The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 135: A Drastic Change

Chapter 135: A Drastic Change

As the gentle embrace of a brief slumber gradually ebbed away, Rosalie stirred and blinked her eyes open, finding herself met by the proximity of Damien’s chest, looming just inches from her gaze. Her initial surprise widened her eyes momentarily; dawn was an unusual time for such proximity. However, a surprising sense of tranquility soon enveloped her, coaxing her back into a state of relaxation. She surrendered once more to the comforting embrace of waking up nestled in the warmth of another’s arms.

She shifted her gaze upward, hoping to steal a glimpse of Damien’s sleeping face, but to her slight disappointment, he was already wide awake. His glistening golden eyes were fixed intently upon his wife, a subtle yet affectionate smile gently gracing his sensual lips.

It was a bizarre feeling to have. They spent the entire night making love passionately as if their lives depended on it, and yet, there was not a single word spoken. And now it felt like anything either of them would say would feel extremely overdue. It was awkward and strange. And a little uncomfortable too.

Damien continued to observe his wife as she immersed herself in the whirlwind of her thoughts for a while. He let out a small scoff and then, with deliberate tenderness, selected one of Rosalie’s wavy locks and began to idly twirl it between his fingers. Only then did he finally break the silence and say,

"Good morning, Rosalie. I’ve missed you."

A flush of warmth surged to Lady Ashter’s cheeks as his words slowly permeated her consciousness. An irresistible urge to break into a smile seized her in an instant. Her heart quickened its pace, resembling a galloping horse, while a delightful tingling sensation unfurled across her stomach and chest.

He had missed her, sincerely.

In response, she mirrored his sentiments, allowing her smile to bloom, and she nodded her head, expressing her reciprocal emotions.

"Good morning, Damien. I missed you as well. I’m truly glad to have you back."

It seemed as though there should have been more to say and delve into.

What happened to you during your time on the battlefield?

How do you feel following our night together?

Did you experience loneliness in my absence here?

Had anyone made an attempt to harm you during my absence?

Numerous questions lingered, awaiting their answers, yet for some reason, neither of them felt inclined to broach those subjects. It was as if everything else had become inconsequential, with only their presence in that moment holding any real significance.

***

Despite Damien’s unannounced return to his abode, the grand mansion offered him a somewhat reserved and matter-of-fact reception, almost as if his return from the battlefield, where he had encountered numerous perils, was to be expected. Strangely, Damien appeared unfazed by this somewhat chilly reception. Life had swiftly resumed its customary rhythm, as if Damien’s absence had never occurred.

Nevertheless, there was one notable alteration, and it was quite substantial.

Damien, despite having previously revealed his unexpectedly affectionate side to Rosalie, underwent a transformation into a somewhat clingy and mildly possessive husband. He made a resolute decision to accompany his wife wherever she ventured without a rest.

He assisted her in preparing for her morning bath and remained by her side as she readied herself for the day, disregarding his own preparations entirely.

He observed her during breakfast, gently encouraging her to consume more, all the while disregarding the protests of his own grumbling stomach.

Seated beside her in his study, he attentively observed Rosalie tending to the day’s paperwork. His sharp golden eyes remained unwaveringly trained on her, as though he feared missing even the briefest moment of her presence.

As much as Rosalie cherished such undivided attention, as the day progressed, a slight sense of irritation began to creep in. She inhaled deeply, then exhaled with a profound weariness before finally raising her head, fixing the duke with a penetrating glare.

"Damien... Perhaps you would like to engage in conversation? Or, if you prefer, would you consider lending a hand with your work?"

Damien responded with a subtly mischievous smile, gently shaking his head,

"Rosalie, His Majesty the Emperor has granted me a brief respite to aid in my recuperation from the rigors of battle and the journey back home. The weather outside today is exceptionally fine. Would you care to join me for a leisurely horseback ride?"

Lady Ashter arched her eyebrows, clearly displaying her bewilderment.

"Horseback riding? I must confess, I have no experience in that regard."

A sly smile tugged at the corners of Damien’s lips as he leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms in front of his chest.

"Then I shall be the rider, and you, my dear, shall savor the experience. If you are curious, I could also offer to teach you. What do you think of that proposal?"

While Rosalie grappled with the considerable shift in her husband’s behavior, she could not deny a growing sense of intrigue. After all, she had not ventured into horseback riding at all during her life, and the inviting embrace of spring’s warmth held a strong allure, tempting her to abandon her responsibilities for the day. The idea of basking in the gentle sunlight and inhaling the rejuvenating fragrance of blossoming flora seemed too enticing to resist.

Still in a state of hesitation, she turned to gaze out of the tall window, almost as if she were searching for a sign that would grant her permission to forgo her duties and embark on a romantic escape.

"Somehow, it feels as though I have returned to my previous life, desperately seeking a plausible excuse to evade work."

Turning back to face Damien, she encountered his charming, slightly dreamy smile and a hopeful expression that evoked the image of a dog eagerly awaiting its owner’s invitation for a stroll. It was a persuasive sight, and perhaps, that was the true sign she had been seeking.

With another sigh that carried a hint of resignation, Rosalie finally nodded and replied,

"Very well, horseback riding does sound delightful."