章 70: The Wedding Ring
Evangeline's Bathroom
Magdalene knelt beside the large, ornate bathtub, Steam rose around them, creating a quiet, intimate atmosphere. As she bathed her, Magdalene's hands moved carefully, her touch gentle yet firm.
Evangeline sat in the large tub, her arms folded tightly across her chest, her expression conflicted as she was narrating to Magdalene, her sleeves rolled up as she gently scrubbed Evangeline's back with a soft sponge. The warm water lapped quietly around them, its surface shimmering in the candlelight.
"So, that was what happened last night..." Magdalene said, her voice calm but curious. She glanced at Evangeline, who sighed in frustration. Evangeline absently stared at the wedding ring on her finger, before kicking the water lightly, sending ripples across the tub.
"Yes, Magdalene," Evangeline replied, her tone exasperated. "He looks so innocent when he's asleep, completely different from the annoying man he is during the day! And then... well, let's just say he was, uh, hard last night when he cuddled me. It was... pointed downward." Her face flushed with embarrassment as she recalled the sensation of Dominic's body pressing against hers, his presence both infuriating and impossible to ignore.
Magdalene, suppressing a chuckle, continued scrubbing Evangeline's back, her movements steady and soothing. "I see... It's normal. Some people are more... sexually active at night, after a long day," she said with a playful smirk, clearly amused by the situation.
Evangeline clenched her fists at Magdalene's nonchalant reply. Her mind flashed back to another moment, the memory of Dominic standing behind her in the dining room, the curtains drawn tight. That same oppressive feeling of being too close to him, yet entirely disconnected, gnawed at her.
Magdalene noticed the tension in Evangeline's body and tried to ease her discomfort. "He's your husband, My Lady. There's nothing wrong with that," she said softly. "From what you've told me, it seems clear that he desires you."
Evangeline snapped her head around, her face a mixture of frustration and disbelief. "Nothing wrong?!" she huffed, throwing her hands up before burying her face in them with a groan. "Ugh, I don't know why Grandmother married me off to this man. I'd rather die than let him anywhere near... that part of me. He doesn't desire me, Magdalene. He looks at me like I'm an insect—something he could crush easily without a second thought." Her voice wavered, and the weight of her words hung in the humid air.
Magdalene, ever the calm presence, shook her head gently, her eyes briefly catching on the glint of Evangeline's wedding ring. "Still, you're his wife," she murmured, dipping the sponge back into the water. "And it sounds like, whether he shows it or not, he does want you."
Evangeline sighed, turning back to face the bathroom wall. "Anyway," she said with forced nonchalance, "he's going to the hotel today... and he's taking me along."
Magdalene smiled, a soft chuckle escaping her lips as she worked the sponge up to Evangeline's shoulders. "That's good. We'll need to get you ready, My Lady." She paused, reaching for a bottle of fragrant oil nearby. "But with the anniversary only two weeks away... Are you sure you'll be alright? There's not much time left."
Evangeline fell silent for a moment, her gaze fixating on the rippling water. Slowly, she folded her arms over her chest, her posture stiffening with determination. "I know it won't be easy," she said, her voice low but resolute. "This is my opportunity to step into the light. I can do it... I will succeed, no matter what."
But as her words faded, her head lowered sadly. "And there's so much work ahead. I'll have to study the previous Grand Duke's records. There's just... so much to prepare for." Her reflection wavered in the water, echoing the uncertainty that lingered beneath her defiance.
Magdalene gently massaged Evangeline's scalp as she began washing her hair, her fingers working through the tangles. "You'll manage it, My Lady," she said softly, her words filled with quiet encouragement.Magdalene hesitated for a moment, then spoke quietly, "You've always worked hard. You've always found a way to rise above, no matter how heavy the burden." She paused, wringing out a washcloth, the water dripping back into the tub. "But don't carry it all alone, Evangeline. You have people who care about you."
Evangeline looked up, her eyes meeting Magdalene's in the reflection of the water. There was a flicker of gratitude in her gaze, but it quickly vanished as she closed her eyes and leaned back into the bath. "I can't afford to rely on others... not for this. Not when so much is at stake."
Magdalene blushed with excitement as she carefully scrubbed Evangeline's back. "Oh my... I'm so eager to see you start working for the country! I'll do my best to support you, Lady Evangeline." She giggled softly, but her expression quickly shifted as a sad sigh escaped her.
"Edward Sylen Brusward... you have no idea what's coming for you. Lady Evangeline is going to achieve great things. I won't let you control me or become your sex slave again, and I'll find a way to free myself from your shackles," she thought, clenching the sponge tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white with suppressed frustration.
Evangeline nodded, her face betraying no emotion. "Perhaps. But... he's going to leave me with an overwhelming amount of work. I'm expected to accompany him at all times—though that's not the issue. I need to take my medications seriously now," she said with a sigh. "He'll likely discuss hotel matters with me over dinner, or send documents through Caleb. More notifications than discussions, really."
Magdalene rinsed the sponge in the water and began pouring fragrant soap over Evangeline's hair, gently massaging it into her scalp. "Maybe he wants you to handle the hotel's affairs while he focuses on running the country. Even with the Duke and Duchess coronation approaching, your role could become vital—co-founders, ruling together."
Evangeline's eyes widened slightly as she stared at the water, her brow furrowing. "So that was his plan? Why didn't I think of it that way?" She let out a small sigh, shaking her head. "And after another long day of board meetings, I'm expected to warm his bed again... It makes me so angry. First, he invades Eastward—out of bounds—and then he dares to disrupt my peace by sleeping in his bed, doing as he pleases " Her voice grew tense with frustration as Magdalene's hands worked through her hair, massaging away the soap before rinsing it with the showerhead.
Magdalene smiled faintly, sensing Evangeline's emotions but keeping her own thoughts quiet. She dried Evangeline's wet hair with a soft towel and then applied jasmine-scented oil, the calming fragrance filling the room.
"I was planning on studying another series of books," Evangeline continued, "but he insisted I accompany him to the hotel. It's frustrating, but... perhaps it's for the best." Her hands clenched into fists beneath the water, determination sparking in her eyes. I must succeed... I'll betray you, Dominic, or I'll strike first, she thought, narrowing her eyes as her resolve deepened.
Breaking her internal thoughts, she glanced back at Magdalene. "What should I wear for the occasion? As my lady-in-waiting, you know best."
Magdalene nodded quickly, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Yes, My Lady. I'll prepare something perfect for you."
"She may look upset," Magdalene thought, "but I know she's excited. This is her moment to shine again in Verdaselles." As she began gathering Evangeline's hair into a neat style, Magdalene silently wished her all the success in the world, her own heart swelling with both hope.
A Few Minutes Later – Evangeline's Bedroom
Evangeline sat at the mirror of her dressing table, wearing a blue lace dress with long sleeves. She gazed at her reflection, her eyes heavy with thought, and sighed deeply. Magdalene stood behind her, carefully brushing Evangeline's hair, each stroke deliberate and gentle. The room was filled with quiet focus, save for the sound of the brush running through her hair.
Once Magdalene finished the elegant hairstyle, Evangeline reached for her wedding ring, sliding it onto her finger with a measured sense of duty. This morning felt different. As she moved to the small table beside her bed, she noticed that her breakfast had already been laid out—freshly baked bread, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of hot tea accompanied by a plate of fruit. Unlike other mornings, she ate steadily, finishing more than usual. Her appetite was better today, perhaps a sign of her determination. She washed down her last bite with the tea, then took her medications without hesitation. Magdalene stood nearby, watching over her with a mix of care and respect.
After breakfast, Evangeline rose from her seat, her steps light but purposeful as she approached the bedroom door. The blue heels on her feet clicked softly against the tiled floor. She moved with renewed energy, exuding confidence that Magdalene couldn't help but admire. Magdalene blushed with pride, walking beside her, impressed by the transformation of her lady.
As they approached the exit, Richard stepped into the hallway, his gaze immediately falling on Evangeline's blue heels. "Didn't I tell you not to wear heels? You'll hurt yourself," he said, shaking his head with a hint of disapproval.
Evangeline, without missing a beat, placed a finger gently on Richard's lips. "I'll be fine, Richard. Don't worry about me. I can manage," she said with a bright smile, her tone light yet confident. "I'm heading to business."
Richard paused, watching her closely. "Well, well, she's in a good mood, he thought, noting the change from her earlier frustration." His mind briefly wandered to last night—her trembling as she left Dominic's bedroom. He dismissed the thought for now, sensing it wasn't important at the moment.
As Richard took her hand, intending to kiss it out of habit, his eyes caught sight of the wedding ring on her finger. His lips froze momentarily, his heart stirring with a quiet unease. The ring felt like a subtle, invisible threat—a reminder of Dominic's presence in her life. "Did Dominic place it there?" he wondered, knowing the time he had been spending together with Evangeline. He hid his discomfort behind a calm demeanor, lowering his head to kiss the ring instead.
"Be safe... and good luck on your trip," Richard said softly, the calmness in his voice masking his inner thoughts. Without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Evangeline watching his retreating figure.
Dominic at the Stairway
Dominic stood at the top of the grand stairway, dressed impeccably in a sharp three-piece suit, reminiscent of the finest businessman. His black wool coat was tailored to perfection, cinched at the waist to highlight his lean, athletic figure. Beneath it, he wore a crisp white shirt with a starched collar, a dark silk tie neatly knotted at his throat. His trousers, tailored to fall just above his polished black leather shoes, gave him an air of understated power. His strawberry-blonde hair was styled to perfection, the long strands swept back in a charming, controlled manner that allowed a few locks to fall effortlessly over his forehead, framing his face with a devilish elegance.
From the shadows of the stairway, Dominic watched Evangeline and Richard interact, unnoticed by either of them. A smirk of satisfaction spread across his beautiful, yet sinister face. His piercing gaze locked onto Richard's reaction when he saw the wedding ring gleaming on Evangeline's finger. Richard's subtle unease at the sight of the ring fed Dominic's sense of triumph.
Dominic turned away, his polished shoes clicking lightly against the marble floor as he made his way toward the other exit leading outside the palace. He moved with graceful purpose, his coat billowing slightly behind him as he descended the stairs.
The Automobile Departure
Outside, Magdalene escorted Evangeline to the waiting automobile where Dominic was already seated in the backseat, his legs casually crossed. Caleb sat in the front beside the driver, watching the preparations with quiet attentiveness.
"Farewell, my lady... Good luck," Magdalene said warmly with a smile, watching as Evangeline stepped into the car. Evangeline waved at her briefly before the automobile rumbled to life and began its journey toward the palace gates.
From the bedroom window, Richard stood, his eyes narrowing as he watched the automobile pull away. The sight of Dominic leaving with Evangeline deepened the feeling of threat inside him. He clenched his jaw, his gaze lingering on the vehicle until it disappeared from view.
Inside the Automobile, silence filled the space between Evangeline and Dominic. Both stared out of their respective windows, lost in their own thoughts. The hum of the engine was the only sound as the vehicle rolled over the cobblestone streets. Dominic's mind, however, was far from still. He turned his head slightly, catching the familiar scent of jasmine wafting from Evangeline's hair, and a subtle smile played at the corner of his lips.
His eyes flicked down to her hand, where the wedding ring sparkled in the daylight. "What a good girl, he mused, his expression darkening with satisfaction. She didn't take it off. Richard— Dominic's thoughts sharpened, the name Henry Berbill flashing across his mind—your time here is running out. I'll use Evangeline as my pawn to remove you... one of the last obstacles in my way. You won't interfere with our marriage any longer." His fists clenched briefly, though his face remained impassive as he turned back to the window, the engine rumbling steadily as the car pressed onward.
Evangeline, seated beside him, let out a frustrated sigh. She cast a sidelong glance at Dominic, her gaze sharp with barely-contained anger" Dominic, you said I should use you and betray you, since I believe you're using me. Well, I won't hold back. I'll make sure I strike first and take what's rightfully mine," she thought, her eyes narrowing as she clutched the anniversary records in her lap.
Dominic sensed her tension, but he remained silent, allowing a faint smile to tug at his lips as he saw her focusing intently on the notes. Her determination amused him, yet it was exactly what he had come to expect—and desire—from her. He didn't need words; her actions told him everything he wanted to know.
As the automobile continued its journey, neither of them spoke, each silently calculating their next move.
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