ETDO Chapter 8
by lily plumI turned on the water and washed my hands, making sure the lather of foam was just right. I blinked rapidly, trying to stop the tears that threatened to well up. I tried to compose myself, putting on as dignified an expression as I could manage as I left the restroom.
Honestly, I wanted to flee the Countess’s house that very instant. I didn’t want to see Lady Wellington’s face again, nor the faces of the other young ladies who had flocked around her.
However, I hesitated slightly when I thought of the Countess, who had been so considerate to me all day, and Arthur, who had recommended me to this gathering.
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With reluctant steps, I slowly started to make my way back to my seat when a sudden commotion erupted from the entrance of the mansion. I turned my head absentmindedly and was surprised to see Arthur standing there, surrounded by people.
W-Why is he here? He didn’t say he was coming.
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A wave of relief unconsciously washed over me at the sight of him. I breathed a sigh and hurried towards him.
However, Arthur was already surrounded by several young ladies, including Lady Wellington. The sharp words they had flung at me earlier came flooding back, and I faltered, stopping in my tracks.
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Their veiled barbs, disguised as kindness and false cordiality, pierced through my consciousness, reminding me once again of my pathetic position. A poor, hollow Duchess. A woman shamefully sold off to pay gambling debts.
I broke out in a cold sweat. Frozen in place, unable to move forward or back, I suddenly noticed Arthur’s eyes crinkle into crescents as he spotted me.
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“Lily!”
“Arthur? What brings you here?”
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I barely managed to pull myself together. Arthur approached me with a bright smile and embraced my waist.
“I figured the party would be winding down about now, so I came to get you. I simply couldn’t wait any longer to see you, my dear.”
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I heard murmurs of “Oh my” and “Goodness” from behind us, but I didn’t turn around. I was overjoyed that he had bothered to come back to the Countess’s tea party, of all places, just to pick me up because he missed me. No matter what those women thought of me, he was definitely my savior. I stared at him and smiled brightly.
“Is that so? That’s wonderful. I was just about to leave.”
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I leaned closer to Arthur and whispered in his ear, just loud enough for him to hear.
“I missed you so much.”
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Arthur’s eyes widened, then he broke into a bright, happy smile. I linked my arm through his. I wanted to flaunt to those women, without a doubt, that this man was mine.
“Shall we go home now?”
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I whispered to him again. Arthur nodded happily. As we turned, three young ladies stood directly in front of us, their eyes wide.
Except for Lady Wellington, the other two ladies clasped their hands in front of their chests, unable to tear their eyes away from his handsome face. I scoffed inwardly.
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The Countess of Lennox, having heard the news, hurried over and exclaimed,
“Oh my goodness! It seems the Duke’s love for his wife is beyond help. How can anyone bear such envy?”
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“Countess, I’m afraid I must kidnap my wife this instant. I simply couldn’t bear to wait a moment longer for her return. I hope you’ll understand.”
“Oh, of course, of course! Especially since you’ve come all this way yourself.”
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Arthur’s white fingers traced an elegant arc as he took the Countess’s hand. Then, like a butterfly, his red lips brushed lightly against the back of her plump hand. I swear I could have testified to seeing a faint blush rise on the Countess’s cheeks.
Releasing her hand with a graceful gesture, Arthur extended his hand to me. I placed my hand elegantly upon his, offering a polite farewell to the Countess.
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“Countess Lennox, thank you sincerely for your invitation today. I do hope I’ll have the opportunity to return the favor soon.”
Then, to the young ladies and Lady Wellington, who were staring at us with their mouths agape, I merely gave a curt nod. Then, I turned my head sharply away.
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I deliberately held my head high. I didn’t want them to see how my self-esteem had crumpled like an empty can, even if I was truly discouraged by my inability to fulfill the role of a Duchess.
Honestly, I had never doubted Arthur’s sincerity. On the day we first met, he explained everything to me, and that was enough. He really seemed like a trustworthy person.
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Furthermore, my husband had never once treated me like a cheap object that had been sold off. On the contrary, he cherished me like the most precious treasure in the world. Yet, these feelings of resentment must stem from my own insecurities.
It took longer than I expected to escape from the negative emotions that were eating away at me.
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─── ⋆⋅☼⋅⋆ ───
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The empire was in a state of extreme excitement, preparing to welcome the victorious army. A grand celebration was scheduled in the capital, and newspapers buzzed about it daily. Every social gatherings and events were all filled with the same topic.
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Because of this, the Duke’s estate was also busy preparing to greet the triumphant general. On top of that, there was the upcoming birthday party that will be held for the twins, which already had me overwhelmed with worry.
Dealing with Ethan alone was challenging enough, but now I’d have to handle only not him but also his fiancé. My head throbbed just thinking about it. The only saving grace was that Ethan would be staying in the imperial palace until the official events concluded.
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On the day of the triumphal ceremony, Ethan returned as a commanding general who had seized victory with dignity. He was given a hero’s welcome. The entire empire cheered his name, and countless people crowded the streets to watch the triumphal procession.
Alongside the grand victory parade, Ethan received extraordinary rewards from the Emperor, and the celebratory banquet continued into the evening. The Emperor generously bestowed honors upon soldiers and officers in recognition of the victory.
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Throughout the evening, I found myself utterly drained from pretending not to notice Ethan’s persistent gaze. The intensity of his stare, like that of a predator waiting for the perfect moment to pounce on its prey, made the back of my neck ache.
And, two days later, a ball held in the imperial palace was transformed into a victory celebration ball. Originally, it was planned as the opening event of the social season, but the ball naturally shifted in purpose due to the triumph. To commemorate the victory, the Emperor issued an unprecedented order for all nobles in the capital to attend.
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That evening, I wore a dress I had ordered with meticulous care. It was a splendid design featured a rich wine-red base with a golden rose pattern winding up like vines from the skirt to the bodice.
The deep plunging neckline and back accentuated my figure, and the tightly cinched corset enhanced my curves. From the fitted waist, the fabric flowed elegantly downward.
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My black hair was swept up high, exposing my pale neck, and my natural makeup emphasized my vividly red lips. To complete the look, I wore pearl earrings and a necklace Arthur had given me, adding a perfect finishing touch.
When I was ready, Arthur came to escort me—and he couldn’t close his mouth. The usually composed Duke, who always seemed to exude an air of unapproachable perfection, was nowhere to be seen.
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His stunned expression was so amusing that everyone around us couldn’t hold back their laughter. Mary, the maid who had helped me dress, had confidently predicted that the Duke would be astonished, and she was absolutely right.
Feeling slightly embarrassed under his heated gaze, I asked, “Is it… too much? Do I look strange?”
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“No.”
Finally snapping out of his daze, Arthur slowly approached me. Wrapping his arms around my waist, he gazed at my reflection in the mirror and smiled dreamily.
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“You look absolutely stunning, my wife.”
He gently pressed a kiss to the nape of my neck and whispered softly into my ear, “You’re so beautiful I want to carry you to bed right now.”
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Feeling both shy and delighted, I smiled brightly. After all, being the object of passionate desire for someone you love is always thrilling.
When we went downstairs, James and Mrs. Wilson’s gazes brimmed with pride, as if watching their grown child go out for the first time.
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“Have a lovely evening, Your Grace! Madam!”
Arthur and I boarded the carriage. Arthur, who hadn’t taken his eyes off me for a single moment, immediately pulled me into his arms as soon as we were left alone. He buried his face in my neck and whimpered.
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“What’s wrong, Arthur?”
He’s like a puppy. This man, why is he so adorable?
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I smiled softly.
“Lily… this is too much. How am I supposed to hold out until the ball is over…?”
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Burying his nose in my neck, he whined like a child. It reminded me of a large dog rubbing itself against its owner and acting cute, demanding affection, and I couldn’t help but burst into laughter.
What is this irresistible cuteness?
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“Do you like it?”
Instead of answering, he let out a low groan. Muttering quietly to himself, he nibbled gently at my neck and languidly licked my collarbone.
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“I like it so much it’s driving me crazy. So stop tempting me, otherwise we’ll both arrive at the ball in a very compromising state.”
“Oh my, Your Grace! What exactly are you planning to do before we arrive?”
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Arthur glared at me in mock reproach, but then, as if resigned, he buried his face in my neck again. In a barely audible mumble, he said, “I’ll have to recite prayers until we get there….”
I ended up laughing out loud. Seeing my husband, who was much larger than me, clinging like a real puppy and whining, was so endearing that I couldn’t help but hug him tightly.
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Exchanging a playful banter and gentle touches, we arrived at the imperial palace. From that moment on, time flew by in a blur.