Chapter 23

“I’m not going to ask you to sleep beside me. Plus, there are a lot of other rooms that are available for you to use.”

“I’m sorry, Your Highness, but I can’t really do that.”

“As soon as we’re done, you terrifyingly revert me back as ‘Your Highness’ once again.”

There is a tinge of sadness in his words. But, it only lasted for a mere moment.

He then released Vivian’s hand out from his comforting embrace.

“If that is what you wish for, then I won’t force you anymore.”

Vivian couldn’t bring herself to speak any longer. All of these were because she was not Alexia in the first place and also, the fact that her own voice would return to her right after 24 hours.

Soon after she had escaped from his room, she hurriedly boarded on the prepared carriage. Even though the butler’s anxious gaze was constantly following her, Vivian couldn’t bring herself to utter any single word of formality towards him.

As she looked at the carriage, which always seemed to break away from its usual route back to the county, Vivian eventually bit onto her nails nervously.

When the carriage had finally arrived, Vivian began to hesitate for a while before touching the door of the said carriage. She couldn’t muster any courage to face the grim reality that was just beyond that door.

Nevertheless, the more she tried to delay herself would just result in Alexia’s ever-growing wrath. Thus, Vivian quickly made up her mind and opened the door, which revealed a person who seemed to be already waiting to lead Vivian’s hand at once.

“Why are you so late?”

“Amanda?”

Vivian’s eyes immediately widened—surprised at the unexpected person’s sudden appearance.

“The Young Lady……”

“She had waited for you just now before she got mad and went home earlier. She also said that she won’t be waiting for you ever again. Now, just change your clothes—hurry.”

Amanda, who was making such a fuss, immediately shoved Vivian inside—in a flash.

Usually, she would have been overwhelmed by the lofty atmosphere, which made her kneel without uttering a single word at all, but today, she didn’t have to experience those in any way.

“Change your clothes into this. You have to explain the details to the Young Lady later.”

Then, Amanda handed a set of clothings that was similar to hers towards Vivian.

She was still in a daze even after receiving her clothes. Only after Amanda’s nagging was flowing continuously that she began to move, albeit slowly.

“Ugh!”

“Vivi? Is there something wrong?”

As she unconsciously groaned in pain, Amanda’s voice could then be heard from the outside.

“No, nothing!”

Vivian swallowed her groan and responded hastily. It was all because of the tension that had finally loosened due to the absence of the Young Lady. After that, Vivian hurriedly pulled up her skirt and fastened her own apron.

She was really fortunate since her body was absolutely strong, unlike her face. Also, it was such a blessing that she wouldn’t get hurt in many ways considering that she had done almost everything ever since she was young. Therefore, it was very convenient that her body did not leave any of the traces to remain that easily.

Just after she had tied her hair up neatly, Alexia could no longer be seen. The only one who stood there was merely Vivian, herself.

“Thank God.”

Vivian remarked before giving her rough hand a little squeeze.

Alexia was rather quiet than what she had anticipated. Contrary to her expectations that included a severe punishment towards Vivian herself, Alexia had only spoken a few words, albeit temperamentally, before ending the conversation.

It seemed like there were no other calls that came from the Grand Duke. Instead, she just couldn’t have any single meal for dinner.

Vivian thought that it was actually way better. There was absolutely nothing that she wanted to put in her mouth as of right now. She was more afraid of the reality, which she had to face tomorrow rather than her own basic needs such as filling up her stomach.

Should I pretend to be sick?

Vivian thought so far before shaking her head. It was unlikely to hear of any gentle remarks from that mouth of Alexia’s. If that seemed to be the case then, there was only one way left.