I Became The Wife Of The Cursed Grand Duke Chapter 135

The sudden thought flitted through Evelyn’s mind—Oh, it’s outside—before scattering like mist. 

 

Their breaths mingled once more, and she clutched at the hem of her husband’s robe, feeling as though she were sinking into an abyss. 

 

The probing tongue that threatened to consume her, the press of their bodies, the heat that stirred her lower abdomen—none of it felt unwelcome.

 

Kalian’s lips parted, and he lowered his gaze. Evelyn opened her eyes gently, looking up at him as she struggled to catch her breath. 

 

He gazed at her with a tenderness that seemed to stretch time, his fingertips brushing her face.

 

“I missed you,” he murmured, his rough fingers trailing from her forehead, down the bridge of her nose, to her lips. “I missed you so much, Evelyn.”

 

Leaning down, he whispered the words against her lips before claiming them again in a kiss that was almost unbearable in its intensity. 

 

Evelyn shuddered, his hot breath enveloping her as she wrapped her arms around his neck.

 

It was then that a voice called out from beyond the bushes. “Where have you been for so long, leaving the horses alone?”

 

“That’s right, you’re riding unescorted. Sometimes I think I see other people these days.”

 

The playful banter belonged to Benedict and Mrs. Riktor, who were unaware that Evelyn had already been escorted to the gates. 

 

They were searching for their lord, who had vanished without tethering his horse.

 

“Well, I suppose that’s what newlyweds do, little lady,” Benedict quipped. “And I’m sure you’ve had nothing on your mind.”

 

“Then shall we return? After all, you two are going to be staying together, so we should probably start preparing the meal.”

 

Their voices faded as they disappeared, leaving Evelyn flushed and embarrassed. She pressed her lips together, her face burning.

 

“Let me go,” she whispered.

 

“Shh, it’s okay,” Kalian replied, his grip tightening as she tried to push him away.

 

The more she resisted, the more he seemed to pull her closer, as if there were nothing wrong with a couple sharing an intimate moment in a castle that belonged to him. 

 

Evelyn’s face turned crimson as she struggled.

 

“Stop. Not here…” she pleaded, jerking her head back in embarrassment.

 

But Kalian tugged her waist firmly, his voice low and teasing. “Newlyweds are supposed to be like that. You shouldn’t think I don’t understand.”

 

Evelyn felt her stomach tighten at his smirk, her body betraying her resolve.

 

“You’re controlling, you are,” she accused.

 

“Because you’ll love me even if I’m selfish,” he replied, his voice carrying a shallow but undeniable truth.

 

Evelyn took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. 

 

‘But there’s someone else who means just as much to me right now,’ she thought.

 

“First, let’s go say hello to… Mother,” she said, entwining her arm with his as if to calm a restless beast. “It’s too cold in here, and I’m not comfortable…”

 

Her heart raced as she wondered if they would discover her secret. 

 

‘I wonder if they’ll find out I’m pregnant,’ she thought, her gaze sliding to the roughness of his throat.

 

Kalian’s brow furrowed, his gaze intent. Then, with a chuckle, he covered his eyes with his large hand. “Evelyn, you are so…”

 

‘What’s so funny?’ she wondered, her cheeks burning as his lips curled into a smile beneath his hand.

 

“Well, if I come back and realize I’ve disappeared without a word, they’ll be looking for me everywhere. I’d better do as you say.”

 

He seemed to misinterpret her attempt to stall as an invitation to spend more time together. 

 

‘That would be awkward,’ she thought, feeling a wave of embarrassment.

 

“Oh, I didn’t mean that…” she stammered.

 

“My wife has a very bad habit,” Kalian said, wrapping a strong arm around her waist and pulling her closer. “With such an innocent face.”

 

Evelyn’s face flushed even deeper as she stared at him. The smile on Kalian’s face vanished, replaced by a look of intensity.

 

“Where did you learn to be so mean to people, to push them over the edge and then push them away?” he whispered harshly, tilting his head to capture her lips once more.

 

The kiss was impatient, as if the earlier one hadn’t been enough. 

 

His desire burned in his eyes as he scooped her up and carried her away. 

 

The warmth of his muscular body sent shivers through her, and she felt weak with the need to curl up in his arms.

 

But a nagging thought tormented her. ‘Every time I feel this way, I remember he was with another woman when I was alone.’

 

“My wife is an old-fashioned woman, and I can’t even compare her to someone as sophisticated and attractive as you.”

 

‘I don’t doubt him, but this is the man who had a past wife he loved so much. How can I be sure his heart won’t turn to the saint?’

 

Evelyn stroked his arm, feeling as though she’d been thrown to the ground. “I can walk alone,” she said softly.

 

“Stop being so stubborn. What if you fall in the snow?” Kalian replied, his voice firm.

 

Tears welled in her eyes as he spoke. 

 

‘Even though I’m happy to see him, I feel frustrated when I think of the saint, and my heart aches when I think of the child in my belly. Meeting him was supposed to bring clarity, but it’s only deepened my troubles.’

 

‘What the hell am I going to do?’ she thought, letting out a frustrated breath as she tightened her arms around him.

 

* * *

 

“I’m back, Mother,” Kalian announced as they entered the dining room. He pulled out a chair for Evelyn, his gesture earning a bright smile from Charlotte.

 

“It’s so nice to see you two looking out for each other,” Charlotte said, her voice dripping with emotion. 

 

‘Who would have thought that a womanizing grand duke would make a marriage work?’ she mused.

 

She wasn’t alone in her surprise. 

 

Most of the household had assumed their marriage would end quickly, given the rumors about the grand duchess. But the stories she’d heard proved otherwise.

 

“I hear the capital is under lockdown, and your wife is so ill that you’re rushing here,” Charlotte added, her gaze shifting to Evelyn.

 

Evelyn’s face flushed. 

 

‘I must look really bad if everyone’s so worried about me. I look fine in the mirror.’

 

Just as she was thinking about her facial expressions, Kalian changed the subject. “Did you find everything okay, Mother?”

 

“Yes, though you look a little tired,” Charlotte replied.

 

“No, I’m fine,” Evelyn said quickly.

 

“How are things at the palace?” Charlotte asked.

 

“Everything is going according to order,” Kalian replied, his tone neutral.

 

With the capital under lockdown, rumors swirled about the Emperor’s health, but Kalian wasn’t one to gossip. Instead of probing further, Charlotte offered a gentle smile.

 

“So when do you expect to return to the palace?”

 

“I plan to stay at the castle until my wife is well enough to return,” Kalian said.

 

“I see. It must be hard for you to manage the Grand Duchy on your own after the chaos at your wedding. Add to that the loss of your half-sister, and you’ve got yourself a real problem…” Charlotte’s gaze shifted to Evelyn, her tone meaningful. “I hope you’re able to put the bad things behind you. It will come naturally as you spend time with your husband.”

 

Evelyn’s heart felt heavy as she looked at the food in front of her. 

 

‘There’s so much meaning in her words.’ 

 

But she couldn’t afford to be rude, so she silently picked up her utensils, trying to control her nausea.

 

* * *

 

Darkness had fallen by the time they finished eating. 

 

They headed to the couple’s bedroom on the top floor of the castle. 

 

Evelyn had excused herself, claiming she wasn’t feeling well, but Kalian wasn’t easily dismissed.

 

“You look like you’ve been thinking a lot today,” he said, his gaze piercing as the guards opened the bedroom door. “Or is there something you want to say?”

 

Evelyn’s heart sank at his question. 

 

‘Why is he bringing this up out of the blue?’ 

 

She had a feeling he knew what she was asking, but she lacked the courage to confront him.

 

‘I haven’t decided how I’ll react if he says something negative about it.’ 

 

It took all her strength to maintain her composure. The slightest slip in her tightly wound nerves sent shivers down her spine.

 

‘Never admit you’re pregnant until you’re sure of something,’ she reminded herself, biting down hard on her lip. 

 

The pain helped keep her mind clear as she pushed past him into the bedroom, sucking in a deep breath to steady herself.