CHAPTER 96: A DAYDREAM WAS ALWAYS A NIGHTMARE

The bathing chamber glowed with soft light from the candles. A grand oval tub sat at the center, where I was dipped, with my knees to my chest. The crystal chandelier hung high on the painted ceiling, offering more lighting to the place.

I kept my distant gaze on the archway, where a plush chair rested near the windows, framed with heavy curtains.

The water was getting cold, and I was yet to come out of it. I was mentally stuck on what happened tonight.

I fell into whatever twisted trap Damon had set. He was the one who sent the gift, and the card too. He had mimicked Drevon’s handwriting to get me to believe it was his.

I’m fuming internally, raging at the idea I had waltzed into his web. I knew something was wrong, but I was too consumed by the idea of staying by Drevon’s side. My greediness had left me coiled in someone else’s palm, and I hated it.

I hated everything that’d transpired tonight, and more so, I’m terrified by what I’d witnessed, the side of Drevon I had never seen.

My encounter with the Dowager, Damon, even the attack, didn’t amount to how my bones chilled. It was a glimpse of something, and yet I was scarred by it.

My daydream has turned into a nightmare. Maybe it has always been a nightmare.

I gripped my hands tightly, curling myself more...just to feel okay, but I wasn’t.

At the sudden sound of footsteps, I flinched. I lifted my eyes to Drevon, standing at the doorway and watching me with a soft expression.

I said nothing to him. Our gazes just locked in minutes until Drevon broke the spell and walked to the dresser, carefully, like any reaction from me would urge him to go stand back at the doorway.

But all I did was just eye him as he grabbed my silk dressing gown near the tall arched mirror framed in gold, that stood above a vanity table.

His footsteps resonated as he strode to me, and that was when I reacted, the water rippling slightly.

Drevon came to an abrupt stop; another few minutes passed before he resumed. "You’ll get cold, little wife, it’s time to come out."

My heartbeat spiked at the sound of his deep, masculine voice. I tried to think of the warmth that laced them, but all I could hear was that soulless tone he used at the ball.

Mustering all the courage I could find, I unwrapped my arms and forced myself to my feet, giving my back. Dipping my hands into the sleeves, Drevon helped me push the silk to cover my body.

I clutched the straps and tied a knot, before turning back to him, he offered me his hand.

I stared at it, and suddenly it was like the first time he gave me his hand to lead me to breakfast when we travelled.

I lifted my shaky hand and placed it on his, holding my breath. He clutched it gently and helped me out of the tub.

I wanted to take my hand away, but he had held it captive. I thought of ways to break this lock, but my brain couldn’t come up with any ideas.

I tensed when he placed a hand beneath my chin and raised it so that I could look at him. The softened look I have ever seen doused his eyes, his eyebrow furrowing, and a part of me melted, and the other wondered if this expression was even real.

Which was the real Drevon? Was the one standing before me with a look like I held his entire world in his hands, or the one who spoke in a lifeless tone without a hint of emotion on his face?

"Eloise?"

Were the stories about him true after all?

"I’m sorry you had to experience such an awful night," he murmured softly. "I never meant to scare you."

Was I perhaps manipulated to think he was anything but the beast I feared I married? Or was I a stupid girl who thought she could daydream to escape her nightmare?

"Tell me..." I began in a faint tone. "I truly want to know and understand. Will you tell me?"

"Anything."

"Were your actions simply those of a jealous husband or your true self?"

"Eloise..." He leaned close, but I took a step back, away from his touch.

The silence was loud.

A hurtful expression crossed his gaze, and a tightening sensation gripped my chest.

"Am I being silly for asking?"

"No." He shook his head. "You’re not."

Good. This meant I wasn’t overthinking what I saw.

Drevon’s jaw clenched hard, but he spoke anyway. "Those were the actions of a jealous husband and a part I never wanted you to see."

"Then the fault lies with me." I leveled my gaze, pinching my nails together. "I was so caught up by my daydream that I forgot I was in a living nightmare."

"I don’t want you to be afraid of me," he said, closing the distance between us.

I tried to keep the space, but my back met the cold wall, and Drevon trapped me, his hand pressed against the wall to keep me from escaping.

"That look in your eyes wounds me deeply," he confessed, sadness in his gaze. "I’d never do anything to hurt you."

I knew he wouldn’t. I believed that with all my heart, but the reality of everything was finally slipping in.

I’d fallen in love with an idea of him. The one laced with gentleness and sweetness, molten crimson eyes filled with emotions, and caresses that flipped the earth around me.

Drevon cupped my cheek, and kissed me softly, his mouth hungrily roaming mine.

But when I didn’t attempt to return it, he stopped, his lips brushing against mine as his hot breath prickled on my face.

"It’s not cheat day." That was all I said as I breezed past him and left the bathing chambers.