The Monstrous Grand Duke’s Fake Lady

Instead of Vivian, who had no more strength left on her arms and feet, he was the one who sat on the edge of the bed while drying her hair on his own.

It would be much more convenient to request for a maid, but Knox wanted to do it himself. He found that the soft voice that was emitted whenever his rough hand had touched her hair, to be adorably sweet.

While he was just barely holding back his strength that had already returned to his fingertips, Knox still dried her hair with a towel.

The hot water and cool wind that followed after their passionate intimate sessions had made her look like she was in a state of daze. He continued to accommodate Vivian, who kept on dozing off, by moving his hand ever so carefully.

As the water on her hair had slowly dried away, she opened her eyes before looking up straight at Knox.

When their gazes intertwined, his lips immediately touched her forehead.

“Did you sleep well?”

“I wasn’t sleeping.”

There was absolutely no credence in her sluggish words. Did she even realize that? She let out a faint sigh before uplifting her body that was leaning against him.

“It would be good if you stayed for the night.”

“No. I must go home soon.”

Knox displayed a sour expression towards her, who was adamantly exerting her will. He had met her parents only a few times before, but from the encounters, he had gauged that they weren’t really against the idea of staying out. Rather, they looked like the type that was more inclined in pushing their daughter to an overnight stay.

“Looks like I need to visit your house at least once—sooner or later.”

“Yes—what? Why?”

Vivian’s hands, which were busy dressing up, immediately stiffened at Knox’s words.

“I’m just curious about what you have there since you always want to go home. Well, it wouldn’t hurt to know your taste by going there, right?”

“Please don’t. There’s nothing to see anyway. Even if there is something, I’m sure that it’d just be mundane things that wouldn’t even enter your view.”

“Seems like you’re saying that there is actually something there, aren’t you?”

“What I mean is, it’s not striking enough to make Knox, who is already unwell, visit on purpose.”

“Then, what if I’m not sick at all?”

Vivian’s hands that were still dressing herself stopped at Knox’s words, once again.

Not being sick had also carried the meaning that his eyes were able to see better.

Then, the trick wouldn’t work anymore, would it? Vivian turned her head to avoid his eyes.

It might be okay since the one who would be by his side at that moment wasn’t her anymore, but Young Lady Alexia, herself.

“…then, it might be okay.”

“Okay. I’ll be visiting at that moment, then.”

Vivian lowered her head, while still continuing to put on her clothes when Knox had given such a remark. She was the one who had changed her hairstyle during their flurry, but she still tried her best to retain its original state.

She arranged her hair, especially the parts that weren’t covered by the hat. Although it was much worse than when she had come over, she could still switch into the arrogant Alexia.

After Vivian had donned her hat on, Knox quickly caught a hold of her hand. He pressed his lips against the back of her hand, looking somewhat satisfied with the fact that she had the same scent as himself.

“Bye!”

“I’ll come again tomorrow.”

Vivian gave a faint smile. She had to fully enjoy this current happiness that would soon expire, while it lasted.

* * *

“Vivian!”

Something happened around the time when Vivian had arrived at the mansion—with her original appearance. It was none other than Amanda, who hurriedly snatched her hand, as if she was already waiting for her.

“Come here and please help me with some work. It has already become a complete mess now.”

“What’s going on?”

Amanda made a fuss at Vivian’s faint voice that was just enough for her to hear.

“The Young Lady had received an invitation!”

“What kind of invitation this time around?”

“It’s a gathering that had opened exactly around this time—what they said. It seems like it’s a hunting competition that is hosted for the children of prestigious families and she was invited for that. Maybe, the engagement has strengthened the Young Lady’s status, then.”

Amanda said so with such dreamy eyes. It seemed like she wanted to see the outside world that could only be done by joining the company of maids who accompanied their masters.