Chapter 23: Sudden Intrusion, Steamy Confusion

Verbena sighed in pure bliss, sinking deeper into the large marble bathtub. The warm water was scented with jasmine oil, and soft rose petals floated around her, creating the perfect picture of luxury.

"This is the only good thing about marrying rich," she muttered, scooping up a handful of water and letting it drizzle over her shoulders.

The room was filled with steam, her skin glowing from the heat. She had insisted on taking her bath alone, dismissing all the maids, wanting a rare moment of peace. After all, the drama with Estella had drained every bit of her patience.

"I deserve this," she whispered, closing her eyes.

And that was the exact moment the bathroom door creaked open.

Her eyes snapped open. "What the—!?"

Before she could cover herself or shout, Theodore stepped inside, his shirt half-unbuttoned and his cravat hanging loose. His hair was slightly damp from the rain outside, and a towel hung casually around his neck, making him look unfairly attractive.

Verbena's heart skipped a beat.

"T-Theodore! What are you doing here?!" she screeched, sliding lower into the water until only her head peeked out.

Theodore raised an eyebrow, utterly unfazed by her panic. "This is my private bath too, wife. Did you forget?"

"But I— I told the maids to lock the door!"

"Clearly, they forgot who pays their salaries." He smirked.

Verbena's face turned bright red. "Get out! You can't just barge in while I'm—"

"Naked?" he finished, leaning against the doorframe with a lazy grin. "I'm your husband, remember?"

"In name only!"

He stepped closer, and the warm mist curled around him like some seductive villain aura. "Relax, I'm not here to peek."

She crossed her arms over her chest, eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Then what are you here for?"

"I needed a bath too. Long day." He started rolling up his sleeves, as if completely unaware of her presence—or pretending to be.

"No! Use another one! This is my time!" she splashed water in his direction, her face burning hotter than the water itself.

To her horror, Theodore dodged the water easily and tugged off his shirt, exposing his toned chest, scarred from countless battles.

Verbena nearly drowned in her own bathwater.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"

"Bathing," he said simply.

"But I'm still here!!"

He gave her a devilish smirk. "So? We're married. What's the harm in sharing a bath?"

"This isn't a countryside hot spring! This is a lady's bath! MY bath!"

"Calm down, Verbena," he said, but his eyes had that mischievous glint. "I'm not even looking at you."

That was a lie. His gaze flickered once—just once—down her neck, tracing a droplet of water rolling down her collarbone.

Verbena quickly dunked herself like a drowning rat, only her nose and eyes above water.

"You're such a shameless villain," she hissed.

"And you're such a flustered bride," he countered smoothly.

Before she could retort, Theodore sat on the marble edge of the tub, arms resting lazily on his knees, watching her like a predator watching prey.

"Go away!" she splashed water again.

"Make me," he said, voice low and dangerous.

Her brain short-circuited.

This was unfair. How was she supposed to focus on her 'divorce plan' when her husband was half-naked, smirking, and absolutely enjoying her embarrassment?

Suddenly, the floor became slippery. Theodore shifted to stand up—and his foot slid right out from under him.

With a loud splash, the Duke of Hellgrave ended up halfway in the tub, arms braced on either side of her, chest inches from her face.

Both of them froze.

Water sloshed everywhere. Petals stuck to his skin. His wet hair clung to his forehead, making him look both ridiculous and dangerously hot at the same time.

"WHAT ARE YOU DOING IN HERE WITH ME?!" Verbena shrieked, pushing at his chest.

"I live here, remember?!"

"Not in my bath!"

He didn't move. In fact, his face inched just a little closer. "You're blushing, Verbena. Why?"

"Because you're a shameless pervert!"

He chuckled, low and husky. "You didn't blush like this on our wedding night."

She slapped both hands over her face, ready to melt into the water forever. "That's because I was drunk and unconscious!"

"Well, you're sober now."

For a heartbeat, the teasing faded. His eyes softened, just for a second. Then he leaned down—not for a kiss, but to pluck a rose petal from her hair.

"Relax, wife," he whispered. "You're safe with me."

And just like that, he stood up, leaving wet footprints and Verbena's fried brain behind.

As the door closed, she collapsed into the water, screaming silently into the bubbles.

"This villain… is trying to kill me."

But somewhere in her chest, her heart was beating way too fast for her own liking.

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End of Chapter 23