CH 31.2

Even if that was true, his evil goal to disturb her heart and see her as much as possible soared to fever pitch.

“Wait a minute.”

Upon sensing a commotion outside the window, Cherryl pushed Cade’s head away.

He didn’t seem to be aware of it at all as he stopped Cherryl’s hand.

“It’s nothing, Cherryl.”

“Just stay still.”

“What do you hear outside?”

Cade’s expressive eyes, containing the remnants of his sexual excitement that hadn’t been peeled off yet, also turned towards the window.

The sound of carriage wheels rolling and the hooves of three to four horses were getting closer.

“Do you have a guest at this hour?”

“No. My present for you has arrived.”

Cade buried his nose at the spot connecting her slender neck and shoulder in regret.

Cherryl hadn’t noticed it yet but she had several dark red spots on her ivory skin.

Cade smirked secretly and rose to his feet.

Next, he wrapped Cherryl’s shoulders in a fur cloak before buttoning up his shirt again.

“You can go and check it out, My Lady.”

Cherryl re-imagined what the gift would be.

It was clear that his special gift was heavy and large.

Why else would it be settled in the carriage?

He said it was a gift that not only Cherryl but also Lecter would like.

Perhaps, was it a person?

She had some speculations so she excitedly left the bedroom with Cade.

+++

It was already close to midnight, so it was chilly outside.

Cherryl adjusted her fur cloak and took a step towards the courtyard while Cade followed her, matching her strides in silence.

A fancy, black carriage stood right in front of the main castle.

The instant he saw Cade, the coachman jumped out of his seat and approached him.

“I brought her safely as you ordered, my lord.” He told him politely.

“Well done.”

Cade threw a pocket—-probably containing dozens of gold coins—-to the coachman.

He caught it just fine due to his fast reflexes but he still insisted on shaking Cade’s hand while wearing an apologetic expression.

“I don’t really need a reward for this, my lord. I just did what I had to do.”

“Just take it. You, securing my bride’s present without a hitch, isn’t that expensive.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

During the conversation, Cherryl didn’t take her eyes off the carriage door.

The sound of the carriage door squeaking before it opened informed her that someone was about to step out.

She sensed a timid movement and saw a familiar face.

“Lucy!”

As a smile spread across her face, Cherryl rushed in to hug Lucy.

Lucy was her loyal maid.

She was the only one who stood by her side after her mother died.

“I expected you to come.”

Puzzled by that statement, Lucy shouted in an emotional voice. “Lady Cherryl!”

Cherryl held Lucy tightly in her arms so that anyone who wasn’t aware of their relationship would feel rude for stumbling across such a heartwarming scene.

“How have you been? I missed you so much.”

Cherryl smiled, patting Lucy on the back.

The maid, who was hugging Cherryl’s waist, made her stop patting when she commented. “I thought you would lose a lot of weight in the North, but you didn’t.”

“It’s good that you noticed. I’ve been well and healthy in this place. Do you think I gained some weight?”

“No. You’re still skinny and I can’t even tell. I just said that because you looked good and glowing.”

As she examined the girl’s shiny golden hair and supple skin, Lucy smiled when she realized her mistress had been well taken care of every day.

“You’re as perfect as ever, My Lady.”

“I really missed you,Lucy. How did you end up here?”

Lucy’s gaze turned to Cade, who was watching their reunion behind her mistress with arms folded over his chest.

“I was told that the Grand Duke of Blkanov wanted to meet me.”

Lucy was scared to establish eye contact with Cade so she avoided his scrutiny by lowering her head.

“Not long after the lady left, a strange thing came into the mansion.”

“It must be from the Grand Duke.”

“Yes. The Grand Duke had demanded the Marquis to let me go since he wanted a maid who knew you well to take care of you.”

It was unlikely that Marquis Susanno Milose would have sent Lucy to the North without a fight when she worked so well at the mansion despite having a low salary.

He must have asked money from Cade.

Cherryl’s father knew nothing but money.

She turned her head to look at Cade.

She felt grateful to him for bringing her only friend, but there was something else she wanted to check.

“Did you pay my father in exchange for Lucy, Your Grace?”

If Cade really paid the Marquis, who only saw her as a means to make money, she would really hate it.

“I didn’t give any money to your father.” He answered calmly as he stared into Cherryl’s eyes. “I thought you wouldn’t like it if I give any money to Milose’s Household. I just asked him a favor.”

“Oh, I’m glad to hear that, Your Grace. I guess my father willingly gave you permission.”

“He didn’t even think about it since he sent the maid immediately as soon as he received my letter.”

It reminded her once again of her father begging Cade like his servant.

She always wondered if the Marquis could get any lower than this to get what he wanted.

It should be easy for him to send Cherryl’s maid to the North with her at the beginning, thinking she was one less mouth to feed.

It also made no sense for a noblewoman about to get married without a single maid by her side.

No ‘common sense’ was found in her stupid family except her.

She also assumed she couldn’t bring Lucy here since territories near the borders were dangerous anyway, but——

“Lucy, I’m so glad you came. Carlsvik is a nice place to live. You’ll get used to it soon.”

“I’m  also glad to see you again, My Lady.”

After embracing Lucy one more time, Cherryl approached Cade next.

“Thank you very much for your concern, Your Grace.”

“I thought you’d like it.”

Cherryl tiptoed and stretched out her arms to circle them around his neck.

Cade’s already hard body stiffened for a moment before he spread a large hand behind her back.

Then, Cade lowered his chin and kissed her plump lips briefly.