If I Disobey the Duke

Couples’ Quarrel (3)

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The full moon’s light passed through the arched windows of the Templar building, casting a pale light into the hallway.

Black boots strode across the smooth marble floor, the echoes almost deafening in the stillness.

The guards nervously saluted their lord, exhaling only after he went up the stairs to the upper floor.

“His eyes always make him look so scary, but today he looks even more so.”

“Probably because of today’s work.
They said there were some procurers from the Isles.”

“Oh my, Madam must be quite heartbroken because someone she knows is about to die.
His Excellency isn’t very merciful with such criminals.”

Vlad was bothered by the conversation he overheard.
As he crossed the dimly lit third-floor hallway, he stopped.

The nervous chief of staff could be seen holding a lantern in front of the door at the end of the hallway.

When Vlad approached, he noticed his master and took off his mask, bowing politely.

“What are you doing here?”

Unless it was urgent, there was no reason for the chief to come to the Order of Knights.

“I brought Madam.”

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The duke froze, then attuned his senses.

He could hear Lily’s hem rustle slightly.
She was wearing a dress long enough to drag on the floor.
Her breathing was also audible.

It was obvious she was standing near the door.

She gulped, coughing right after.

Vlad regained his composure and closed his eyes tightly.
He looked down at the door, trying to distract himself from all the little sounds she was making.

Cold eyes rebuked the chief servant.
“You mean that she came here in the middle of the night?”

“I’m sorry.
Madam said it herself, so…”

His eyes softened slightly.
 He raised one eyebrow curiously and folded his arms.
“Did she say it herself? That she wanted to see me?”

“…She said something similar to that, but… I think that’s what it means.”

“Hm.”

He did not know why his wife, who was so indifferent to him, came to his office in the middle of the night.

She wasn’t even the slightest bit interested in herself.

That man.
It was probably because of Tristan.

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An unpleasant feeling boiled in his stomach.

He wanted to go back to the dungeon immediately and rip off that damn procurer’s face.
He always reminded himself that he should be patient, but his emotions had not been controlled properly.

“You may leave.”

The chief bowed politely and left.
Vlad listened to the steps in the corridor.
He took the doorknob only after the sounds had completely left the range of hearing.

Holding the doorknob, he took a few deep breaths.
“Lily,” he said slowly.

She jolted, licking her bright red lips nervously.

“I know you’re listening.
So…”

Her heart was pounding.

“Cover your eyes.”

Lily was motionless for a moment.
Her voice was tense.
“I was waiting for you the way you wanted.
So… please come in.”

Her heart sounded like it would break free from her ribs.
Her voice seemed to color the frosty air.

How did one explain this phenomenon in a single word?

The cold feeling evaporated at once.

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Vlad slowly opened the door.

He saw her.

Dressed in a thin nightgown, the soft silhouette of her shapely body was subtly revealed in the moonlight.

Delicate shoulders and a supple chest, a slender waist that could be encircled with one arm, a lower body with a rounded curve.

Vlad desperately tried to control himself.

Is she determined to drive me crazy?

Even though he knew there was no one in the building, he quickly closed the door in case anyone could see her.

* * *

Lily’s body stiffened.

She realized that it was more comfortable to stand alone for a long time in the dark.

She could hear his footsteps.
He walked very slowly, as if trying to tell her what he was doing, then stopped at a certain distance.

“…Ah!”

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Without warning, something landed on her shoulders, making her flinch.
Warmth surrounded her freezing body.

Lily realized a beat later that it was a robe—his robe.

“I can’t believe you’re dressed like this.
Are you determined to get a fever again?”

His voice was quite dark.
Obviously, he was holding back his displeasure.

You came to me to ask about another man.
 Is he that precious for you to throw yourself away?

No matter how heartless she was, he was her husband.
Wasn’t that a pretty harsh thing to do?

The air felt heavy.

Even though she had covered her eyes, she could clearly imagine what kind of expression he had.

Lily’s mouth was as dry as a desert.

She couldn’t shake her thoughts as she went to his office

How dare a mere wife enter the office of her husband without permission.

Had it been her first husband, he would have slapped her cheeks right away.

The maid said that there would be no such thing, but the tension did not go away.