Chapter 43 - An Uncomfortable Favor, A Duchess's Dignity

I stared at the elegant boxes and packages piled neatly on the drawing room table, my fingers trailing over the silky ribbons. Each container bore the hallmark of an expensive boutique or artisan. Alaric's generosity overwhelmed me. In just two days, he'd given me more than I'd received in my entire life.

"Is this all for me?" I whispered to myself, lifting the corner of a red silk ribbon.

"Who else would it be for?" Alaric's voice made me jump. He leaned against the doorway, a bemused expression on his face.

"You startled me," I said, feeling heat rise to my cheeks. "There are so many gifts. It feels... excessive."

He crossed the room, his footsteps silent on the thick carpet. "You're my wife now. This is simply what you deserve."

"But I've given you nothing in return," I admitted, the guilt that had been gnawing at me all morning finally spilling out. "Our arrangement was meant to be mutually beneficial, but you've provided everything while I've contributed nothing."