Chapter 267
She had never imagined that she would find herself in a situation like this.
âMadam, this is rose oil made by my older sister. I selected the finest quality, so I would be very happy if you would use it.â
âYour sister, is she perhaps the one whose shop was swindled that timeâŚ?â
âYes, my sister runs a perfume shop.â
Even when Yona came and applied the oil to her hair and entire body after her bathâŚ
âI feel relieved now. Madam, you may sleep in tomorrow, so please have a pleasant night.â
Even when she heard Melanieâs meaningful wordsâŚ
âAunt, youâre really going stay in the same bedroom as Uncle starting today, right?â
Even when Ian only left after confirming that she and Ash had entered the bedroom togetherâŚ
Even when faintly scented candles, wine, and sleepwear light enough for summer had been neatly folded on the bedâŚ
She had thought everyone was harboring unrealistic expectations.
But who could have known something like this would happen?
The damp sound of something rubbing.
Heavy breathing that burst intermittently between low, suppressed groans.
Curses forced out with slurred pronunciation.
Every sound leaking through the slightly open bathroom door sharpened her senses.
These were private, intimate sounds she was not meant to hear.
âThis is driving me crazy, why did I have to wake up in the middle of the nightâŚ!â
She had fallen asleep quickly, exhausted from walking around all day, but the movement of the bed had woken her.
âI know I should pull the blanket over my head, or cover my earsâŚâ
Either way.
If she didnât maintain this position now, wouldnât he notice something was strange when he came back after finishing his âbusinessâ?
For now, pretending to be asleep was best.
If he caught her covering her ears, it would be embarrassing for both of them, since it would reveal that she had overheard something private.
With her eyes tightly shut, Nina recited the national anthem in her head.
She wanted to distract her mind, but the very fact that she was trying meant it was already hopeless.
It was impossible not to focus all her attention on the bathroom where he was.
Her stomach tightened naturally from the tension.
Why was there not even a hint of wind tonight?
It was such a quiet night that even the faintest rustling sounded like thunder.
The sounds that stimulated her hearing until her fine hairs stood on end naturally gave rise to inappropriate images.
âStop it! Brain, please stop! What exactly are you imagining? Are you going to keep thinking such rude things?â
Nina let out a silent scream and curled into herself.
Even with her eyes closed, the sharply defined image of solid muscles rose vividly before her, driving her mad.
How long had she endured like that?
After the sounds from the bathroom completely stopped, the sound of washing could be heard a short while later.
ââŚâŚâ
Nina desperately held her breath.
Step, step.
As the presence drew closer, her heart pounded wildly.
At this rate, it felt like he would notice that she was awake.
âHaâŚâ
But perhaps her worry was unnecessary.
In the darkness, he let out a low sigh, then his cool hand carefully lifted her hair.
âFortunately, thereâs no trace left.â
Then, as if tracing the marks of that day, his fingertips gently brushed down the back of her neck.
ââŚâŚâ
He looked at her.
For quite a long time, until the awareness that had been so clear it seemed sleep would never come finally sank beneath the surface.
Though her eyes were closed, it was a night when she could feel the deep anguish in his gaze.
* * *
He had thought it would be fine. That he would be able to endure it to some extent.
That was, until he saw his wife moving freely within âhis domainâ in more comfortable attire than ever before.
ââŚSo you arranged to meet the two families in front of House Lambert?â
When he asked in a rough, hoarse voice, thick with âaccumulated fatigueâ, Nina looked around and answered,
âThat would be more convenient.â
Today was the day of the charity party hosted by House Lambert.
To avoid attention, the two of them were waiting at a corner of the Lambert residence for the carriages of House Taylor and House Bernard.
Watching the steady stream of people entering the building, Ash said,
âBut my brother-in-law doesnât seem like someone with an easygoing temperament. Itâs surprising that he agreed to your request without complaint.â
âHe may seem prickly, but heâs actually soft-hearted and kind. When I asked if he could help, he said he would.â
A proud smile toward her family rose at Ninaâs lips.
