I Became My Son's First Love - Chapter 35

Despite Eve’s inability to understand, Aeshath responded as if nothing was wrong, “Counting yesterday, that makes twice now. The number of meetings isn’t all that important.”

Eve hesitated briefly before speaking, “What if I say I don’t want to associate with you?”

Aeshath looked surprised and stared at Eve. “You don’t like me? I thought you were fond of me too.”

“I did like you, but I feel that associating with you might become quite exhausting in various ways.”

“You’re quite straightforward, aren’t you?”

“When else would I be straightforward if not now? I don’t particularly enjoy being the center of attention.”

Aeshath, rather than being offended by Eve’s words, remained unbothered.

“I always thought that it was Dane’s wish for you to stay out of social circles.”

“It was something we both agreed on. I never liked being in the spotlight either.”

“With a face like yours, it’s only natural that people would pay attention to you.”

“Well, I lived in the countryside, so there weren’t many people around.”

Aeshath blinked a few times as she silently observed Eve, then spoke, “So, your fondness for me isn’t that great, I see.”

It was a perfectly accurate assessment.

After a brief pause, Eve responded softly, “Yes.”

Aeshath clapped her hands, as if she had made a decision, and spoke brightly, “Still, I’ll do my best to win you over.”

“Pardon?”

“I’ll try my hardest to make you like me enough to overlook any inconveniences.”

At this point, it became difficult for Eve to maintain her composure. She recalled hearing similar words not too long ago. The fact that she had heard them before was unsettling.

“…You sound very much like Dane.”

She refrained from mentioning it aloud, but it seemed the family bore a strong resemblance to one another. Aeshath found Eve’s reaction amusing and burst into loud laughter. Noticing Dane and Azazel’s gaze upon them, she waved them away.

“He has a rather sociable personality, so I’ll take it as a compliment.”

“I’m not sure why you’ve taken such a liking to me.”

It was strange indeed. Despite being repeatedly turned down, Aeshath wasn’t annoyed or angry in the slightest.

“Dane spoke very highly of you.”

“Did he?”

“Yes, and Azazel also had nothing but praise for you. You know how rare it is for either of them to praise anyone.”

Dane was someone who loved himself most, and Azazel had little interest in others. Eve nodded, and Aeshath winked at her.

“For both of them to speak so highly of you, you must be quite the person. Especially since Azazel seems to like you very much.”

Aeshath’s trust in Azazel was evident in her voice. It made Eve wonder if Aeshath hadn’t noticed the difference in Azazel’s behavior when he was around her. His gaze, tone, and mannerisms were completely different from when he interacted with others. Did Aeshath really believe that Azazel’s behavior was just a display of innocent fondness?

“I can see what part of you captivated my son.”

“…Pardon?” Eve’s back stiffened in shock.

“After all, I am his mother. I can tell.”

“Duchess…”

Eve’s face was tense as she called out to Aeshath, but Aeshath patted her shoulder reassuringly.

“There’s no need to be nervous. I’m not telling you to stay away.”

Aeshath turned her attention back to the painting. “Azazel is the type to take what he wants. The only reason it hasn’t been a problem until now is that there hasn’t been much he’s wanted. But this time, it’s different. He doesn’t just want a thing, but a person—and the relationship is complicated.”

A mix of sympathy and affection flickered across Aeshath’s face.

Eve hesitated before asking, “So, knowing all this, you’ll just stand by and watch?”

“I already told you—I like you.”

Eve’s expression crumpled. How could Aeshath accept this situation?

“I don’t understand.”

“Whatever Azazel wants, I will cherish and support him. He’s never liked anyone just for the sake of it, and I trust him. And after meeting you in person, I like you even more.”

Aeshath spoke as if making a solemn vow as she added, “So there’s no issue. I’ll simply support Azazel in his pursuit.”

Eve stared at Aeshath in disbelief. She had considered several possible outcomes once Aeshath learned about Azazel’s feelings: being crushed under Aeshath’s power, having her already modest family’s reputation destroyed, or perhaps even being forced into an arranged marriage. But never had she imagined that Aeshath would accept Azazel’s feelings so nonchalantly.

“Well, shall we get back to work?”

It wasn’t just Azazel—Aeshath didn’t seem normal either. Are all capital nobles like this?

‘This entire family is insane.’

But somehow, that thought brought her a bit of comfort. With everything around her so twisted, her own inappropriate desires toward her stepson didn’t seem so out of place after all.

***

After a fulfilling dinner at Aeshath’s villa, Rose decided to stay, as Aeshath had suggested. Dane looked somewhat dissatisfied but chose not to voice his objections, respecting Aeshath’s decision. Once Rose left the villa with the servants to fetch her belongings, Dane sighed and asked Aeshath.

“Is it really necessary for her to stay at the villa?”

Aeshath took a sip of wine before responding, “It’s not unusual for artists to stay at my villa. And she’s a talented artist.”

But Dane still seemed unconvinced. “Well, there’s bound to be some talk surrounding this exhibition. Eve…”

“Yes, speaking of that, Eve suggested leaving her name out of the exhibition.”

“What?”

“She’s fully aware of the implications and decided it would be best to keep her involvement quiet. I agreed to respect her wishes. My name will be the one associated with Rose’s work.”

Dane blinked in surprise, but then leaned back in his chair, visibly relieved.

“That settles it, then.”

Eve noticed Dane’s reaction but didn’t seem bothered by the obvious favoritism. Aeshath didn’t seem to mind either. Eve looked at her apologetically.

“I’m sorry for stepping back like this. No one will openly criticize us, but I’m sure there will be gossip.”

Aeshath shook her head. “There’s no need to apologize. I don’t care what people say behind my back.”

Eve smiled at her forthright response, and Aeshath turned back to Dane with a teasing tone. “But don’t you think you’re showing Eve too much favoritism? She’s your ex-wife, just like the others.”

It was more of a playful jab than a reproach. Dane didn’t take offense, replying lightly, “Well, I am courting Eve.”

“Dane.”

Eve quickly cut him off, but his words didn’t need further clarification. Aeshath, amused by Dane’s admission, leaned in with interest.

“Courting?”

Eve had no desire to discuss the matter further. With a forced smile, she responded, “It’s a personal matter.”

Aeshath glanced between the pleased Dane and the evasive Eve before nodding to herself. “I see, Eve. Regarding the exhibition, I’ll send you a letter with the details.”

“Yes.”

It was an implicit agreement to drop the subject, but Dane, oblivious to the atmosphere, chimed in, “I’ll also arrange a meeting for next week.”

Eve sighed audibly, but Dane remained unfazed, downing his wine with a grin. Glancing discreetly at Azazel, Eve was relieved to see he showed no reaction to Dane’s words. At least her son had better sense than his father.

***

Just like the previous evening, Dane skillfully kept the mood lively, with Aeshath chiming in with the occasional joke. As the servants lit the candles and the night deepened, Aeshath rose from her seat.

“I should take my leave now. I have an early appointment tomorrow.”

“Will you be alright?”

“I’ll be fine. I’ve had just enough to feel good.” Aeshath, her cheeks flushed from the wine, smiled at Eve. “Good night, Eve.”

With that, she gave Eve a warm hug and patted her back gently. “Have a pleasant night.”

“You too, Aeshath.”

Aeshath gave a brief nod to the others before leaving the dining room, followed by Azazel, who sighed softly as he went after her. Left alone, Dane naturally extended his hand to Eve, but she pushed it away with a soft laugh.