The Echanting Duchess

Chapter 3: Evening Charm

After eating a sumptuous meal during lunch and dinner, Atallie's entire day was spent alone inside her room. All that she did was think through her current situation and organize some other matters in her mind.

If the cold breeze of the night didn't blow against her soft and velvety skin, Atallie won't be able to snap back from her reverie.

Appearing as if in a trance whenever she was in deep thought was usual for Atallie. This habit of hers could also make her appear like a masterpiece statue left in the midst of a freezing winter. Instead of looking distracted and silly, her facial features became even more pronounced when she was in deep thought and looking so serious.

Glancing towards the night sky, Atallie stood up from the glaring bright pink CamelBack and walked towards the opened balcony.

The sky is so dark...

The sky was truly dark. No clouds could be seen in sight. The big and luminous full moon was on display. Although the sky was dark, the moon and the stars were brightly shining their brilliance from above.

The darkness made the moon and the stars even brighter...

Sigh.

Closing her eyes, she slowly breathed in and let the cold but fresh air engulf her lungs. This made Atallie's nerves relax as her mind became clearer and calmer. Even her expression softened bit by bit, and a faint sweet smile appeared on her pinkish and luscious lips.

Atallie rarely smiles genuinely. It was already a long time since she stopped smiling.

For Atallie, she had to be stronger on the inside out. Putting up a cold front and not letting the emotions show on her face was a must so that the world won't be able to beat her.

She only got to show her amicable and soft side to her younger brother.

Atallie's younger brother was the only person being doted on by Atallie, and even until now, he was the only person who was able to receive such amity and genuine smiles from Atallie.

Gazing into the distant horizon, Atallie thought about his younger brother, who was currently staying at a boarding school.

How is he doing?

Is he alright?

Does he also think about me?

My dearest little brother, do you even know that your dear sister is now married?

Oh, you don't know how shocking it was for me. I can't wait to tell you...

Atallie heaved a long sigh. She really wanted to speak to her younger brother now.

When would I be able to see you again?

"I missed you, Ellard," she whispered with the wind.

Just then, the door of her room was abruptly opened. Atallie raised an eyebrow at the sudden interruption of someone.

What a pity, I thought I could enjoy the night in peace...

"Duke," Atallie spoke nonchalantly, acknowledging the presence of Duke Calex, who just came barging inside her room without even knocking.

"How did you know that it was me?" asked the duke as he shut the door with narrowed eyes.

"Who would be presumptuous enough to just barge into the room of the duchess without even a knock? If not the duke himself, am I to expect that a servant on your estate is capable of that?" Atallie asked.

"I didn't know that the estate of the great duke could tolerate such impudence and insolence," she continued.

"What are you talking about?" This woman has a glib tongue, thought the duke.