The Dragon Duke's Wife - Chapter 27
Why had they broken the engagement? Why had he posted the marriage advertisement? Why her?
Would he have treated another woman like this?
She was too afraid to ask.
Instead, she decided to immerse herself even more in learning about the Duke’s household. Since she was now his wife, she wanted to become someone less lacking by being closer to him.
Though it was a different approach than what she had originally imagined, there was plenty for her to do.
She had already started learning about the family’s history and management, but she also hired etiquette and foreign language tutors. She wanted to acquire the grace and refinement befitting the Madam of the Velados family.
When she informed Khalid of her decision, he looked displeased, but he didn’t object.
“If that’s what you want, you can do whatever you like.”
“I’m not saying I’m studying for fun.”
“I know. Honestly, if it were up to me, I’d say you could skip social events if you find them annoying, but I know you’re diligent, so you won’t do that.”
“You can’t just skip it.”
“You’re the Duchess of Velados. You only need to follow the etiquette with the imperial family.”
“There’s so much more to learn than just socializing.”
Ancia said this while turning away from him. Khalid pulled her close and whispered softly in her ear.
“You can learn at your own pace. Your real duty isn’t that.”
She shuddered as his palm gently caressed her lower abdomen.
What he meant by duty was to bear an heir.
“Don’t think too much. All you need to think about is me.”
As he said that, his hand moved between her legs. Ancia bit her lip, trembling with pleasure, and turned her gaze away.
Every time they were together, he always initiated things physically. She couldn’t tell if it was because he was so fond of her own body, or if he was just that eager for an heir.
“The duty, of course, won’t be neglected.”
Khalid sensed something was off and tilted his head, almost as if to kiss her. Ancia shook her head.
“Can I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“Why did you choose me?”
“……”
He didn’t respond immediately. Ancia bit her lip, trying to keep her composure, but her mind was spinning.
Khalid eventually let out a soft laugh.
“Just because.”
“Just because?”
“Is that not enough?”
“……No.”
Ancia answered in a small voice. It felt as if her heart were breaking. She wasn’t sure what kind of answer she had expected.
Just because. Maybe it was just that. Among the many people who must have met the conditions from the marriage advertisement, he had simply chosen her. Just because. Without any particular reason.
Most of what he did probably worked that way. Without any reason, whether it was a contract marriage or whatever, he respected her, kissed her, gave her a ring, sent her flowers… Looking back, there was nothing special about her at all.
From the very beginning, when they barely knew each other’s names, Khalid’s attitude had never changed. This could only mean one thing: that first night she embraced him, stepping into this house with her small bag, his kindness would have been the same regardless of who stood in her place.
Perhaps he hadn’t truly wanted Ancia as his wife but had sought a new spouse merely to resolve the issues with Eleanor.
The veil he placed on her head that first night—was it originally meant for Eleanor?
“Ann…?”
But right now, the person he desired was her. Ancia chose to focus on that. Ultimately, she was the one meant to carry his child, to raise his heir. Not his former fiance. Once she conceived, that would solidify her place.
Ancia wrapped her arms around his neck.
“It will take time for my body to adjust enough to conceive, right?”
“That’s true.”
“…Then hold me more often. So I can become ready to accept you sooner…”
“You’re driving me crazy.”
He murmured, capturing her lips as he laid her across the desk. Without hesitation, he lifted her skirt, letting his fingers and tongue explore her. Her already damp entrance welcomed his fingers and spilled warm moisture like a spring.
“You’ve softened. You get wet even faster than before.”
“Ah… ah… ah!”
“Ann, do you like this?”
“Yes… I like it… I like it… ah!”
As she spoke, tears unexpectedly pricked the corners of her eyes. Khalid, clearly pleased, lowered his mouth to her sensitive core again.
Ancia covered her mouth with her hand, bracing herself for the storm of pleasure that overtook her.
Her body reacted to Khalid just as sensitively as ever, but something felt different. Her mind felt heavier, more burdened. The deeper the pleasure became, the harder it was to surrender completely, to let her reason melt away and cling to him as she once had.
* * *
Speaking of the devil, news of Eleanor’s visit arrived less than two weeks later. A letter informed them she had already traveled to a small town near the capital.
Ancia was sipping tea with Khalid in the sunroom. She felt a wave of unease at the announcement.
“That means she’ll be here the day after tomorrow. You should have told me earlier…”
“She mentioned coming, but I didn’t believe her.”
Khalid replied indifferently.
