Chapter 2: One Thing

The lights on the spacious bedroom were already dimmed, but the little boy lying on the bed was still not asleep.

Rather, he was reading a book. It has always been one of his favourite pastimes in the mundane routines he has in his life.

He was so focused on reading until a light knock on his door suddenly welcomed him.

To be precise, reading was not the only reason the Young Master, George Arthur Grosvenor was still up. All along, he had been waiting for that person who just knocked on his door.

The little boy quickly put his book down and greeted the figure that entered his room.

"Papa."

George moved a little so the man could sit on his bed with him.

With the thought of his child still awake because he was waiting for him, he could not help but feel guilty for coming home this late.

But, it was truly unavoidable. Just for today, the man had attended critical meetings, signed new contracts and kept up with the connections he needed to maintain.

It was very hectic, but it is only normal for someone like him - Luke Alexander Grosvenor, the 11th Duke of Rothesay.

He inherited the title of a 'duke' at a mere age of 24 years old four years ago, when his father suddenly passed away due to an illness.

Naturally, since he was the only son, Luke was the heir to the title.

Although the power of noble titles have significantly decreased compared to a hundred years ago, being a duke in modern times was still quite remarkable. It was a title that made people marvel and undeniably, it came with a lot of benefits and special treatments that a commoner would never get.

Which is why, the real responsibilities that Luke had inherited did not stem from his ducal title.

Rather, it was because along with the ducal title, he also inherited his family's private businesses and foundation.

Although his family invested heavily into retail and technology for the past years, the real origins of their wealth was from their real estate business. They owned half of London and also most of the lands in various foreign countries.

With that, Luke was one of the most eligible bachelors not only in Britain, but in the whole world.

But it was not only his money that made him appealing to people, it was also because he was outrageously handsome.

Standing at no less than 6 feet tall, Luke had his clean-cut, blond hair usually slicked back. He also had a pair of green eyes, just like his son.

If one looks at them, there was no doubt that they are father and son. Their facial features looked exactly the same with their high-bridged nose, thick eyebrows and chiseled jaw.

The only difference between the two of them was their hair colours, as the little boy had jet black hair instead.

"Are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere?" Luke murmured in a gentle, deep voice.

The little boy quickly shook his head before giving Luke a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, Papa. It's fine. I wasn't hurt."

Luke let out a deep sigh before pulling the little boy towards him in a tight embrace.

It pained him the most in this world to see a smile plastered on his son's face, pretending he's alright just so he wouldn't worry him.

Today, George attended a school event in Lonsdale Imperial Hall. Naturally, since he was a duke's son, he was accompanied by his nanny and a couple of bodyguards.

However, the unexpected happened.

George's nanny tricked the Grosvenor bodyguards and tried to lead George out of the venue. Thankfully though, the little boy quickly caught up with the situation.

George ran away from his nanny and trusting his instincts, he opened a random door in the hallways and hid himself in there.

From that point on, his nanny did not sense where he was and after a while, the Grosvenor bodyguards finally found him.

"I'm sorry you had to go through that. Rest assured, I will take care of it... I won't hire anyone anymore because this just keeps on happening..." Luke said in a somehow regretful tone.

If it wasn't for his mother insisting that George should have a nanny since it was a part of their traditions, he would have never hired one in the first place.

But because it was the only aspect in her grandson's affairs that she concerned herself with, Luke cannot help but listen to her requests.

However, with the incident today, it was unlikely for Luke to continue listening to his mother's requests. The nannies that his mother would recommend are supposedly the finest from Norland, a boarding school specialised for nanny-training.

They are impeccable at first, but they somehow end up wanting to hurt Little George at the end. Why is it so?

Perhaps, just like what his assistant have stated, the nannies have disillusioned theirselves and fell in love with Luke?

Apparently, they have fantasised too much and judged that Little George was the only part that was imperfect about Luke's life.

It's not like he doesn't hear it enough from his family and the aristocracy circle. They would also all say the same thing.

'It's such a shame that such a fine young man has acknowledged his illegitimate child.'

It was one thing to deal with the aristocracy circle. But even so, servants were a different matter. They are of a lower class, so they have no right to judge their masters. More so, attempt to hurt them.

No matter what anyone says, George was his son. To put it more clearly, he was the duke's son.

"You are their future master. All of this will become yours one day so they have to be disciplined properly. You don't deserve to experience any troublesome things..." Luke murmured in a wounded tone.

Thankfully, since he was in his father's embrace, George's expression could not be seen by Luke.

George's eyes were drooped a little bit and his lips were in a grim line.

He was thankful that his father have said those words to comfort him, but he was not that naive. He knew too well that he was incapable of being his father's heir.

Although he did not know the full complexity of the aristocratic circle, he already had an idea of where his place should be... all thanks to his grandmother and aunt, who have instilled such things within his mind from a very young age.

He never knew his mother but apparently, aside from being a commoner, she was also a foreigner. It was because of his mixed ethnicity that made aristocrats disdain him, for apparently 'tainting' the blood of the noble.

Since his mother and father were unmarried when they had him, he was Luke's illegitimate child. By law, he is not able to inherit any titles, estate or businesses.

Someday, when his father marries, even if the future duchess adopts him, he will still be ineligible to get anything.

The noble title and the power that came along with it was only reserved for those who are legitimately born, which means that it was something that was only meant for his future sibling.

In short, he was, and will always be an illegitimate child.

Rather than his father being sorry, it is him who is apologetic instead.

Maybe, if he did not exist, things wouldn't be so hard for his father... Maybe, people would finally stop talking behind his father's back... Maybe, his father wouldn't have such an awkward relationship with his grandmother and aunt...

George knows his father loves him now. But often, he wonders until when it would last. What happens when his future sibling is born from the future duchess? Surely, since it is a child that will not bring shame to his father, maybe his father would like that child more.

But since his father was not married yet and he is still his only child... perhaps, he can go ahead with his request?

Aside from wanting to see his Papa, it has been this that he yearned to say, which is why he was still awake even if it was past his bedtime.

"Papa... there is one thing..." George mumbled a little.

Luke let go of his embrace on Little George so he can see him clearly. As he stared directly into his eyes, it was almost as if staring at a mirror. Truthfully, his child was really a copycat of him.

For him though, that was a pity. Luke wished that his child inherited more of his mother's features.

"Mmm? Don't hesitate. Please tell me."

George took a deep breath and gulped a little bit before speaking.

"Papa, earlier, there was someone that saved me. I locked myself inside a room but thankfully, there was a lady inside who helped me. She even treated me for ice cream, while I was waiting for our guards to find me..."

As George spoke, he could not help but have a gentle tone as he remembered how his day went. It was only a brief encounter, but it left a lasting impression on him.

"But, Papa, it is a shame because I only know that she was a staff at Lonsdale Imperial Suites. I don't even know her name. If it is possible, I would really like to meet that person again and properly thank her." George continued, pouting a little bit.

Luke looked at his son in slight amusement. His son was very meek and there has never been an instance before where he would request like this.

Usually, whenever Luke would ask George what he liked, the little one would always refuse and insist that he has more than enough.

The part of a lady saving him was not also included the report that his assistant gave him. From how his son's face brightened as he talked about her, just how did this lady managed to move his son?

Needless to say, there was no reason to not comply with his son's simple request.

"Then go properly thank her. Don't worry, I will make sure that we will find that person and set an appointment with her by this week." Luke stated.

George's mouth could not help but widen due to surprise and his eyes twinkled, feeling joyous over the thought of seeing that lady again.

"Really!? You're really sure with what you said, Papa?" George said excitedly.

Entertained at seeing his son's thrilled expression, Luke let out a little smirk. Maybe, today was not as bad as he thought? His son looked like he had a wonderful time rather than being in a peril.

"Yes, I'm sure."

Once he heard Luke's reassurance, George threw both of his fists into the air and murmured loudly, "Yeay! Thank you Papa, you're the best!"

Luke maintained a small smile on his face, intrigued at his son's reaction. For Little George to be that happy over a certain person... just what kind of lady did he meet?