Chapter 005

After changing into soft, matching pajamas, I took a steadying breath. The quiet of the room felt heavy, as though the mansion itself was holding its breath. I glanced at Adrian, lying still, his face relaxed and calm. For a moment, I let myself think about how strange this situation was—married to a man I’d only just met, a man I barely knew.

Shaking off the thought, I picked up a small bottle of oil from the table and poured a few drops onto my hands, rubbing them together to warm it. I began the massage gently, starting with his hands, moving up his arms, and talking softly as I did. “So… I guess this is a little one-sided, but here goes,” I said, smiling at the absurdity. “I love cats. Not sure if you do, but you should. I also love chilling with a good show… N*****x and all that.” I chuckled, glancing at him. No reaction, of course.

I shifted down to his feet, pressing gently. “You’re really handsome, you know that? I guess you've heard that a thousand times” I murmured. “Have you ever had a girlfriend? What was she like? Did she have any weird habits? Or maybe… you just never found the right person?” I let out a soft laugh, realizing how ridiculous I sounded, talking to someone in a coma. But oddly, it felt good—almost comforting. “I know, it’s my first time marrying a complete stranger, too.”

After finishing, I lay down on the bed, trying to settle in. But it was impossible to fully relax. Every hour, I jolted awake, the unfamiliarity of the room pressing on me. And lying beside a stranger—even one as silent as Adrian—didn’t help.

Finally, as dawn approached, I managed to drift off, only to be woken by a soft knock at the door. I wasn’t even fully alert when the door opened a crack, and Maya’s face appeared, her eyes wide. “Ma’am, are you… still in bed?”

“Huh?” I muttered, sitting up and blinking.

She raised her eyebrows. “Mrs. Evelyn is expecting you. She’s in the kitchen.”

I nodded quickly, stifling a yawn. “Alright, I’ll be down shortly.”

After a quick bath, I chose a plain but neat dress. The knights seemed to appreciate modesty, so I kept it simple. The mansion’s hallways felt like a maze, and I took more than a few wrong turns before finally reaching the kitchen.

Evelyn was there, seated at a small table, slowly stirring tea in a delicate china cup. She looked up, her gaze cool but assessing.

“You’re finally here. I hope you won’t make oversleeping a habit.”

My cheeks flushed. “I apologize, Mrs. Evelyn. I’m usually an early riser, but last night…”

She softened, giving me a slight nod. “See that it doesn’t happen again.” Then, she took a step back, glancing at my dress. “You have good taste. Simple but tasteful.”

“Thank you,” I replied, feeling oddly pleased by her approval.

Evelyn took a measured sip of her tea, her gaze becoming more intense. “As agreed, the funds for your father’s treatment have been transferred to your family.”

I felt a surge of relief and gratitude. “Thank you.”

She nodded, then continued stirring her tea, a pause lingering in the air. “Now, there’s another matter to discuss. The future of the knights depends on an heir.”

An heir. I couldn’t hide my shock. “But… Adrian is in a coma.”

“Yes,” she said firmly. “Given the circumstances, we’ll proceed with artificial insemination.”

The words hit me, and I flinched, feeling a strange blend of shock and resignation. This wasn’t exactly what I’d envisioned, she said it like I was some kind of lab rat. But I gave a small nod. “Understood.”

Evelyn’s expression softened slightly as if sensing my unease. “And how was your night?” She asked, her tone shifting.

“It… it was fine,” I replied, hesitating before adding, “Adrian seems… peaceful.”

She gave a faint smile, her eyes drifting toward the teapot as she poured herself another cup.“Adrian used to be beloved by everyone. He took over our business and the knights’ leadership after his father, Mr. Knight, passed.” She paused, a look of quiet pride on her face. “It was no easy task, but he took it on without complaint.”

Curiosity got the better of me. “Did Adrian ever have a girlfriend or a lover in the past?”