It had been a whirlwind his heart wasn’t prepared for. His heart was hers and he undoubtedly held hers as well. The honest expression on her face was so telling of the way she felt.

"I promise–"

But it was lost to the night. He would never get to say the words he wanted to.

"Like hell, you will!" a voice came from the opposite side of the southern garden as if it had been waiting for her all along.

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