The Villainess's Secret Bedroom Service
Chapter 99: No Exceptions

Chapter 99: No Exceptions

The remainder of the day unfolded at a similarly frantic pace as it had begun. Given that Damien’s opulent mansion lacked attire suitable for a young child, Rosalie, with the duke’s gracious consent, resolved to whisk Illai and Aurora away to the bustling Shopping District. There, they embarked on a mission to procure the essential items befitting a child.

Though Illai remained gripped by fear and hesitation while navigating the bustling crowds, the unwavering emotional support provided by Lady Ashter gradually transformed his trepidation. Surprisingly, Illai found himself embracing the outing, particularly as the tiring meandering through shops culminated in a delightful dinner at one of the Capital’s most renowned restaurants.

Another unexpected hurdle in Illai’s journey toward adapting to his new life came in the form of Sir Logan. Damien’s demanding schedule left him unable to personally oversee the boy’s education. Thus, the responsibility of persuading a skilled knight to mentor the child fell upon Rosalie’s capable shoulders. After numerous negotiations and a fair share of deliberation, the knight eventually relented, agreeing to take Illai under his tutelage with a solemn pledge to show no leniency during their upcoming training sessions.

Now, as the clock’s hands indicated a time well past midnight, Rosalie emerged from her bathroom, her weariness almost palpable. Oddly, though, a sense of relief washed over her – despite the exhaustion, she found solace in the busyness of her day and relished the profoundly satisfying feeling that came from assisting another soul.

She tiptoed toward her bed and gazed upon the peacefully slumbering boy, who was snugly nestled beneath the soft, comforting embrace of her plush blanket. Illai, still reluctant to part from the lady’s side, had secured himself a temporary place in her room, a concession she willingly granted until he mustered the courage to occupy his own. Her capacious bed made this arrangement quite accommodating, a detail that scarcely bothered her.

’The bathwater was unusually warm this time. I could really use a drink.’

Deciding against rousing the household maids, who were all deep in their nocturnal rest, she silently departed her quarters and embarked on a quiet journey downstairs to the kitchen. There, she intended to procure a pitcher of water and two cups, considering the possibility that Illai might also be in need of refreshment as soon as he wakes up.

As she made her way back to her bedroom, her arms laden with the recently acquired items, she stumbled upon Damien emerging from his study. He had draped a damp, white towel around his neck, indicating his recent bath.

Seeing him in this state once again stirred Lady Ashter’s emotions. His attire, consisting of loose-fitting black trousers, elegantly outlined his powerful legs while his unbuttoned, slightly moist white shirt clung to his robust physique, hinting at the contours of his well-defined abdomen and broad chest. His dark, wet hair cascaded over his forehead like a disheveled curtain, partially veiling his gleaming golden eyes, and occasionally releasing droplets of water as he moved his head.

The girl could not help but feel a renewed sense of self-consciousness. Damien was already extraordinarily handsome, yet there was something about this simple, vulnerable, yet utterly enchanting look that made him seem more authentic, more tangible. It was as though he had transcended being a mere product of someone’s wild imagination and had become a genuine, real person.

Caught in the mesmerizing pull of his presence, Rosalie suddenly found herself face to face with the Duke, his gaze akin to that of a serpent’s. He spoke in a hushed tone, his words breaking the spell of the moment,

"Lady Rosalie? Why are you still awake at this hour?"

With a start, Lady Ashter snapped back to reality. She blinked away her astonishment and gestured to the pitcher and two cups cradled in her hands, offering the man a somewhat awkward smile.

"I went down to fetch some water, and now I’m on my way back to my room. The day turned out to be rather hectic, so I ended up staying up late."

"I see... What about the boy? Is he comfortable in the guestroom?"

Rosalie shook her head, releasing a short but weary sigh.

"He is actually in my room for now. He is still too frightened to leave my side, so I’ve allowed him to sleep in my bed."

Damien’s calm expression morphed into one of complete bewilderment as her words registered in his mind. He lowered the towel from his neck and arched his eyebrows, uttering in astonishment,

"I beg your pardon? He is sleeping in your bed as well?!"

Lady Ashter could not help but be taken aback by the man’s seemingly extreme reaction. She widened her eyes, a silent query in her gaze as she tried to decipher the cause of his surprised response.

"It’s not a big deal, Your Grace; after all, he is just a child."

But to Damien, her words felt like a sudden slap in the face. Why had he reacted so strongly to something as innocent as a child sharing a room with Rosalie? Illai was indeed just a child, yet Damien found himself grappling with a strange and irrational emotion. Absurd as it seemed, the Grand Duke Damien Dio was, in that moment, inexplicably gripped by a sense of jealousy.

’I cannot help it. First, he calls her by her name, and now he is sleeping in her bed? This is insane. I’m going insane!’

As a whirlwind of frantic thoughts swirled through Damien’s restless mind, he approached his fiancée, then gently relieved her of the weighty pitcher, his long fingers encircling her delicate wrist. His gaze bore into her with intensity, his eyes locked onto her face. Rosalie, taken aback by this unexpected development, found herself momentarily speechless before words finally found their way out of her mouth,

"Your Grace? Where are we headed?"

Continuing with determined strides, Damien responded in a low and solemn tone,

"To your bedroom, Lady Rosalie. I simply cannot allow my fiancée to share her bed with another man, especially with our wedding day approaching."

Lady Ashter found herself rendered speechless again, uncertain of how to respond to this unexpected twist. However, as she observed a vivid blush suffusing the skin of Damien’s exposed ears, she could not stifle a bout of laughter. She wholeheartedly embraced Damien’s somewhat irrational yet endearing behavior, allowing him to guide the way. In a playful tone, she broke into a subdued but amused whisper.

"Your Grace, please, do calm down; after all, he is just a child."

Determination etched across Damien’s face as he asserted,

"I shall make no exceptions, Lady Rosalie!"

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