Chapter 35I watched my triplets playing with Alucard in the middle of the field when he decided he wanted us to have a family picnic near the pavilion of his castle. I felt uneasy from my seat, not because of Alucard, but because I could tell when someone was watching me. One simple to rule out was his elite knights had scattered the area. I was not a simpleton to understand that this castle was heavily guarded even though I could only see fewer royal guards patrolling the area. Even so, I couldn't locate where they were, but their watchful eyes were enough for me to know we were being watched. "For you, Your Serene Grace."I stiffened upon hearing that baritone voice coming from the man I hated. I looked up to see a hydrangea flower laid out by Alucard. My face was in disbelief after that, a silent thought that I did not want to accept, but if my kids saw that I was not on good terms with their father, things might become in a different leaf.Ultimately, I accepted it out of will
Chapter 36"You know what? Suit yourself if you are going to do that to another woman." I rolled my eyes, finding it absurd that I even entertained this man. I even glanced at the hydrangea flower sitting on the bench, wanting to get it, but my pride told me not to. "You can fool around and—""Shame, the only woman I want to entertain is the mother of our triplets," Alucard cut me off, making me stiffen when his tone became raspy.I turned at him, catching how he looked at me with that domineering gaze while he had that meaningful smile. I shivered in delight and couldn't ignore that his remark could make my c l i t throb in need. But while I was still in sanity, my lips formed a bitter smile. "Over my dead body."That was my final retort before I attempted to walk away. However, Alucard stopped me by grabbing my arm. "What?" I snapped, glaring at him."You forgot this." Alucard held out the hydrangea flower to me, winking at me. But I couldn't ignore the fact that his touch sent me
Chapter 37The plan to talk to Alucard about that storage room did not occur that day. Due to needing to teach him how to care for the triplets, I had to focus on it. I remembered I had an agenda I needed to attend once Alucard's turn to have them next week. Alucard listened to what I told him that even Mother did not know. The remaining days brought delight to my triplets when all we did was play around, letting their father read some bedtime stories until it was time for bed. I was more exhausted than them when Alucard and I tucked them in."Good night, our brave pups," Alucard said, kissing their foreheads and making the triplets giggle. "This is your last night here. Next week, we will be together again." They chirped in agreement. "Daddy, why did you reject Mommy as your mate?" I was caught off guard by Lumiere's question. This made me glance at Alucard, who was also looking at me. The hair on my nape stood up as I averted my gaze, and my eyes landed on Luciana, who already op
Chapter 38The brothel had become my solace after that confrontation with Alucard. However, when I assumed that I could make him believe that I could sleep with another man or multiple men, the mood struck me not to engage in anything. All I could do was drink some booze alone at my table while watching some of the male prostitutes being ravished by their female customers. Sighing, I couldn't feel any envy, but Alucard's crying face lingered in my mind. "Madam." I looked up while my chin rested on my palm when Marchioness Carat arrived with another booze. "I would like to apologize since Alfredo is not here tonight."I shook my head, offering a small smile. "No, it's fine, Marchioness Carat. It works in my favor, as I'm not really in the mood for any entertainment," I replied, understanding that she had mentioned Alfredo due to the impressive performance he had delivered during our last encounter. His actions were still etched in my mind, but even with his mask on, all I could think
Chapter 39"We heed your request to embellish with some Swarovski crystals around the necklace, Count Iran," I said, clasping my hands together as my elbows rested on my desk while watching Expert show Count Iran his finished customized jewelry. He requested a golden necklace with the gemstone ruby and used Swarovski crystals to surround the chains. The necklace he asked us for customization would be gifted to his daughter, who would celebrate her coming-of-age soon. "This is beautiful, Your Serene Grace." Count Iran touched the necklace, looking at it lovingly. "I am hoping Eva would like this for her birthday. It will be her first transformation as a wolf, too."The satisfaction smile on his lips delighted me that even though Father was not managing this shop anymore, I was still meeting the right demands and service for our clients. I wanted to maintain the reputation of the Velvety Stones until I passed it down to the next heir who would be handling the House of Bellwood. I was
Chapter 40The horror on my face revealed the shock of Alucard's actions, as he had revealed something I had kept secret - the identity of the father of my triplets. When had he gathered the courage to share such information with these people?Even those guests were gasping in shock. Right there and then. I couldn't explain how I could get away from this situation. I breathed in and out when the murmurs were going louder that the people here forgot that they were in the soft opening of this apparel shop. "Your Royal Highness, can we talk?" I asked in my oh-so-sweet tone before taking his hand and dragging him out of that shop. "My woman needs to speak with me. I will be right back, everyone."I gripped his hand even tighter in response to his words, causing Alucard to hiss in discomfort. He chuckled as he struggled to keep pace with me, realizing that I was leading him into a narrow alleyway.But he gasped and smiled sheepishly when I slammed his back to the wall. "My, my. Aren't w
Chapter 41"Mommy...? Where are you going?"I stiffened when I was about to slide off from Luciana's bed. Smiling wryly, under the dim light, thanks to the moonlight, I caught her she was rubbing her eyes. This night, my triplets decided to sleep in their respective chambers, but Luciana wanted me to sleep by her side, which I did not hesitate to grant. Thinking that she had fallen asleep, I wanted to sneak out, but it was the right time for her to wake up."I will return to my chamber, love," I said, approaching her before carefully putting her back to the bed."You are not going out, right?" she asked, making me stiffen as I watched her yawning. I nodded, smiling. "Of course. I will just return to my chamber, and I will sleep." I tucked her into her blanket before kissing her forehead softly before she closed her eyes. "Good night, my love."Luciana yawned one more time, nodding. "Good night, Mommy."I sighed in relief and quietly left her chamber. On my way to my own room, I coul
Chapter 42"What? Can't do it?" I asked, smiling meaningfully. I even had to flip my long hair cascading down my shoulders. "I need to be entertained. Don't you think that you need to heed my wishes?" I took a sip on my wine glass when Alfredo was not even smiling anymore."For all the encounters I had been through with you, I had really wanted to get back to you, even if my actions were petty." Those words wanted to come out of my mouth, but I was sitting here comfortably, watching him sigh before he removed his mask and chuckled. I almost inhaled sharply, tightening my hold on my wine glass upon seeing that handsome face he was hiding."How did you know that it was me?" Alfredo asked, his eyes glowing in amusement. Or must I say... Alucard.I forced a bitter smile. "I just realized... now," I paused, my frown deepening as he stood up, revealing his chiseled body. Gazing at him, I had a sinking feeling that this would become the worst day of my life. I should have known... Why did I
"Finally..." I heaved a sigh as I finished the weaving I had been working on for the past few days. I held it out with a smile to admire how proud I was. "What do you think, Lulu?" I showed my daughter sitting beside me, watching my finished product. Luciana fluttered her eyes in surprise. "It's so pretty. Are you going to show it to Daddy, Mommy?" she asked as I handed what I weaved. Her delicate hands traced all the details I had made. I could see how impressed she was. Chuckling, I kissed her temple to make her look at me. "Yes. Later." I winked at her, causing her to giggle. "Take a break from stitching, sweetie. Go and join with Lumie and Richie." "Hmm! Yes, Mommy!" She stormed out of the parlor room as fast as a lightning bolt. My stomach felt ticklish as I stood up and went to the window to see her joining with her siblings, who were busy playing chess. I bit my lower lip. I couldn't accept that they were eight years old this year. "Time surely flies..." I muttered, feeli
Chapter 93 Alucard It was hard to get back on my tracks during those years. Thanks to Brother Azarius' help, my engagement with Charity had ended. During those years, I yearned for Faustina and her touch. My shattered heart couldn't be picked up together since her death. I wanted to be with her, but I chose to be strong for her. When I thought that I could finally accept her death, it was then I came to meet the daughter of the Grand Duke and Grand Duchess Bellwood. I thought I was dreaming when I learned her name. Faustina Miles Bellwood... The current head of the House of Bellwood. The moment I saw her, my world stopped, and I almost lost my cool upon seeing my beloved mate—alive and breathing. However, it came to a light that she wasn't my Faustina. But deep inside, I knew to myself that it was her. She might have changed how she walked and talked; my guts were telling me that Faustina Miles Bellwood was the mate that I had been longing for, and I thought that she had died.
Chapter 92Alucard"One more slap, and I can summon my elite knights to deal with someone who dared to hurt the crown prince of this kingdom.""I-I'm so sorry," Faustina whispered, unable to look into my eyes. "I didn't mean to...""Save your apologies," I said with iciness in my tone as I turned around and walked out of that garden, having that firm expression."Alucard..."I barely heard Faustina calling my name, her voice filled with anguish. It took all my strength not to turn around and rush to her side, feeling my heart shatter into pieces as I walked away, out of her sight. I concealed myself and gritted my teeth, witnessing her broken expression from how I had treated her.Right there and then, I wanted to punch my father for bearing me in this situation, and I had to hurt my mate so I could protect her."Faustina..." I murmured her name, wanting to be near her, telling her I never meant those words I uttered.I almost took a step forward, but a hand abruptly halted me. It was
Chapter 91Alucard"Alu, dear."I snapped back to reality when I heard Mother calling me. "Yes, Mother?" I asked, blinking so many times, looking at her. She smiled hesitantly and looked at me weirdly. "You haven't touched your meal again. Is there something bothering you these days?" Her soft tone made me straighten my back. "Yeah. Mother is right, brother. You haven't eaten much."I turned at Alistair, who was creasing his forehead and was sitting across me. Beside him was my other brother and his twin, Alejandro, who had the same expression. It was the exact moment when I had to lay my eyes on my other brothers, Alejandro and Brother Azarius, looking at me as well. Lastly, my eyes landed on Father, who was arching his eyebrow in my direction.I knew, even if he didn't mind-link me, with that kind of piercing look, Father was already telling me to fix myself. "I'm still full. I had some snacks earlier." Now, I had to lie since I didn't want to involve my mother if she happened t
Chapter 90AlucardMy back straightened upon the mere mention of my beloved mate. I could even feel my heart dropping to the pit of my stomach as I met his frigid gaze before I caught his hand where he was waving the letters I had received from Faustina.My eyes widened in horror. "Where did you get them?"My voice was so thunderous that it felt like it had shaken the whole study room. I could even feel the blood draining to my feet, questioning what was happening."You are not planning to end your engagement with Charity just because of this woman you met," he said in finality.I was initially dumbfounded, still processing his words, until my expression changed into disbelief. "She has a name. Her name is Faustina, Father."I didn't know how he got those letters from Faustina since I kept them in my citadel, but I already guessed that he had some suspicions about my behavior ever since I returned.I remember that incident where I wandered alone in the forest without having my elite k
Chapter 89Alucard"There," I muttered with conviction as I finally put a seal on the envelope with my letter inside before looking at Elijah. "Now, dispatch one of my elite knights to deliver this to Faustina, Elijah. I want her to receive my letter as soon as possible. Understand?" The smile plastered on my lips couldn't be erased as soon as Elijah hesitantly reached for it. He looked at the letter first before looking at me worriedly. "Your Royal Highness, you're already engaged to Lady Charity, yet you're exchanging letters with Lady Faustina..." Elijah emphasized, sighing. "You haven't even informed your mate about your engagement..."My mood shifted as fast as the lightning bolt upon the realization. I pursed my lips into a thin line, looking away."I know that..." This made me massage my temple since Elijah made me slap the reality. "I plan to end my engagement soon, so I can be with Faustina."The statement I uttered caused Elijah to gasp in horror. I didn't have to look at
Chapter 88"How about our children, dollface? Did they know that we are going to eat together?"Alucard asked me questions when I prepared our food here in the Luna Queen's garden. Alucard brought me here when I told him I wanted us to picnic. However, our children were left in the mansion.He watched my movements even though some of him wanted to help me, but I insisted that I serve him just as he served me. "Indeed, yes," I replied and glanced at him. "And I want to be with you alone. We haven't been spending much time with each other these days. So... I missed you, pudding." Those words that came out of my mouth made me want to be buried six feet below the ground from embarrassment. I wanted to be vocal with my feelings as much as possible to reassure Alucard, since we needed to communicate to avoid misunderstanding. My wolf agreed with my resolve. And both of us had been longing for our pudding since he was busy for his departure, and we had this misunderstanding these past few
Chapter 87 "I see that the five of you are improving your studies," I praised the Ironwood siblings, who had proven their worth that they could be helpful for my triplets. "I hope you will continue this phase along with your siblings, Cedric." Cedric smiled and gently bowed his head along with his siblings: Gavriel, Lysander, Percival, and Elysia. "We are happy for your praise, Madam Faustina. I wish to show our gratitude by being filial to our duties." His words brought satisfaction to me. "Alright, you may return to your quarters and rest. Thank you for today." As they nodded and left, it relieved me that they were easy to handle at their age. I also made sure that they were living comfortably. I knew that even though they lost their parents, I was trying to supervise them properly. I also had my head butler to handle them. "Expert, do I still have a schedule today?" I asked, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Attending the tea party of Marchioness Archer is your last schedule
Chapter 86I felt disheartened when Alucard left. As much as I didn't feel like entertaining Simone right now, I had to since my pups were already with him. It was good that they were there, so I still had ample time to recollect myself while thinking about how to coax Alucard. "Yay! I have more books!" Liutrich exclaimed, his eyes glistening excitedly as he looked up at me. "Mommy, I will start reading them today!"Smiling, I caressed his hair as I nodded. "Summon our butlers to help you display your new books." Then, I turned to Luciana and Lumiere, who were busy with the presents they received from Simone. "You are spoiling them again, Simone..." I heaved out a sigh when he chuckled."I don't see them often, Faustina," he said, looking brightly at how they liked their presents. "Thank you, though, for inviting me to their birthday party. My apologies if my arrival is all of a sudden. I also have a business to attend here in the Sowinski Kingdom.""I see. I understand." Smiling, I