I Became My Son's First Love - Chapter 41
‘Madman.’
Dane almost did something absurd, blinded by anger. If he informed Aeshath about this, the one who would suffer more would not be Azazel, but Eve. Moreover, Aeshath was also aware of Azazel’s feelings.
Now, Dane couldn’t even trust the sincerity of Aeshath’s interest in Eve. If Dane realized Azazel’s feelings, Aeshath might not hesitate to intervene directly between the two.
‘Eve…’
If the Duchess of Seratine personally got involved, a lady from a humble rural noble family wouldn’t stand a chance. Even though Azazel’s feelings were one-sided and not what Eve wanted.
Dane quickly retreated down the hallway. Azazel’s feelings could no longer be exposed to anyone. To prevent that, he had to move alone without anyone knowing.
Dane’s eyes gleamed sharply.
***
Eve barely managed to lift her eyelids. Her whole body was sore, creaking as if it had been buried in bed. But her body felt fresh, so she wasn’t uncomfortable.
She struggled to sit up and check her condition. Looking around, she realized that not only her body but also the room was spotlessly clean, belying the passionate events of the previous night.
Eve staggered into the bathroom and carefully examined her body beneath her slip.
“As expected…”
Most of her body was fine, but her nipples and the inside of her thighs bore the marks of the night. She wouldn’t be able to be served properly until the marks faded.
“You should avoid leaving such traces.”
It seemed she had been washed while asleep, so after a quick face wash, she stepped out of the bathroom. Azazel, sitting leisurely on her bed, greeted her.
“What is this?”
“What do you mean?”
“I thought you left.”
“You looked cute while you were sleeping.”
Eve shot Azazel a sharp look as she sat down in front of the dressing table. Azazel naturally approached her from behind.
“There are a lot of marks.”
Since the topic had come up, Eve mentioned what she had been meaning to say.
“Did you do this on purpose?”
“Do what?”
“Leaving such obvious marks is a problem.” Eve pointed to the marks on her body as a warning. “There won’t be a second time.”
“I’ll try.”
Eve frowned. “Try? I want a definite answer.”
“Hmm.”
Eve glared at him through the mirror, but Azazel feigned ignorance.
“I don’t want to lie.”
It was a ridiculous statement, given that with their relationship in its current state, lying would become a necessity.
She looked at him with a sneer, and Azazel picked up a comb from the dressing table and began to brush her hair. His touch was soft and warm, causing her eyes to close naturally.
Azazel spoke again, “Are you leaving with the Count?”
“I came with him, so I’ll leave with him.”
“Are you sending him away immediately?”
His face showed a hint of annoyance, but there was nothing she could do about that.
Eve spoke honestly, “I don’t know yet, but I owe him.”
“Owe him, huh… Well, alright. But won’t it be a bit uncomfortable meeting the Count?”
Azazel pointed between her and himself with his finger. “…Since we’re now in this kind of relationship?”
A wave of guilt surged within her. But she couldn’t refuse to meet Dane either. Clicking her tongue, she looked at Azazel, who was smiling sweetly, his face annoyingly handsome.
“You know my divorce terms, right?”
Azazel blinked twice. It wasn’t surprising anymore. If Azazel knew about the prenuptial agreement, he surely knew the divorce terms that the Count had requested.
“Why are you even asking when you already know?”
“I’m just worried about you.”
“Oh, sure.”
“It’s true. I just wanted to remind you how sticky things have gotten between us. Enough to make meeting my father uncomfortable.”
In other words, he was expressing jealousy. Eve lightly nodded, ignoring the expectant glint in Azazel’s eyes.
“Make sure the servants don’t notice anything. Don’t contact me too often.”
Eve emphasized that their meetings should remain secret, just as Azazel had suggested.
“Yes, I’ll do that.”
Azazel responded obediently, but Eve added just in case.
“Don’t let Aeshath catch on either.”
Even if Aeshath suspected Azazel’s feelings, revealing what had happened between them would only harm her.
“Of course, I won’t.”
It was the expected answer. Eve picked up the bell and looked at Azazel. It was time to change clothes, so she needed to summon the maids.
“That’s enough. Now, get out.”
“Can you really dress yourself? I can help.”
“If I dress perfectly on my own, it will be suspicious. Just go.”
Azazel asked with a cheery voice in response to her dismissal. “At least a good morning kiss?”
Eve pushed him away as he puckered his lips. His actions were so transparent it was laughable. Azazel lowered his eyes, showing his disappointment.
“You treat me like a dog.” Azazel gently grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it before flashing a smile. “Let’s consider that a substitute.”
After Azazel left, Eve changed into her undergarments and called for the maids. When one of them pulled on her clothes, the swollen bruises on her chest almost made her gasp, but fortunately, she was able to finish getting ready without any issues. Before leaving the room, Eve instructed them.
“If Count Hound comes looking for me, tell him I’m in the gallery.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Eve went straight to the gallery. From the moment she woke up, she had wanted to see the demon’s painting again.
The sex the previous night had been amazing, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t conflicted. Was this how it felt to succumb to the demon’s temptation? However, when she reached the gallery, a servant stood in front of the purple curtain.
She was briefly startled but quickly remembered that the area contained Aeshath’s personal belongings. It made sense that entry was restricted without permission.
“Lady Jenna.”
The servant greeted her just as a familiar voice came from inside.
“Eve? Let her in.”
It was Aeshath. Hesitating briefly, thinking of Azazel, Eve walked past the servant and entered. Aeshath, already present, greeted her with his usual bright expression.
“Eve, have I misunderstood your usual waking hours?”
“I couldn’t sleep in today, given that it’s the day of departure.”
“I wish Dane could hear that. He doesn’t seem to be ready yet. Came to see the painting?”
Eve looked at the painting Aeshath was observing. It was the painting of the black-haired man she had been thinking about since she opened her eyes. Eve approached it.
“You liked this painting, didn’t you?”
Eve nodded, and Aeshath smiled knowingly. “A fallen angel, huh? Which implies angels exist, right?”
“Probably.”
“If you met an angel, would you want to say something to them?”
It was a rather childish question. Eve answered without thinking too deeply, “I’d ask for one of their feathers.”
“…A feather?”
Eve shrugged. “Yes. If they had beautiful feathers like the ones in the painting, I’d want to ask for one.”
Aeshath burst into laughter, the sound pleasant and clear.
“How unique. Most people would ask for something grander if they met an angel. Like a blessing. People usually expect more from angels.”
Aeshath gazed at the painting silently for a moment.
“Since there’s no such thing as perfect good or perfect evil in our world, I guess there’s no need to care too much about such things,” Eve replied.
Though the response seemed somewhat unrelated to the conversation, Eve noticed Aeshath’s somber expression as he looked at the painting and pretended not to see it.
After a brief silence, Aeshath asked in a brighter tone, “Well, shall we have some tea? It looks like Dane is taking longer than expected.”
“Why not?”
As Eve moved to follow her, she stopped her.
“You said you came down early to see the painting, right? Take your time. I’ll send someone for you when he’s ready.”
“Oh… thank you. I’ll continue looking around then.”
Left alone, Eve stood in front of the painting of the golden-haired woman and the demon. Staring at it without blinking, she absentmindedly muttered to herself.
“…It really is like being possessed by a demon.”
***
Inside the carriage leaving the villa, Eve looked at Dane, who, to anyone else, would seem to have had a sleepless night.
Sensing her gaze, Dane smirked. “What, am I handsome?”
Although his smile was charming, he looked far too exhausted, and his complexion was pale, dulling his natural beauty.
Eve asked with concern, “That handsome face looks like it’s dying. What happened?”
“Nothing. Just didn’t sleep well.”
Eve frowned. “What, did you see a ghost? Since when do you care so much about your sleeping arrangements?”
Given all the scandals he’d been involved in, the idea that he had trouble sleeping felt like a flimsy lie.
He admitted it easily.