"Rosaline, weren’t you the one claiming that your sister would be thrown out of the Duke’s mansion within a day?" Josephine said, fanning herself lazily as she cast a sideways glance at her.

"Aren’t the Duke and the Duchess still on their honeymoon?" Claire questioned. "To be honest, if Duchess Eilika hadn’t borne that mark on her face, she would have outshone many in beauty. Even my brother once showed interest in her."

"Your brother?" Rosaline let out a soft, mocking laugh. "And what changed his mind?"

Claire shrugged lightly.

"He had only seen her from one side," she said. "But the moment he saw her face properly, he stepped back."

A faint smirk played on Rosaline’s lips.

"Then how is it that the Duke couldn’t do the same?" Claire added, tilting her head.

Josephine leaned in slightly, lowering her voice as if sharing something scandalous.

"The rumors say," she began, "that the Duke is merely keeping her as a caretaker for Young Master Roman."

Rosaline’s expression darkened for a brief moment, though she quickly masked it. The fan in Josephine’s hand fluttered softly as the whispers of gossip filled the air.

"Perhaps the House of Varos only spread the rumor that they are on a honeymoon," Claire said with a soft chuckle. "I once had the chance to see the Duke myself, he is undeniably handsome."

She paused, her tone turning more certain.

"But his heart still belongs to his late wife, Liliana. Men like him, they never truly give their love to another."

Josephine turned toward Rosaline.

"Did you not see your sister when you visited the Duke’s mansion?" she asked.

Rosaline shook her head lightly. "No," she replied. "I didn’t. Which is why I believe they truly are away on a honeymoon."

The three of them slowly came to a stop by the lake. The water shimmered under the sunlight, reflecting their figures as they stood there.

For a moment, Rosaline’s expression softened.

"My sister is kind," she said quietly. "No matter what people say to her, she never hurts anyone."

Claire immediately smirked, catching the shift in her tone. "Rosaline, are you actually praising your sister?" she teased. She then folded her arms. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮

"If your mother hadn’t been so firm about you not marrying a widower," Claire added, "you could have been the Duchess of Varos today."

Rosaline didn’t react, but internally she was regretting for not rebelling.

"Well, Eilika can be kicked out soon if she fails to fulfill her marital duties," Josephine remarked and grinned. "Pray that this honeymoon doesn’t succeed, Rosaline. You can try your way if you want to hold such a high position."

Rosaline furrowed her brows together as she tightened her hold on the parasol.

~~~~

In the evening, the soft golden light filtered into the room as Eilika helped Roman get ready. She carefully adjusted the cuffs of his shirt, making sure everything sat neatly on his tiny frame.

"Mama, you look pretty," Roman said, looking up at her with innocent admiration.

Eilika smiled faintly at his words.

"You always say that, my dear," she murmured, brushing a stray strand of his hair back into place.

Roman tilted his head thoughtfully, as if recalling something.

"Mama, I once heard you talking about a scar," he said. His tiny hand rested on Eilika’s cheek. "Mama, you should never think of yourself as less beautiful," Roman said with complete sincerity. "No one is like you. Everyone in the house loves you, and I love you the most."

For a moment, Eilika could not respond.

His words, so simple and innocent, touched something deep within her.

Her eyes began to glisten, and before she could stop it, a tear slipped down her cheek.

"Mama, why are you crying?" Roman asked, his small voice filled with concern.

Eilika quickly wiped her tears, forcing a soft smile.

"It’s nothing, Roman," she said gently. "You are such a sweet boy. You always make me feel so happy."

Her voice softened further. "I love you too."

She leaned down and placed a tender kiss on his forehead.

Roman immediately returned the affection without hesitation, pressing a kiss to her cheek.

For a brief moment, the world around them felt quiet, filled only with warmth, love, and a bond that needed no words.

A soft knock sounded at the door.

Damian stepped in and paused at the sight before him, Eilika and Roman still wrapped in a warm embrace.

"Are you both ready?" he asked.

Roman was the first to pull away. His face lit up instantly as he nodded eagerly and ran toward his father.

"Yes, Father! Mama dressed me up," he said proudly.

Damian gave a faint smile and ruffled his hair before lifting him into his arms.

As he did, his gaze shifted to Eilika.

He noticed the faint trace of moisture at the corners of her eyes, just enough to tell that she had been crying moments ago.

’Why was she crying?’

But he did not ask. Instead, he adjusted Roman comfortably in his arms.

"Come," Damian said softly.

Roman’s tiny arms wrapped securely around his father’s neck as he leaned closer.

"Mama, let’s go!" he called out happily.

Eilika smiled at his excitement and walked toward them. Together, the three of them stepped out of the room, moving side by side like a quiet, growing family.

In the hall, Louis was laughing lightly, engaged in conversation with a few servants. The moment he noticed them, he stopped mid-sentence, his attention shifting completely to the trio.

"Uncle!" Roman called out, his voice full of enthusiasm. "We are going to the market. It’s my first time going to such a place!"

Louis raised his brows in pleasant surprise.

"Then you should thank your mother, Young Lord," he said with a playful smile. "She is the one who made this possible."

He glanced at Damian with a teasing look.

"Otherwise... your father—"

He let out a soft chuckle.

"You’re right, Uncle," Roman said quickly, nodding with complete seriousness. "Father is always busy with work."

Damian’s expression remained composed, though there was the faintest shift in his eyes as he heard that.

For once, he did not argue.

Instead, he adjusted Roman in his arms slightly and glanced toward Eilika, admiring her silently for making it happen.