WCMBI - Chapter 250: The Subtle Scent (Patreon)

At that moment, Ian ascended to the highest point of the mansion and gazed down at the cityscape through a telescope. While he had successfully located what he sought, he remained plagued by the inability to find a way to reach her there. The visible yet unattainable presence of Melissa tormented him deeply. He yearned to meet her at once, dispel any misunderstandings, and offer a sincere apology.

Unbeknownst to Melissa, she never could have imagined that she was being held responsible for the carriage accident. However, given her perspective, the situation inevitably led her to that conclusion.

The carriages and the coachmen provided directly by the Duke, along with the direct order to leave the mansion – it was only natural for Melissa to misinterpret the situation.

"Yet, I did not deny her as my daughter, Mel," Ian said, his voice tinged with a sense of melancholy.

During your pregnancy, your body's physiology did not undergo the estrous cycle.

Even though we were physically distant, we remained connected, and I took solace in that fact.

Recalling Pedro, who had been casually holding their daughter close by Melissa's side, Ian gritted his teeth. He longed to tear apart any other alpha who dared to covet what was rightfully his.

"How pathetic," he murmured, repulsed by his instinctual jealousy and lack of understanding the underlying issues. He then retrieved the telescope and rose to his feet. Intent on heading straight to the bedroom, he remembered Dia and changed direction.

He had recently heard that Dia was trying to stay awake despite feeling drowsy. It worried him, as their child had always adhered to a regular sleeping schedule until now. Thinking of that, he stood outside Dia's room and was about to quietly open the door when someone spoke to him.

"My Lord?"

Dia's nanny held a small lantern and looked at him expectantly.

"Why are you here? Has Dia awakened?"

"No, not at all."

She couldn't tell the truth. She couldn't say she had been deliberately waiting for the Duke to arrive. Lately, she has been feeling ambitious. With the middle manager gone, the employees followed her orders without question. Each time someone moved up from below and had a change in position, the world looked different from their perspective. If she were to rise even higher, how splendid would it be?

With this newfound ambition, it seemed only natural to seek a way to reach that goal. Thus, she turned her attention to Ian, who raised their child alone. Though he appeared cold to others, he was not so to her. He always responded to her, albeit briefly, and sometimes held her gaze for extended moments.

Assuming that he must have some interest in her, the nanny was about to speak when Ian softly uttered before she could.

"In that case, return to your quarters."

Turning the doorknob quietly, Ian stepped into Dia's room and proceeded directly to the child's bedroom. The faint scent alone made the space feel warm and comforting. The gentle, rhythmic sound of breaths being drawn in and out was endearing. Approaching the bed, Ian picked up a fairy tale book lying on one side. It seemed to be open, as if someone had read it before going to sleep.

He peered at the character depicted inside. Apart from the violet-colored irises, the figure bore little resemblance to Melissa. Yet, to Ian, who considered Dia as his own, the child seemed vulnerable yet irresistibly lovable.

"Sleep well, dear Dia," he whispered, gently brushing the sleeping child's head, and then he quietly left the room.