Chapter 59 - Morning Scandal and Breakfast Confessions

The morning sun poured through the window, bathing the room in soft golden light. Verbena stretched lazily, her muscles aching in places that left her blushing at the memory. Theodore's arm was still draped over her waist, his face buried in the crook of her neck.

It was so peaceful, so perfect—until the door burst open.

"Your Grace—oh my heavens!"

Verbena squeaked, yanking the blanket up to her chin, while Theodore groaned, clearly ready to murder whoever dared ruin his morning.

The head maid, Mrs. Clover, stood frozen in the doorway, eyes wide, face bright red. "I-I—pardon me, Your Graces! I was just—breakfast—you usually eat separately—oh dear."

Verbena's face burned. "We'll—uh—we'll be down soon!"

Mrs. Clover fled like her skirts were on fire, slamming the door shut behind her. Verbena collapsed into laughter, hiding her face in the pillow while Theodore just sighed.

"It was bound to happen eventually," he muttered.

"Oh, you mean the whole household realizing we're finally acting like a real married couple?" Verbena teased, propping herself on one elbow.

He rolled over, pinning her beneath him with that lazy smirk. "Acting? I'd say we're quite convincing."

She smacked his shoulder. "Get dressed before we cause another scandal."

---

By the time they arrived at the breakfast table, the atmosphere was…different.

The butler smiled a little too widely. The maids kept sneaking glances at each other. And when Verbena reached for her cup of tea, someone had already placed her favorite honey cakes beside it—something only Theodore knew she liked.

"Why does everyone look like they know something I don't?" Verbena whispered.

Theodore sipped his coffee, completely unbothered. "Because they do."

Before she could press for an explanation, the dining hall doors opened, and in swept Lady Estella, the ever-watchful hawk of high society gossip. Her smile was razor-sharp as she settled into a chair uninvited.

"Good morning, Duke. Duchess." Estella's eyes sparkled with dangerous curiosity. "I heard from a very reliable source that the Duke's chambers were…occupied last night."

Verbena nearly choked on her tea. "Who—how—"

"I believe the maid who brings my morning pastries is close friends with one of your maids." Estella's smile widened. "It seems the Hellgrave estate is abuzz with the news that the icy Duke and his amnesia-stricken wife have finally warmed each other up."

Theodore's knife sliced cleanly through his toast. "And what business is that of yours, Estella?"

"Oh, I'm just a concerned friend, of course." Estella batted her lashes. "It warms my heart to see you both embracing the duties of marriage so…enthusiastically."

Verbena wanted to crawl under the table. Instead, she lifted her chin. "Well, thank you for your concern, Lady Estella. But I assure you, our marriage is none of your business."

Estella's smile twitched. "Of course. But you know how society loves a good romance—especially when it involves a villain falling hopelessly in love."

Theodore stood abruptly, chair scraping against the floor. "If you're done meddling in my personal life, Estella, you may leave. This is my home—not a gossip salon."

Estella's eyes narrowed slightly, but she curtsied gracefully. "Of course, Your Grace. I'll leave you two lovebirds to your breakfast."

As soon as the doors shut behind her, Verbena groaned. "I swear she was born to be a plague on my life."

"She's just jealous," Theodore said, brushing a strand of hair behind Verbena's ear. "Because no matter how hard she tries, she'll never be my duchess."

Verbena's heart skipped a beat. "You make it sound like you actually want me to be your duchess."

He leaned closer, voice low. "Who says I don't?"

Her heart raced, but before she could respond, the butler appeared at the door again—this time holding a sealed letter.

"A message from the palace, Your Grace."

The warmth between them froze instantly.

Verbena swallowed. "From the crown prince?"

"No," the butler said. "From the queen."

Theodore's expression darkened. "This can't be good."

Verbena forced a smile for the staff, but her fingers trembled beneath the table. After all, if the queen was getting involved, it could only mean one thing—her fake illness, her fake amnesia, and her very real romance with the villain duke were about to become royal entertainment.

---

End of Chapter 59