The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 142: Happy Birthday, Rosalie

Chapter 142: Happy Birthday, Rosalie

As Rosalie blinked open her eyes, she discovered herself standing amidst the crystal-clear waters of the sea, far from the comforting embrace of the shore. The day boasted a brilliant sun, its warm rays dancing upon her long, loose locks, as the refreshing breeze orchestrated a playful ballet, gently swaying the shimmering azure waves in a soothing, hypnotic rhythm.

Clad in a flowing, unassuming white dress that cascaded elegantly around her, she could feel the icy embrace of the seabed sand firmly enveloping her bare feet. The tranquil waters lapped softly at her waist, creating a serene melody that blended seamlessly with the surrounding serenity. With a curious gaze, she turned to survey her surroundings, only to find herself embraced by an eerie, yet captivating, solitude.

"What is happening? My dreams are usually so dark and eerie, but this one feels different. How did I end up standing in the water? And how did I even get here in the first place?"

With a perplexed frown knitting her brow, Rosalie attempted to make her way back to the safety of the shore. However, no matter how much she willed her legs to cooperate, they remained stubbornly rooted in place, intensifying her growing sense of unease.

As she struggled against the invisible force that seemed to hold her captive, the water around her began to lose its former clarity, gradually transforming from a pristine azure into a murky, dark blue. Gradually, it took on an unsettling shade of brown, before finally succumbing to a sinister, complete blackness that resembled an entire sea drained and refilled with viscous oil.

"Why... What is going on? How did the water turn black?"

Desperate to escape the eerie situation, she attempted to push herself forward by moving her arms, but the inky substance surrounding her seemed to resist every effort. It had transformed into something alien, no longer possessing the fluidity of water. Instead, it clung to her skin like a thick, oppressive sludge. Strangely, despite its pitch-black hue, whenever the sunlight touched its surface, the liquid responded with a ghastly, almost macabre crimson glow.

"Could this be... blood?"

As if in response to her chilling realization, the black water began to surge, its once serene surface now marred by tumultuous ripples that hinted at an impending tempest. Each wave crashed with a newfound ferocity, as if the sea itself was preparing to unleash a sinister force upon her.

Rosalie panicked. The water was now covering her neck. She was about to drown.

"Ah!"

With a sudden jolt, Rosalie found herself back in the comfort of her bedroom, snugly cocooned beneath the familiar embrace of her white spring blanket, the rhythmic sound of Damien’s soft snores providing a comforting backdrop.

Sitting up in bed, she rubbed her warm forehead, as if attempting to erase the lingering traces of the unsettling dream. However, instead of the expected sense of relief, she winced, her entire body responding with a peculiar, achy sensation that seemed to course through her veins alongside her blood.

’Ugh... Am I coming down with something? Feels like I’m catching a cold. Great, just what I need right now.’

Rosalie’s slight movements stirred Damien from his slumber. Still half in the realm of dreams, he gently enveloped his wife’s waist with his strong arms, nestling his chin atop her shoulder, and whispered softly into the curve of her neck,

"Why are you up so early? Go back to sleep, birthday girl."

A grin tugged at Rosalie’s lips, unable to resist the warmth of the moment. It was, after all, her birthday. Perhaps for the first time in many years, she would not be marking the day alone. Despite the unwelcome sensation of impending illness, a sense of joy and anticipation coursed through the duchess.

Caught up in the shared joy of the moment, Damien leaned in to plant a tender kiss on Rosalie’s cheek, his affectionate gaze shifting toward her lips. Abruptly, Rosalie pressed her palm against his mouth, gently shaking her head.

"Sorry, not today. I feel like I am getting sick. I would not want you to catch it too."

The duke’s eyes widened, his previously composed expression now etched with a flicker of worry.

"Sick? Should I call Revered Altair right away? We cannot let you fall ill on your birthday!"

Rosalie felt touched by her husband’s genuine concern, yet she still had to dismiss it with a gentle shake of her head.

"Do not fret, love. Altair will be around for the banquet, so I will chat with him then. Moreover, I’ve got a bustling day ahead overseeing all the preparations. It has been decades since the Dio mansion hosted such a grand celebration. I want every detail to be flawless."

Damien responded to her resolve with another tender kiss, this time planting it softly on her shoulder.

"Today’s banquet holds immense significance for me, Rosalie, as it is a celebration of you. Hence, everything has to be, and will be, impeccable. However, if you need some rest, please do not hesitate to take a break. I am more than happy to take the reins and help out."

As the duchess traced her fingers along Damien’s arms, which still enveloped her in a tender embrace, a soft smile graced her lips at the sight of tiny goosebumps sprouting across his skin. In a playful attempt to conceal his endearing sensitivity, Damien gently took hold of Rosalie’s left hand, drawing it closer to his lips and planting a delicate kiss on her skin.

Amused by his playful antics, the lady flashed a knowing smile before adding,

"You do not need to burden yourself with the banquet. Your daily tasks are demanding as it is. I promise not to push myself too hard. Just concentrate on your responsibilities today."

A wave of warmth washed over Damien at her thoughtful words. Slowly, he gently pivoted Rosalie’s torso to face him, their faces hovering closely. With a tenderness that radiated from his gaze, he placed another loving kiss, this time on her smooth forehead, and matched her smile, as he added,

"Happy birthday, Rosalie."