Eilika entered the study, her eyes immediately landing on the Duke. Damian was wearing a scowl that seemed etched into his face, yet even his grimace couldn't detract from the striking, sharp lines of his features.
"Why did the Duke summon me?" Eilika asked in a polite manner.
Damian finally looked up from the file in his hands. "Yes. Take a seat," he replied curtly.
Eilika approached the desk, pulling out a heavy chair before settling into it.
"These are the assets scheduled to be transferred into your name," Damian stated, sliding the blue leather file toward her. "Review the list. If there are specific jewels, parcels of land, or properties you wish to include, tell me now before I finalize everything with the accountant."
Eilika glanced down at the file, then back up at the Duke's cold expression. "I want nothing," she said.
Damian's brows knitted together in genuine confusion. "Why? These are the standard provisions for your station. They are the benefits you are owed for marrying me," he asserted.
Instead of answering, Eilika stood up. She offered a brief, stiff bow and turned to leave the room.
"What is the meaning of this cold attitude? Simply sign the documents," Damian said in an annoyed tone. He moved quickly, intercepting her before she reached the door and thrusting the file into her hand. "Take it. Return it to me once you've signed."
"And what use is this wealth to me when my husband refuses to even acknowledge my presence?" Eilika's voice suddenly flared with suppressed emotion. Ever since she married him, she felt nothing but even more humiliated.
"I am well aware you loathe me because of the scar on my cheek. You should have told your mother to find a woman of peerless beauty. This mark must truly terrify you," she muttered.
"Is something wrong with your head?" Damian snapped, his tone bordering on a reprimand. He took a breath, trying to stifle the burgeoning conflict. "Let us not argue over nonsense. You cannot return this to me unsigned. That is an order from your Duke."
Eilika gripped the file and heard Damian speak, "I didn't choose you. I wouldn't have chosen anyone. I clearly told you last night that it happened because my mother wanted it. And Roman... He needs a mother. That's it."
"Does Roman not need a father?" Eilika asked, keeping her gaze low. "You're his biological father. Have you ever thought what it does to the mind when a child is deprived from the love of his own father? But then, how would you even know it?" She chuckled and walked out of his sight.
Damian's face contorted. She was the only person, and the first person, who would pull the strings around his heart that would only make him think deeper.
He went to his desk and looked at the photograph of him and his first wife, who was no longer alive. "Roman's birth took you away. I can't look at that child, no matter what. I told you to choose yourself but you chose to leave me."
Damian's eyes brimmed with tears as he recalled the past, the time when the woman he held dear left his life.
~~~~
Roman bowed politely to his art instructor before looking down at the canvas he had completed. A surge of excitement warmed his chest at the thought of showing it to his mother, but it was quickly followed by a shadow of doubt, would she truly care for it? Lost in thought, he stared at the art book in his small hands as he walked through the corridor, his loyal attendant following a few paces behind.
"Roman, I heard your lessons were finished for the day."
The young boy snapped his head up at the sound of the familiar, gentle voice. His eyes sparkled with instant joy upon seeing Eilika. Without a second thought, he broke into a small run until he reached her side.
"Mother, I... I made this painting in class," Roman murmured, his voice tiny and shy as he offered the book. "I was wondering if you might like it?"
Eilika immediately lowered herself to her knees, bringing herself level with him. She took the art book with a look of genuine wonder. "Oh my! Is this supposed to be me? Roman, you have such a remarkable talent. This is beautiful."
"Really?" Roman asked, his voice lifting with a newfound hope.
"Yes. I truly love it," Eilika said warmly.
Roman's expression transformed as a radiant grin spread across his face, lighting up his eyes. "I'm so glad you liked it, Mother! Shall we play now? My tutors are finished, so I have plenty of free time. Let's play catch and run!"
"Young Lord, Her Grace might need to rest," Joanna, Eilika's attendant, interjected with a polite, cautionary tone.
"No, I have no desire to rest," Eilika said, dismissing the suggestion with a shake of her head. "I am going to play with Roman. Here, grab my hand."
Roman jumped in pure, unbridled happiness as Eilika stood up. He reached out and caught her hand, his small fingers lacing through hers as they prepared to head toward the palace courtyard.
The other attendant had already grabbed the art book from Eilika and followed both of them.
"Mother, did someone hit you at cheek?" Roman suddenly asked her as they finally were in the courtyard.
"No. I fell when I was young," Eilika said.
"Oh. Does it hurt, Mother?" Roman inquired.
Eilika smiled. "Not at all," she whispered. "Roman, you should run. I will catch you."
Roman let go of Eilika's hand and ran northward. He looked behind and saw Eilika preparing for the run. With his tiny legs he sprinted as fast as he could but Eilika was faster as she caught him from behind and lifted him in the air while gasping for air.
Their laughter echoed in the air as they kept doing it for some time.
From the grand balcony, Damian looked at them while Louis stood beside him.
"I never saw your son this happy," Louis said. "Eilika is truly a gem. Take her out in the evening. Don't stay stoic toward her when she's doing so much for you and Ronan," he advised.
"Excuse me? Are you the Duke?" A feminine voice came from behind, interrupting their focus.