WCMBI - Chapter 208: The Three Demands (Patreon)

Returning to his chamber, Ian was lost in contemplation as he tended to his wounds. The torment he endured had eventually compelled him to divulge to Monica every detail, recounting them meticulously.

Monica had three demands of Ian. First, she wanted Melissa to be isolated within the estate, away from the other servants. Second, she sought information about the new coachman who would take the reins on the day of Melissa's contract expiration. Lastly, she inquired about his background and identity.

The fact that someone had set such an elaborate scheme in his own home shook Ian to his core. He had thought of Monica as nothing more than a brash loudmouth, but now he felt blindsided by her cunning and shrewdness.

Acknowledging his previous underestimation of Monica, Ian had already arranged for the designated coachman, the one who would accompany Melissa on her journey. He shared this information with her.

During the process, Ian received a handsome sum from Monica, and the infirmity of the coachman's wife likely made him unable to refuse the offered compensation.

Yet, what weighed heavily on Ian's mind was not the matter of his payment, but rather the fate of the coachman. Had Monica genuinely paid for his silence, or perhaps she would have resorted to a quicker means of silencing him?

Ian gazed at the physician, his eyes filled with hope for the coachman's survival as he somewhat hesitantly probed his fresh wounds, addressing the doctor who was holding bandages.

"Is it safe to stop dressing them now?"

"It would be best to exercise caution until the very end," replied the physician.

Though he nodded, Ian's body seethed with frustration and impatience.

He yearned to be out there, searching for Melissa's trail, but the circumstances confined him to the mansion. Nonetheless, a glimmer of hope emerged.

As long as she lived, he believed they could return to their former life together, only this time without hiding their love—unlike other mere mortals, he believed they would remain happy together for a long, long time, for the rest of their lives, unwavering in his conviction.

* * *

However, Ian found himself unable to fulfill his resolution properly. As time passed, the traces of Melissa faded into obscurity, and each passing day felt like a relentless descent into a hellish existence, marred by the side effects of the bond.

"Why is there still no news!"

Once again, there was no communication from the expeditionary force that had gone in search today. According to his command, if they made any discovery, a homing pigeon with a blue paper tied to its leg should have flown back first to report on their well-being.

The wounds he had personally inflicted were now solidly healed, and yet, why was there still no word from them?

"Who is leading the expeditionary force? Did they send someone capable?"

In response to Ian's probing, both the leader of the expeditionary force and the head butler remained silently deferential, merely bowing their heads.

"Darn it!"

The anger rising swiftly within Ian became too much to contain, and he swept an item off the desk with a swift flick of his arm.

"Ah, my Lord!"

Ian found himself unable to rein in his emotions when it came to anything related to Melissa. The once cold and arrogant man was no longer recognizable; only an impatient and choleric man remained, anxiously awaiting any news of her.

"That will be all, everyone, leave."

"Apologies, Your Grace."

The leader of the expeditionary force excused himself and departed after offering a bow. However, Henry couldn't leave. It was because his master's countenance was far from favorable.

"Your Grace, may I suggest ending your official duties for today?"

Henry had been informed about the side effects of the bond from the former duke. As he heard the tale, his thoughts inevitably turned to Nicola. Meanwhile, he couldn't help but feel a shudder at the same time, as he found the former duke to be terribly dreadful.

Beta, a world of unimaginable pheromones, was an area so inconceivable that even death seemed more plausible. Yet, Henry endeavored to lessen Ian's suffering caused by the bond, hoping he could do even the slightest bit to alleviate the burden.

"You should leave as well."

"Yes, of course."

But Ian did not acknowledge Henry's efforts. He was solely fixated on Melissa, dedicated to prolonging his own life for her sake.

In the now-deserted office, he sat alone as if entranced, then abruptly rose and headed aimlessly towards the cottage where she used to reside.

Entering the rose garden where she used to greet him from the balcony, he felt a sense of unease and came to a halt. The cottage, which had received no tender care since Melissa's departure, had preserved its appearance just as she had left it.

But why is the rose garden in such disarray?

During the summer, this garden used to bloom with vibrant green roses, but now the branches were damaged, and some spots were deeply dug.

His golden eyes flickered with confusion.