Episode 4

LAURA:

With Lidia’s help, I select a dress that is both comfortable and beautiful—one I genuinely like.

“Lidia.”

“Yes, my lady?”

“I want you to have a mirror placed in my room.”

The woman looks at me, uncertain.

“Are you certain, my lady?”

“Yes.”

I reply while studying all my lovely features in the mirror… Good heavens, what firm breasts…

My thoughts drift to this body’s memories. The real Laura Petro hated looking in a mirror; she felt ugly and “soiled” for having consummated her marriage while her heart belonged to Baron Harrison… How foolish she was. How could she let such a magnificent man go to waste?

“But don’t worry, Laura Petro… I shall enjoy it in your stead.”

A smile touches my lips as I gaze at my reflection.

“Now, I am ready. We may go.”

Lidia nods, and we both leave the room.

“The maids will see to the packing. What is your wish, my lady? I know you dislike others handling your belongings, but—”

“It’s fine. They may proceed.”

She simply nods and says nothing more until we reach the dining room.

The children—Albert and Mia, according to my memories—glare at me with evident displeasure, their brows furrowed. I pay them no mind as my eyes find my vampire husband… I wonder if he burns in sunlight?

I curtsy as protocol demands and take my seat beside him, breathing in his rich, masculine scent… Mmm.

An awkward silence settles over the table, but it does not trouble me. I am accustomed to such situations, and nothing will disturb my peace.

Breakfast arrives and, like last night, is a delicious feast which I savor with care—until I hear my stepdaughter’s small voice.

“Papa, I want blood.”

She says, then shoots me a malicious glance.

“Mia, I have told you it is forbidden to drink blood in the Duchess’s presence.”

“But I want blood, Papa!”

The girl’s voice turns tearful. I look at her and sigh.

“Do not mind me. You may eat and drink whatever you wish.”

I say this while tasting a delicious, unfamiliar fruit.

My handsome husband studies me for a moment, hesitates, then signals to a servant.

Moments later, a maid arrives with a silver goblet and hands it to the spoiled child. She is only spared my correction because I am still adjusting to this strange world, but her time will come.

The brat takes the cup with a bright smile and begins to drink, letting a trickle of blood run down her chin.

My face expressionless, I sip a delicious juice and raise a brow. Does she think I will vomit as the former lady of this body used to? How amusing. She can eat dirt for all I care.

After finishing the juice, I clear my throat and fix the girl with a firm look.

“Upon our return from the capital, I shall speak with the etiquette mistress about increasing your lessons. It is unacceptable for a noble lady to drink in such a manner.”

The girl’s eyes widen.

“More lessons? No! That woman is horrid!”

“It is not a discussion.”

Delicately, I rise from my seat and smile at her.

“It is clear you require refinement. I shall have your nanny draw you another bath. This time, with cold water. We have no time to heat it; we are behind schedule.”

“Papa!”

The girl shrieks. I look steadily at the vampire. He merely returns my gaze, sighs, and stands.

“Your mother is correct, Mia. I expect you to think more carefully about your actions next time.”

The vampire departs after speaking. I do the same, approaching Lidia.

“Find the children’s nanny.”

“At once, my lady.”

VICTOR CORTES:

I walk to my study and find Adrian Morten, my second-in-command—faithful and loyal—already inside.

“Lord Cortes, all is prepared,” he says.

I nod, walking toward my velvet sofa, deep in thought. Could Laura truly be different? Or is it merely my perception? I felt like a chastised boy under her direct gaze.

“Is all well, my lord?” Adrian asks.

“Well enough.”

“Did the Duchess stage another fit?”

He asks, curious. I shake my head.

“She has accepted it. Made no scene.”

“Truly? The Duchess despises leaving her rooms. You are certain she took it well?”

“I believe so… Though she has been acting most peculiarly…”

Adrian’s eyebrows rise. “I should have to see it to believe it.”

I lift my gaze and stare at him. “Do you doubt my word?”

“Never, my lord,” he says, standing straighter. I sigh.

“I will see that all is in order.”

I rise and leave to inspect the carriages and give final orders to my men. But I stop and quickly conceal myself in an alcove when I see the Duchess descending the stairs. She wears a bright smile and is holding her breasts with both hands.

“The only thing I cannot abide is hair down there… I suppose I must find a razor and tend to that thicket. I doubt they have proper razors here.”

She whispers very low, but my vampiric hearing catches every word.

“How will my splendid husband prefer it? With hair or without?”

I frown, not understanding her meaning.

“Spying on your wife? That is unlike you, my lord.”

I shoot a glare at Adrian and leave by another route, ignoring his remark.

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