Chapter 47 - Whispers Before Dawn

The golden glow of sunrise crept into the room, bathing the bed in soft light. Verbena stirred, the warmth of Theodore's arm draped lazily across her waist making it difficult to leave the comfort of his embrace. For a fleeting moment, reality felt fragile — like if she moved too quickly, the spell would shatter, and she'd be back to cold, formal breakfasts and silent hallways.

She carefully turned her head, catching a glimpse of his face. Theodore slept deeply, his guard fully lowered in a way she had never seen before. The faintest smile tugged at her lips. Who would've thought the cold-hearted Duke of Hellgrave could look this peaceful?

But her smile faded just as quickly.

Because peace never lasted long — not for her.

A sharp knock echoed through the door, making Verbena flinch. Theodore groaned, his brow furrowing, but he didn't wake. Trying not to disturb him, she carefully slipped out of bed, wrapping a silk robe around herself. When she opened the door, the head maid, Eloise, stood there, her face pinched with concern.

"My Lady," Eloise whispered urgently. "There's… news. From the estate's outer gate."

Verbena's stomach twisted. "What kind of news?"

Eloise glanced nervously over Verbena's shoulder, clearly not wanting to speak too loudly in case the Duke overheard. "Lady Estella has sent a message. And she… she's waiting at the gate."

Verbena's blood turned cold. "What?"

"She claims she needs to speak with the Duke immediately. She says it's urgent, something about an incident last night at the banquet."

Verbena's grip on the door tightened until her knuckles turned white. Of course Estella wouldn't give up so easily. That woman had spent years imagining herself as Theodore's destined love — no doubt she'd spun some elaborate tale to justify her obsession. Still, showing up at dawn unannounced was bold, even for her.

"Tell her His Grace is unavailable," Verbena said firmly. "And that if she has something important to say, she can put it in writing."

Eloise nodded, but her expression remained uneasy. "There's… one more thing, My Lady."

"What now?" Verbena sighed.

"The guards reported seeing her standing at the gate for nearly an hour… talking to herself."

Verbena's brow furrowed. "Talking to herself?"

"Yes. They say she kept repeating something about fate, about how she and the Duke were 'written in the stars.'"

A headache bloomed behind Verbena's eyes. Just how far gone was Estella? This wasn't love — this was obsession spiraling into madness.

"Send her away," Verbena said. "And make it clear that if she causes any more disturbances, I'll have her permanently barred from the estate."

Eloise bowed, relief flickering in her eyes. "Understood, My Lady."

As the door closed, Verbena leaned against it, taking a deep breath. This was far from over — but for now, she had something more important to focus on.

Turning back to the bed, she found Theodore awake, propped up on one elbow, his silver hair slightly tousled. He'd clearly heard more than she wanted him to.

"Estella?" His voice was still rough from sleep.

Verbena forced a smile. "Nothing you need to worry about right now. I sent her away."

He arched a brow. "You're handling my obsessive childhood 'friend' now?"

"Someone has to." She climbed back into bed beside him, curling into his side. "You're too nice to be cruel to her."

Theodore chuckled, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "I doubt anyone's ever called me 'too nice' before."

"First time for everything." She smirked.

His fingers trailed down her arm, the gentle touch sending shivers across her skin. "Thank you," he said softly.

"For what?"

"For staying." His voice was so quiet she almost missed it.

Her heart clenched painfully at those words. Staying — it sounded so simple, yet for her, it had been the hardest choice to make. Everything about this life had felt temporary at first. Her fake amnesia, her divorce scheme, her desire to escape a fate she hadn't asked for. But now, after everything they had been through — the accidental moments of tenderness, the stolen kisses, the fragile trust blooming between them — she couldn't imagine leaving anymore.

Not without him.

"I'm not going anywhere," she whispered. "At least, not unless you kick me out."

His hand cupped her cheek again, the same tenderness from last night returning to his gaze. "I would never."

They were close enough now that her breath mingled with his. Verbena's heart raced, her fingers sliding over the bare skin of his chest. She wasn't sure if it was courage or foolishness that made her ask:

"Why me?"

Theodore blinked. "What do you mean?"

"You could've had anyone. A duchess from a powerful family. A woman who knew how to be obedient and graceful. Instead, you got me — a reincarnated bakery girl who can't even remember her own wedding vows."

He smiled softly. "Maybe I didn't want grace or obedience. Maybe I wanted someone who made my life… less empty."

The vulnerability in his voice took her by surprise. For all his power and reputation, Theodore was, at his core, just a man — a lonely man burdened by duty, haunted by a past he never chose. And somehow, she had become the unexpected light in that darkness.

Without thinking, she kissed him again — deeper this time, letting her emotions spill into the touch. His hands slid around her waist, pulling her fully onto his lap. Heat simmered between them, and for once, Verbena didn't second-guess it. She didn't think about her past life, or her fake memories, or the twisted nobles outside their door.

All she thought about was him.

When they finally parted, breathless and flushed, Theodore's thumb traced her swollen lips. "We have a long day ahead of us."

"Let's stay here a little longer," she whispered.

He smiled. "As you wish, Duchess."

And so they did — wrapped in each other, the world outside forgotten, at least for now.

But somewhere beyond the estate walls, Estella stood under the rising sun, her fingers clutching a torn letter, her smile stretched too wide. If she couldn't have Theodore's heart willingly… then perhaps it was time to take it by force.

End of chapter