Wicked Husband-Chapter 122 - 121

Lost in thought, Eileen was startled back to reality by a gentle touch on her cheek. When she opened her eyes, she found Cesare’s bright crimson gaze fixed on her.

Those same eyes had watched her in the past, now just as intense.

The dark bedroom resembled the Emperor’s chamber, but this was the Grand Duchy’s bedroom, and Eileen was now the Grand Duchess of Erzet. Cesare’s gaze remained unchanged from that day, but the reality surrounding Eileen had transformed completely.

Without thinking, she whispered, "...There was something, actually."

Cesare narrowed his eyes as he held her close, his arms wrapped around her waist. Eileen hesitated, then continued.

"Today, Lady Farbellini... we had a bit of a disagreement, but it was nothing serious..."

As soon as the words left her mouth, she felt even smaller. Embarrassment washed over her as she mumbled,

"I didn’t think it was worth telling you, but... you asked, and it just came to mind. It really wasn’t anything important..."

Her excuses tumbled out in a rush, but then Cesare smiled—a smooth, genuine smile that lacked the bitterness from before.

He kissed her cheek and her trembling lips, letting out a soft laugh.

"Go on, Eileen. Tell me more."

Cesare had told her to keep talking, but she found herself at a loss for words. Anything more she said would only sound like childish whining.

"There’s nothing else... really," she replied, watching Cesare closely to ensure he wasn’t bothered by her words. To her relief, he didn’t seem upset.

She exhaled quietly, trying not to make it obvious, but Cesare seemed to notice and chuckled again.

He reached over and took the journal from her hands, setting it aside. Then his hands began to roam over her body, touching sensitive spots as he asked, "Is there nothing you want?"

His touch was teasing, slipping beneath her thin nightgown, making every brush of his fingers against her skin even more intense. She squirmed under his touch, a warm sensation blooming inside her as she tried to hold back the rising heat.

"I did have something, but... you already gave it to me today," she said, her voice trembling. She was referring to the cake he had brought earlier, a rare treat that couldn’t easily be bought, even with money. She didn’t need anything more than that.

But Cesare wasn’t satisfied with her answer. His hands continued to explore as he pressed further, "Not something like a cake. What about clothes, jewelry, a villa, perhaps? Books or laboratory equipment? I could even build you another greenhouse."

She wasn’t a person without desires. She loved having her own vast library, a lab filled with the latest tools, and a greenhouse brimming with rare plants. She had always harbored many wishes.

But now, as the Grand Duchess, Cesare had already given her everything she could ever want. She was surrounded by beautiful dresses, exquisite jewelry, and delectable food. Her life felt like a paradise. Asking for anything more seemed greedy.

"Ah... n-no, I’m fine. I have everything I need already," she stammered, her body trembling as she leaned against Cesare’s chest, gripping his shirt as his touch strayed closer to more intimate places.

"What could I give my wife that would make her happy?" Cesare asked, his tone relaxed, contrasting sharply with his provocative hands.

Suddenly, an idea sparked in her mind, pulling her out of her haze. Her body, which had been melting under his touch, stiffened with excitement.

"There is something!" she exclaimed, her voice louder than she intended. Realizing her outburst, she quickly drew a sharp breath, but Cesare only smiled, watching her with amusement.

Despite the relief of his nonchalance, she hesitated. What she wanted felt like a significant request—too extravagant to ask for.

Cesare tilted his head slightly, noticing her uncertainty. "What are you trying to say that’s making you think so hard?"

His tone darkened slightly, as if he didn’t appreciate her reluctance. He tightened his grip on her thigh and teased, "What? You think your husband can’t get it for you?"

"No, it’s not that," she replied, flustered by both his words and his touch. Her mind raced as she tried to organize her thoughts. No matter how she phrased it, the request felt bold and perhaps inappropriate.

Can I really ask him this? she wondered.

This was only the second time she’d ever asked Cesare for something directly. The first had been for money to pay for her mother’s funeral. Compared to that, this request felt much more audacious.

Am I being too selfish? But he did tell me to be honest...

Her heart pounded in her chest, but something emboldened her today. She remembered how Cesare had smiled at her earlier, pleased with her honesty. I’ll just say it, she thought, gathering her courage.

"Just for one day..."

The moment the words left her lips, regret washed over her. She wanted to take them back, to pretend she hadn’t said anything. But Cesare’s red eyes were fixed on her, silently urging her to continue.

With a trembling hand, she reached out, trying to take his hand, but in her nervousness, she only managed to grasp his pinky. She held on tightly and pressed on.

"Could you... just give me one whole day of your time?"

What she wanted more than anything was a single day to spend entirely with him.

***

Ornella stared blankly at her teacup. The reflection of the woman in the tea was shockingly beautiful. Her delicate and pure features more than earned her the title of "Lily," yet that beauty felt like the only thing she truly possessed.

She knew who the real masterpiece of creation was. Whenever those mysterious eyes of gold and green looked at her, it took her breath away. She longed to tear those bright, innocent eyes from the face that sparkled like a fairy.

"The Grand Duke is only human, after all."After Cesare attended the Grand Duchess’s tea party, all of society buzzed with talk of the Erzet couple. The ladies who had been invited proudly recounted their experiences at every social gathering.