My Lady Chef
Chapter 18: A Loveless Marriage?

Ely's POV:

After a light supper, Linda brought me some herbal tea and biscuits as a light snack personally made by the chef in my room. The warmth of the lemon tea soothed my aching body and the butter shortbread cookies went well with the drink and just melts in my mouth.

It seems like the new kid knows his stuff. Once I heal up; I would love to visit the main kitchen and have a little chat with this new chef.

"Is there anything else you need Milady?" Linda asked me.

"Nothing else. You may retire now Linda. Goodnight." I smiled at her as she bowed and left my room.

The room that was given to me was thrice as big as the one at the bridal house. It had a king-sized bed with a beautiful canopy and velvet drapes, the whole room was decorated in tones of soft blue and cream while matching vases, candelabra, and crystal decorations.

There were a separate clothing closet and bathing room with a more spacious area and luxury items that could feed an entire village for a year....

I somehow feel like a tiny child in this decorated ornate space.

A knock from the door near the fireplace made me put down my teacup.

It cracked open and my husband walked inside; his powerful body was clothed in a dark robe that was left loosely against his broad shoulders displaying his washboard abs. It seems like he also showered judging by his damp hair which was tied loosely.

The firelight played with the muscles delineating his tapered waist and hips as he moved with ease, his steps brisk until he came to stand in front of me since I was seated on the couch.

The air around him felt different as his red gaze seemed to pulse like it was alive.

"Uhm...Is there something you need from-"

My question got answered when he sat near me and leaned in to kiss me; My heart pounded the moment his hot lips seemed to deepen the kiss while I felt I slight tickle when his huge hand cradled my jaw. "Mi..milord?" I sighed huskily as he smiled like the devil.

He pulled me against his hard body but took care not to squish me as he locked lips with me, his kisses were urgent and wild as if he had held himself back for a whole day.

I could not resist him because his raw emotions were all too obvious as he kept me in his arms as he groaned with pleasure when my hands stroked his chest and corded neck. The room echoed with sounds of our moans and frantic touches as I felt my robe loosen up until I felt his big hand holding my naked back before we reluctantly ended our little session "Wife." His deep growl sent shivers up my spine. "Do you really want to sleep in separate rooms?"

His fingers tipped my chin gently as I registered what he just said.

At first, I was at a loss at how to answer him but...

"I had thought that maybe you wanted me to sleep here. Is that not why my clothes are here and not in your chambers milord?" I breathed deeply, trying to calm my heart down. "Milford suggested that you may not be comfortable sharing a room with me....which why I had to move you here....until we come to a decision." he kissed my forehead and then my nose, his hot breath against my skin made my heart race. "Alaina...do you want to share my bed?"

His eyes were like a pair of precious rubies as he took one of my hands and kissed them gently. The way he effortlessly replaces the spot that arouses me also easily shows that he pays attention. I really want to agree with him and share his bed...

Until he tires of me and hunts for another lady he fancies.....

That thought was like ice water entering my veins. This is a marriage of convenience which means that he may want me now...

But what will happen if this lust between us fades...

Without any love or even affection, I am no better than those women who would stalk mean because of some obsessive one side love.

I...I do not want that.

"Milord duke, I am...still not well remember?" I began lamely but he grunted as his lips kissed my palm.

"I know. I meant after you recover." he looked at me but my hesitation must have alerted him because his hold on me loosened up. "You don't want to?"

I blushed and felt a bit harsh but I must not get attached to him so easily.

"I am afraid. This is happening way too fast. Can you please give me some time to think about it?" I whispered as I closed my eyes, afraid that my refusal might anger him.

His ragged sigh punctured the silence as he stroked my neck to calm me down before his lips nipped and kissed a section of my collarbone before gently re-tying my robes and carrying me to my bed. He drew the cover and tucked me in before he used his mana to activate the heat crystal on my bed to keep it warm since it is chilly and far from the fireplace.

"I suppose sharing the bed is a big step for us so soon but maybe once you settle down here and feel at home, we can revisit this issue." he assured me as he leaned by the headboard. "Thank you for being so patient with me...uhm..." I squirmed as I lifted my head a little higher until I am sitting upright. "I heard you are going back to camp in a few days. Is that true?"

He nodded and somehow that made me regret my decision a bit but maybe this is just what we need.

Space and time to think about whether it was right to maintain our distances from each other and work out for ourselves what we want from this marriage.

"The war with Guthrie will take me away from here for a while. I am counting on you to learn how to manage the entire estate from Milford and Mrs. Yates properly." He caressed my cheek again, the gentle stroking motions felt natural...as if he was meant to touch me. "My secretary and bookkeeper will also be with you to assist in making your job easier. I will summon them tomorrow for an introduction."

I absorbed all his words and bobbed my head to show him I understood everything. It shows that he is willing to leave me in charge and he trusts me.

That should account for something right?

"I will do my best milord..." my answer made him frown. Did I say something wrong?

"It seems like you forget things so easily wife. I told you to call me by my name when we are alone." He leaned closer to me until I realized that our foreheads touched. "Say it...." "Y-yes Ezran."

"Good. I like the way you say my name, Alaina."

The awkward tension between us slowly vanished as he kissed my forehead one last time and stood up.

"Goodnight sweet wife. I will see you in the morning." he rumbled deeply, causing me to blush.

He turned to leave and I watched him as he opened the door to his own chambers.

I stared as he turned to give me one last look and he smiled briefly before closing the door.

I felt my heart slow down a bit after his footsteps faded. Somehow I managed to hold him off until I have come to terms with what I want from this loveless marriage.

Ezran.

Do I want him enough to make a true marriage out of this deal? Will he even be satisfied with just me?

I lay back on my bed, my mind hazy from thoughts of him even when I am unsure of how he truly feels for me.

Only time will tell.☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐☐