The Dragon Duke's Wife - Chapter 31
“Can you stay out of women’s business? I understand you’re probably thrilled that your wife is so great, but when a man gets too involved in the middle, it just makes things difficult for the wife.”
“She hasn’t made her debut in high society yet. Going to someone’s house or attending a ball or tea party might be a little overwhelming for her.”
“Oh, no. I’m fine.”
“Don’t worry, Ann. Leave that fool to himself, and later, you and I can have a proper conversation.”
“Ellen, stop saying unnecessary things to Ann.”
“You just asked me to introduce her to some friends, right? Of course, I should be Ann’s friend first.”
The two of them bantered back and forth. Ancia silently watched them.
* * *
Dinner ended on a light and cheerful note.
Eleanor was full of stories, and Ancia was fascinated by the tales of faraway lands she had never been to. It seemed there were stories she had built up during the long time she and Khalid had been apart, but she skillfully kept the conversation flowing without ever making Ancia feel excluded.
For Ancia, it was an opportunity to learn how a true noble leads social conversations, and also a chance to practice hosting a successful dinner with a generous relative.
After a light dessert and drink, Eleanor stood up early. She said she was tired from the long journey and would rest, so Ancia didn’t stop her.
Then Ancia went to the Duchess’s room alone, leaving Khalid in the living room. As she removed the elaborate hairstyle that Laura had worked so hard on, Laura asked softly,
“Are you feeling unwell?”
“Why do you think that?”
“I don’t know. You just seem off today.”
“I’m tired. Maybe it’s the weight of the dress. My neck is sore, too.”
“Let me massage your shoulders. A nice bath before bed should help you feel better. I’ll bring you a refreshing juice.”
“Thank you.”
Ancia sighed softly. She was exhausted from the dress, the necklace, and especially from the feeling of inferiority.
When Eleanor stood beside Khalid, they looked like an impressive couple. Every time Ancia stood next to him, she felt ashamed of herself. But Eleanor, despite Khalid’s intense personality, was completely at ease, effortlessly radiating cool elegance that seemed to calm the atmosphere and balance out the tension.
Eleanor was the guest of the house, and yet, she seemed far more familiar with this place and with Khalid than Ancia was. While Ancia and Khalid only ever seemed to connect physically, Eleanor and Khalid seemed to have meaningful conversations that flowed easily and were enjoyable to watch.
Ancia now understood why the Velados family had arranged their engagement, and why Khalid still hadn’t let go of it.
She sighed deeply and suddenly looked at the ring on her left hand’s ring finger. After taking it off and briefly gazing at it, she placed it on the vanity. These days, the wedding ring feels unusually hot and heavy.
As she sat there absentmindedly, she heard a soft knock on the door. Startled, she lifted her gaze. Through the vanity mirror, she could see Khalid leaning against the doorframe.
Laura quietly stepped back, greeting him, and took the other maids with her as they left the room. Khalid walked toward her at a slow pace.
Ancia took a deep breath. His hand brushed near her neck.
“You’re wearing this necklace and came out…”
“Yes…”
“It just keeps making me think of other things.”
His voice, thick with desire, whispered as he gently ran his hand through Ancia’s hair, kissing her behind her ear. The hand that had touched her neck trailed down, pressing against the diamonds, one by one, as it moved toward her soft chest, pressing down on the bud nestled there.
“It hurts.”
“Then, how about this…?”
He spread his palm and slid it inside her dress, cupping her chest in one swift motion. Ancia struggled to hold herself together, her breath faltering. She didn’t feel like it today. She almost resented the fact that all he seemed to want was her body.
“Stop thinking about other things and focus on me.”
He said that, and kissed her again. Ancia accepted the kiss briefly, but before he could deepen it into a more passionate caress, she gently pushed him away.
“I’m tired today.”
“I see. Well, no matter how few people are here, dinner is still dinner. And you’re still getting to know Ellen… If you don’t want to, we can stop.”
Khalid gently unfastened her necklace and placed it on the vanity. Then, he began massaging her shoulders.
“You’re really tense.”
“Laura said she’d prepare a bath for me. You should rest too.”
“I’ll wait. I wouldn’t want to go to bed alone while you’re here.”
As she looked at the wedding ring lying next to the necklace, Ancia muttered softly to herself.
“She’s beautiful.”
“Ellen?”
“Yes. I’ve never seen someone so beautiful.”
“Really? To me, you’re much more charming.”
As he said that, he kissed her neck again. Ancia smiled faintly.
“It’s not just her appearance. She has this aura… and her elegance, of course… Her presence was so cool and graceful, I was shocked. I didn’t know a person could carry such an atmosphere.”
