The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 755: Lady Of The Estate

Leaving Rina to rest, Erin and Lucian departed as Gwen urged them to leave.

The two walked upstairs toward their rooms, the silence stretching between them. Erin wondered what to say, her mind scrambling for a topic to fill the quiet.

"You went to the market today?" Lucian finally asked, breaking the silence.

"Hmm... yes," Erin replied. "I went with my brothers."

"I hope you enjoyed it," he commented.

"I did."

The silence returned. Erin glanced at him, feeling the awkwardness settle. It seems like it will always be like this—quiet, with nothing to talk about. He might prefer silence, but I can talk. It’s alright.

"How’s your wound?" she asked, deciding to try again.

"It’s fine now."

"Have you changed the dressing?"

"I will once I return home."

"On your own?" she pressed.

"Hmm."

"Maybe get a servant to do it."

"I can manage."

This stubborn man, she thought, frowning inwardly.

When they reached their floor, both stopped, facing each other before parting ways.

"Tomorrow, Father will send a message to His Majesty and your family regarding our marriage. Do you have any objections?" he asked, his gaze steady, as if still seeking her permission.

Is he asking for my permission now, after deciding everything on his own? she wondered. "If I object, will you listen?"

He stared at her wordlessly for a while before finally answering, "I will."

Erin was taken aback. Was he suddenly being so obedient after being so adamant about marrying her and giving her no other choice? What should I say now? Umm... I can’t really trust him to do what he says. If I tell him not to send the message, he might actually listen, and then... no, no, that can’t happen. I want to marry him. I can’t risk my marriage on how this unpredictable man decides things. Let’s just agree to it.

"I can wait until you agree and then send the message," Lucian added.

She sighed internally. So, in the end, I’m agreeing to marry him anyway. Not that I don’t want to marry him—it’s my choice too. Though unromantic and blockhead, this is the man I love.

"You can send the message," she said finally, calming her nerves.

"Hmm."

What?! she exclaimed in her mind. What’s this "hmm"? Shouldn’t he be happy that I agreed? What kind of man is he? The more time passes, the more unresponsive he seems. What am I supposed to do with him? Is my beauty not effective on him at all? If he’s like this after we’re married, I’m certain there won’t be any children in our life. I need to do something!

"It’s late. You should head to sleep," he said, pulling her out of her thoughts.

’Yeah, what more I can expect from you, to hug me or kiss me. That’s just my wishful thinking.’ She nodded quickly, regaining her composure. "Good night."

"Good night," he responded.

Though unwilling, she turned to leave, her thoughts swirling. I’m sure I’ll remain an untouched maiden for the rest of my life. Why did Brother Rowan have to give me those books and raise my hopes? I was better off ignorant, without expecting anything at all. Ugh.

Lucian watched her retreat to her chamber. Once she disappeared behind the door, he turned to head to his own.

Erin, still displeased, muttered under her breath, "He didn’t even bother to walk me to my chamber."

"Lady Erin," Maya greeted her cheerfully. She was tending to the fireplace, adding more wood to keep the chamber warm before Erin’s arrival.

Startled, Erin blinked, but quickly composed herself. She noticed that all the items she had bought earlier were neatly arranged on one side of the room. Maya must have done it.

Erin walked over to the shopping bags and pulled out a hairpin. "Maya, this is for you."

The young maid’s eyes widened at the sight of the expensive jade pin. "For me? I... I can’t accept this."

"You can," Erin said, placing it firmly in Maya’s hand. "It will look good on you."

"T-Thank you, Lady Erin," Maya stammered, her face lighting up with joy. She looked at Erin with a newfound enthusiasm. "What did you buy for Lord Lucian?"

Erin froze, her eyes widening in realization. "I... forgot to give it to him."

"Then you can give it to him now," Maya suggested with a smile.

Erin turned as if to leave but hesitated. "It’s late. Maybe I should wait..."

"You’re going to be the lady of this estate and the Lord’s wife. You don’t have to worry so much," Maya reassured her.

"Lady of this estate? You know?" Erin asked, surprised. The news hadn’t been officially announced yet.

Maya smiled softly. "Everyone in both estates knows, and we’re all happy about it."

Erin was momentarily taken aback. No wonder she’d noticed a change in how the servants treated her—they had been far more respectful than before.

"How do they know? Did your Lord already announce it while I was away?" Erin asked.

Maya shook her head and cleared her throat awkwardly. "My Lady, you’ve been staying in the chamber meant for the lady of the estate instead of the guest rooms. No other woman is ever allowed to stay here—not even the Lord’s mother or sister. And, well... what happened today in the Lord’s study... everyone knows about it."

Understanding dawned on Erin, and she sighed. "They must think their future lady is cruel to their Lord. They probably hate me for hurting him"

"More like, we all believe we’re getting a lady with her own opinions and thoughts, someone capable of standing by the Lord’s side," Maya said with a warm smile. "Also, if the Lord has allowed you to hurt him, it means everyone understands how important you are to him. They see the power you hold over him."

Power? Your Lord won’t even touch me, let alone express his feelings. I wish I had some power to seduce him—or at least stir some affectionate feelings in that emotionless brain of his. Erin sighed helplessly. She reached into the bag and pulled out a small wooden box. "I’ll go give it to him."

"Yes, my Lady."