The Duke's Wife

Chapter 2: Just Break Up

Lilith's POV

Three days after my fake act of not being able to get up after the first night, it was early morning, and Jubelian was getting ready.

"I don't know what to do with Mikhail~~~" she whined as I sipped my tea in her room. "Just break up," I suggested, knowing it was the straightforward solution she needed to hear.

Well that's what she did in the novel.

"Oh, that sounds great! I have a meeting with him today anyway," she replied, brightening at the idea. As the maid finished doing her hair, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Jubelian responded to the intruder, and the head butler entered.

"My lady, the duke is inviting you for breakfast," the head butler announced.

Jubelian and I flinched at his words. "I-fa-father has never eaten with me... why today?" Jubelian asked nervously.

"It's not for the young lady," the butler clarified. We glanced at him curiously. He then dropped the bombshell. "He's calling for the duchess."

Cough Cough

I started coughing hard, taken aback by the news. Placing the cup back in the saucer I guestured for my maid, "Are-are you alright?" Jubelian looked at me with concern.

I wiped my lips with the kerchief my maid handed me and assured her that I was fine. "W-why?" I asked, distressed by the unexpected summons.

"Madam..." The butler looked puzzled, searching for the right words.

"I'll go," I replied, rising from my seat. Jubelian and I stood up to attend to our respective tasks.

"You didn't have to see me out," Jubelian said with a smile.

"It's fine... I wanted to do it," I responded, patting her head gently.

After seeing Jubelian off, the butler led me through the grand interior of the Duke's estate.

As I walked, I couldn't help but admire the opulent surroundings. Every corner of the mansion was designed with the duke's wealth and power.

"How far is the dining room?" I asked the butler, nodding to the servants who bowed to me as we passed.

"Oh, madam, we're not going there," the butler replied, and I scowled as he continued with a smile. "The master has called you to his study." He said and I smiled blankly

'Why? Just why?'

Then the butler stopped in front of a large door and knocked.

"Come in," a smooth voice commanded from within, and I started panicking internally. 'Calm down... calm down,' I told myself. The butler held the door open, and I stepped inside.

"You're late," Legis said, glancing at me with his cold eyes. My panic reached new heights.

"I had a prior meeting..." I replied, my voice trailing off as I took a seat opposite him.

Legis didn't say anything, and I felt more self-conscious than I should have. The table was small enough that if I stretched my legs, I could easily touch him.

The servants approached and placed all the dishes for breakfast.

Although the food looked tasty, I couldn't enjoy it. The silence between us was heavy with awkwardness, making me feel even more uncomfortable.

'I should probably tell Marianne to bring some indigestion pills later,'

Just as I was munching on the tasteless green salad, the duke spoke up. "Is your body okay?" Legis asked, and I scowled at him, confused.