Chapter 18
How did it come to this?
Cecilia stared blankly at the hand Eden had clasped in his sleep, lost in thought.
Even if they shared a bed, she’d assumed it would be like their wedding night—not even a brush of skin before they slept. That was why she had so readily allowed him to sleep beside her again.
“Ha…”
And yet, unexpectedly, Eden had held her hand. Like a child seeking comfort in a mother’s warmth, he had fallen asleep clutching her hand.
‘I’ll try to return your feelings in kind.’
Perhaps he meant to uphold his word, the promise to “try.” But it didn’t sit well with her. After all, those words had been nothing more than a pretense—a fabricated excuse to keep physical distance.
She’d expected him to withdraw, using her apology as a way to step back. She never imagined he’d offer to love her in return.
‘Men are such creatures—push them away, and they’ll chase you all the harder.’
Monte’s words suddenly resurfaced. In her past life, Cecilia had believed Eden was above such foolishness. But in the end, was he just the same as any other man?
“What are you thinking about?”
Cecilia murmured softly. She knew Eden, in deep sleep, wouldn’t hear her. A short laugh escaped her lips at the absurdity of her own actions.
“Nothing important.”
With that, she carefully pulled her hand free from his. It wasn’t difficult—he was well asleep now.
Eden’s promise had been unexpected, but it was to her advantage. Emotions were sharp blades, and one day, they would find his heart undefended.
“My lord.”
“…”
“Eden.”
Cecilia sat up and downed the remaining wine in his glass in one gulp.
“I love you.”
The words slipped out like drunken murmurs, a lie veiled in a lover’s tone. Eden, even in sleep, smiled faintly—like a man who’d heard the confession in a dream.
Cecilia mirrored his smile.
The truth is… In this life, I want you to love me. Like my love killed me, I want yours to tighten around your throat—until you choke on it.
Three days later, on the agreed-upon date, the Marquess and Marchioness of Caliber arrived at the townhouse.
“Welcome, Siena!”
Just as Cecilia took a step forward to greet them, her hastened pace caused her to step on her hem.
“Careful.”
As she stumbled, Eden quickly reached out, steadying her by the waist. His warm hand gripped her slender waist and the curve of her hip securely.
“Thank you.”
Cecilia straightened, smiling awkwardly.
“I’m alright now, my lord.”
“The sweetness between you two is palpable.”
Siena, approaching with her husband, chuckled mischievously. Her tone left no doubt that she was teasing. Flustered, Cecilia gently pushed Eden away.
“I nearly fell, and my lord merely caught me. It was nothing.”
“You’re married—no need to be embarrassed.”
Siena reassured her with a knowing grin.
“And you’ve been under the weather, haven’t you? No wonder the Duke is so attentive.”
At Siena’s words, Eden nodded subtly. After spending the night together, Cecilia had begun to sneeze. Summer colds were often seen as a sign of weakness, and the staff had been fussing over her excessively.
“She’s always been delicate.”
Eden wasn’t much different. He acted out his concern with tireless devotion.
“Exactly.”
Siena agreed. The only one who seemed uneasy with this overprotectiveness was Illina.
“Let’s go inside and talk.”
Feeling awkward at being treated like an invalid, Cecilia quickly led them indoors.
“Who’s that?”
On their way to the dining room, Siena leaned in and whispered, nodding toward Illina who followed at a respectful distance.
“My new handmaid. She’s the daughter of Count Nova.”
“Surely the capital has no shortage of ladies eager to serve the Duchess. Why bring a count’s daughter?”
Siena seemed skeptical, noting Illina’s beauty and suggesting she wasn’t the wisest choice.
“The Nova family is sworn to the House of Rain. Helping Illina secure a good match is my way of repaying their service.”
Cecilia’s response made Siena nod.
“That makes sense. After all, the capital is where the most powerful houses gather.”
Wanting a good match was only natural, and Siena had also married well. Criticizing that desire would be hypocritical.
“Still, marry her off quickly and replace her. I can even introduce you to a proper young lady.”
Siena added her advice, not unkindly.
Cecilia took it in stride. That was why, after their meal, she invited Illina to join them for tea.
“I thought it would be good for Illina to become acquainted with you, Siena. You don’t mind, do you?”
Warmth toward oneself often bred animosity toward rivals.
“Illina Nova of House Nova greets the Marquess and Marchioness of Caliber.”
Ilina, unaware of Cecilia’s true intentions, appeared in a lavish outfit and greeted them with eager politeness.
“Ilina doesn’t know many people in the capital,” Cecilia explained, “so I thought it would be nice for her to get acquainted with you, Siena.”
At that, Ilina’s eyes sparkled with emotion.
“Thank you for your kindness, Your Grace.”
“Always remember just how thoughtful the Duchess is, and act accordingly,” Siena said coolly.
“Of course, my lady. I’ll always give it my utmost.”
Even at Siena’s subtly condescending tone, Ilina responded meekly. Siena didn’t press her further.
“You’d think I’ve done something grand,” Cecilia added with a sweet smile. “Truth is, I actually feel a bit sorry toward Ilina.”
And with that, she cast a stone across the still waters.
Siena blinked in surprise. Ilina, too, looked caught off guard.
“A few days ago, some of the staff hadn’t received their pay. Ilina noticed it right away and pointed out the issue.”
Cecilia clasped her hands gently as she spoke.
“Someone with that kind of mind, and here I have her doing menial tasks for me. It weighs on me a little.”
Across the room, Eden, who had been speaking with the Marquess of Caliber, slightly furrowed his brow at her words.
“That’s nonsense, Cecilia!” Siena protested. “Serving someone like the Duchess is an honor few could dream of.”
“I’m not the type to enjoy appearing at social functions, and I’m certainly not captivating enough to hold court like you, Siena.”
Cecilia confessed her own shortcomings with disarming honesty.
Ilina’s gaze toward her shimmered—curious, almost calculating.
“Cecilia…”
“I’m hardly a useful wife to the Duke. I always feel like I’m falling short.”
Perhaps Ilina believed herself more fitting for Eden than Cecilia, who had nothing but her father’s title to her name. Which was precisely what Cecilia wanted.
Go ahead. Covet him again. But this time, don’t bother hiding it.
“Eden—no, the Duke—was never fond of public engagements either,” Siena replied. “There’s nothing for you to feel sorry about.”
“Don’t tell me he’s ever criticized you for it?” she asked sharply, shifting her gaze toward Eden.
The edge in her voice made it clear: if he had, she wouldn’t let it slide.
“Of course not. His Grace has never made me feel that way.”
Cecilia’s reply caused Siena to instinctively glance toward Ilina. Naturally so—Cecilia had made it seem as though her worries stemmed from Ilina’s presence.
And Ilina, notably, hadn’t even offered a token reassurance.
Siena didn’t care if Ilina hadn’t had the chance to speak—her silence was inexcusable.
“You shouldn’t let an impolite maid cause such thoughts, Cecilia,” Siena said firmly. “You’re one of the most honored members of the Wyatt imperial family.”
It was the maid’s fault for being all self-importance and no tact. Siena saw it clearly.
“Just showing your harmonious relationship with Eden is enough to inspire everyone’s admiration.”
Ilina, now painted as a disrespectful maid, looked stricken. Yet Siena didn’t give her an opening to speak.
Ilina, denied even the chance to defend herself, had become invisible in the room.
“And your maid can move on to a well-matched marriage—far above her station.”
Siena glanced briefly at Ilina as she said it. Ilina bowed her head, swallowing her shame. She had no right to challenge the words of imperial nobility.
“Stop worrying and take Eden on a date. It’ll do you good.”
“He’s been busy lately…”
“Too busy to make time for his own wife? I doubt that.”
Siena shot Eden a pointed look—daring him to disagree.
“I heard the Duchess plans to visit a bookstore tomorrow.”
“…”
“Surely you weren’t planning to send her alone?” Siena asked, brow raised.
Ilina’s eyes subtly slid toward Eden, who sat leisurely, his crossed legs stretched out under the sunlight, looking like a lounging beast.
“Of course not.”
Eden’s response was crisp and immediate. Siena finally seemed satisfied.
“But why go book shopping, anyway?”
At that, Cecilia’s gaze shifted toward Ilina, who now sat awkwardly at the edge of the room. Her attention, however, was still fixed on the most beautiful man in the house.
“His Highness the Crown Prince asked a favor of me.”
“The Crown Prince?” Siena echoed in surprise.
The only time Ilina’s gaze shifted was when Cecilia mentioned Aster. Her eyes, wide with surprise, now locked onto Cecilia.
“Yes, I need to do some research.”
Cecilia’s calm reply met Ilina’s startled gaze. Ilina managed an uneasy smile.
Cecilia smiled back.
It’s time to stop playing games.
