The Another Chance To Live

Chapter Fourteen

So, I'm still on haitus but then I felt like I should, atleast leave with a proper chapter so here we go!!! Well as my lovely readers, I hope you guys are noticing that TACTL is still lacking on views, my writing is not that great but I hope you people can at least vote and comment on the chapters and those who are doing this, thank you so much!! And my pretty little silent readers, please I request you all to show a tiny biny pity towards me and like and comment as well. I don't want to demand any vote targets but until I return in April, if possible please make 40+ votes and comments on each chapter or the chapters might be delayed more. It's a humble request. And the look above is how Edith dressed up for the banquet. 4k+ words excluding my rants.

Happy reading!!!

The soft morning light filtered through the windows, illuminating Edith's peaceful face as she mumbled in her sleep, instinctively pulling the duvet over her head. The serenity was broken by the gentle voice of her maid, Beth, who announced with a bow, "Milady, it's almost time for lunch."

Edith's heart sank.

Oh, no, not now!

she mentally screamed, clinging to the last remnants of her slumber. A tug at the covers roused her further, and with a groan of defiance, she clutched the duvet tightly.

"Beth, just five more minutes! I was up late last night... working," she muttered, her voice laced with exhaustion.

Beth, ever dutiful and unyielding, bent down to retrieve a book lying carelessly on the floor. Her brows arched as she examined the cover before flipping it open. A sly smile crept across her lips as she began to read aloud.

The Duke's Lovebitten Lady.' So, this is the work I see,

Beth mused, her tone dripping with amusement. Continuing, she read, "'His hand slid through her cleavage, leaving soft kisses along her skin—'"

Edith bolted upright, her grogginess vanishing in an instant. She snatched the book from Beth's hands, her face flushed a deep crimson, and, in a moment of sheer panic, hurled it out the open window.

"DO. NOT. READ. THAT. SHIT. ALOUD," Edith hissed through gritted teeth, her embarrassment radiating as she leaned in close to Beth. Nearby maids erupted into fits of laughter, clearly reveling in their lady's predicament.

"Oh my, milady, I do believe you're growing up!" one teased, clapping her hands in delight. Beth, her eyes sparkling with mischief, patted Edith on the shoulder, her smirk widening.

Edith groaned inwardly, her mortification complete.

Stupid, stupid book.

"Alright, enough of that," Beth said, clapping her hands to regain the room's focus. "Let's not forget, milady, that you have an important banquet to attend tonight. Waking up this late doesn't exactly leave us much time to prepare."

Edith pouted, cornered by both time and her maids, as they ushered her toward the bathroom. Her protests dwindled into a resigned sigh. In truth, she hadn't meant to lose herself in that ridiculous romance novel. She had borrowed the book from the imperial library out of pure curiosity, intending to understand the appeal of romantic "sub-events" in popular fiction. She'd never been interested in romance novels—or so she had thought. But this book wasn't just romantic; it was smutty. Against her better judgment, Edith had devoured every page, staying up all night, and now she was disastrously late.