Chapter 8: Shall We Bathe Together?

Alia felt her heart skip a beat, but she maintained a calm expression, giving a slight nod as she stepped into the room. The door closed softly behind her, sealing out the cold air of the corridor. Though she appeared composed, her guard was fully raised. Tonight wasn't just an evening of private conversation—it was an opportunity to uncover the truth.

Marcellus moved closer, his gaze lingering on her with an intensity that felt both familiar and distant. There was something unusual about his demeanor tonight, as if he wasn't speaking merely as her husband but with a deeper, hidden purpose.

Alia kept her emotions in check, lowering her eyes as she gracefully sat on the sofa. The flickering candlelight bathed the room in a warm glow, but the grandeur of the paintings and antique furniture only added to the stifling atmosphere.

Unsure if Marcellus suspected anything about Livia's secret relationship with Elias, Alia decided to remain silent, observing how he would steer the conversation.

Marcellus stood nearby with his hands clasped behind his back, his expression unreadable. His voice was calm but carried an undertone of weariness. "I imagine you have questions about tonight's events," he began, his tone low and deliberate.

Alia looked up, meeting his gaze. Seeing no hostility or suspicion in his eyes, she smiled faintly, feigning casualness. "Do you brothers always argue so openly? It was quite the spectacle—I didn't even know how to interject."

Marcellus let out a soft sigh, his lips curving into a fleeting smirk. He walked over and sank into the chair across from her, his sharp eyes fixed on her as if he were trying to unravel a mystery hidden within her. "Elias has been holding a grudge against me for years. You know why. He believes he should have been the family's heir. The so-called 'secrets' he thinks he knows are nothing but baseless rumors. Tonight, he was just using them as an excuse."

He dismissed the topic as if it were trivial, but Alia could tell there was more beneath the surface. His mention of "baseless rumors" piqued her curiosity, though she kept her expression neutral. "It seems his resentment runs deep," she remarked lightly.

Marcellus's gaze softened, a rare glimmer of tenderness crossing his face. "Livia, don't let his words trouble you. I know they might have unsettled you, but you only need to trust me. I'll handle everything. No harm will come to you."

His words were firm, spoken like a vow of protection, but Alia heard the implicit control beneath them. He seemed oblivious to Elias's personal feelings toward Livia or their secret connection—or perhaps he was testing her.

She offered a small nod, her voice steady. "Your reassurance puts me at ease. Still… I can't seem to remember what caused me to collapse."

Marcellus's brow furrowed, and a moment of silence passed before he replied, his tone deliberately measured. "Some things are better left alone. You don't need to know the details. Just trust that I'll protect you. Your priority now is to recover fully—don't let your imagination run wild."

Though his words carried an air of warmth, there was a subtle edge of authority that made Alia suppress the urge to press him further. Instead, she smiled faintly and replied, "I understand. I'll take care of myself." Though she understood clearly that there were things he didn't want her to know. But Alia was not Livia—she had spent years surviving on her own, relying not on the charity or protection of any man but solely on herself.

T

Hiding her thoughts, she turned her attention to the window, pretending to admire the view. "By the way," she said casually, "I'd like to get some exercise equipment. I think it's time I focused on my health." Her tone was light, almost playful, as if making a simple request.

Marcellus's steps faltered slightly. He turned to her, a curious look in his eyes. "Exercise? You've never been one for such things. What's brought this on?"

Alia waved a hand dismissively, laughing softly. "What just happened made me realize how important staying healthy is. And with you so busy lately, I need something to fill my time. Plus, wouldn't it be nice if I were strong enough to protect myself?"

Her emphasis on "protect myself" was subtle but intentional, and she watched closely for his reaction.

Marcellus hesitated briefly before nodding. "Very well. Speak to the housekeeper and have her arrange it. But don't overdo it—you're still recovering."

Alia smiled sweetly. "Of course, I'll take it slow."

The conversation lightened, resembling that of a typical husband and wife. Yet Alia remained vigilant, studying Marcellus's every move for hidden meanings. He, however, seemed as composed as ever, his gestures fluid and deliberate, giving away nothing.

Then, unexpectedly, Marcellus arched an eyebrow, his lips curving into a teasing smile. There was a glint of mischief in his eyes as he said, "By the way, I'm going to take a bath now. Shall We Bathe Together?"