Rebirth Of The Duke's Daughter

Chapter 73

Mila rushed back into her room, her heart pounding in her chest. She quickly shut the doors to her balcony, her face burning with embarrassment over what she had just done. The moment the doors were closed, she leaned against them, trying to steady her racing thoughts.

Outside, ZH was still on the balcony, clearly flustered. "Mila?! Mila?! What does this mean? Is there something you're not telling me?!" he called out, his voice filled with confusion and a hint of desperation. But Mila, too overwhelmed to face him, quickly pulled the curtains shut, blocking him—and the outside world—from seeing into her room.

Inside, the room was quiet, save for Mila's rapid breathing as she tried to calm down. Her thoughts were a whirlwind of emotions, and she couldn't believe she had actually kissed him. 'What was I thinking?' She berated herself, her face growing even hotter at the memory.

Kate, who had been patiently waiting on the bed, perked up at the sight of Mila. 'Mama, you finally kissed Papa!' She said with innocent excitement, her tails wagging in delight.

Mila, too embarrassed to respond, simply hopped onto the bed and buried her face in a pillow, trying to hide her flushed cheeks. The softness of the pillow offered little comfort as she squeezed it tightly, hoping the warmth in her face would fade. She didn't know how to process what had just happened, and the thought of facing ZH again filled her with a mixture of dread and nervous anticipation.

Exhausted by the whirlwind of emotions, Mila eventually let sleep overtake her. She knew she needed to rest—tomorrow was a big day, and she would be leaving soon. But as she drifted off to sleep, her thoughts lingered on the moment that had just passed, and she couldn't help but wonder what it all meant.

***

"She's a strange woman, no matter how I think of it," ZH muttered to himself, his mind still reeling from the simple peck on the cheek Mila had given him. "How can something so small confuse me so much?" With a quiet sigh, he moved effortlessly through the balcony doors, phasing through them like a ghost. "She completely forgot that I can do this," he noted with a hint of amusement.

Inside the room, ZH's gaze softened as he approached Mila's bed. She was already fast asleep, her breathing deep and even, her face relaxed and peaceful. The sight of her like this, free from worry, made something warm stir in his chest. He couldn't help but smile as he watched her, the earlier confusion momentarily pushed aside.

Kate, who had been dozing off nearby, suddenly perked up. She sensed someone in the room who wasn't one of the beasts or Mila's people. Wagging her tail, she turned her bright eyes toward ZH. 'Pa-'

"Shh..." ZH quickly hushed her, putting a finger to his lips. He didn't want Kate to wake Mila, who had only just fallen asleep. He leaned down, placing a gentle kiss on Mila's head, a tender gesture that had become more natural to him than he ever expected. Then, he reached out and petted Kate's head, smiling as he did so.

'This little one is really bringing us closer together,' ZH thought, feeling a strange sense of contentment. It was as if Kate, in her innocent way, had woven a thread between him and Mila that was growing stronger with each passing day.

With a final, soft smile, ZH straightened up, watching over them both for a moment longer before slipping silently back out through the doors, leaving Mila to her peaceful dreams.

***

Mila yawned as she prepared for their journey back home. Sleep had been elusive for her lately, her thoughts increasingly occupied with ZH in a way that felt different from simple friendship. They had risen early that morning, and Kayla had generously provided them with ample supplies for their trip. She even shared a route that would shorten their journey, making it quicker to reach their destination.