The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

In the afternoon, Damian finally emerged from Eilika’s chambers. Though the terrifying heat of her fever had finally begun to recede, a new anxiety gnawed at him: she remained trapped in an unnaturally deep sleep, unresponsive to the world around her.

As he entered the drawing room, he found his close friend Louis waiting on one of the velvet-upholstered sofas.

"Louis, when did you arrive?" Damian asked, his voice weary and strained from the long vigil.

Louis rose immediately, offering a formal bow. "Your Grace," he acknowledged, before his expression shifted to one of genuine concern. "I arrived barely ten minutes ago. I heard that the Duchess has fallen ill." He lifted his head, his sharp eyes searching Damian’s face for the truth.

"Yes," Damian murmured, rubbing his temples. "She injured her ankle last night, and things took a turn for the worse quite suddenly."

Louis stepped closer, ensuring the servants were out of earshot. His voice dropped to a cautious whisper. "I spoke with Maurice this morning. He mentioned the incident with the motorcar, that someone sought to do you harm."

"He is investigating it as we speak," Damian replied curtly.

Louis arched an eyebrow, his gaze turning analytical. "Does it not strike you as suspicious? You have survived years of political maneuvering unscathed, yet an enemy bold enough to attempt an assassination appears the very moment you marry. The timing is far too precise to be a coincidence."

"You are wrong," Damian said. "Such attempts have been made in the past too," he asserted.

"During your first marriage, they stopped after..." Louis paused as he didn’t want to say.

"I don’t want to have doubts without any evidence," Damian stated.

"Hmm." Then, a smile formed on Louis’ lips. "But it is surprising that you have been taking care of your wife. That’s really thoughtful of you," he teased as his smirk widened.

"Roman was throwing tantrums at me," Damian said. "He told me he would believe I hated him if I didn’t look after his mother."

Louis smiled. "The boy is clever. It’s true that Roman feels neglected by you. Don’t let that resentment grow any deeper. I’ve warned you about this before."

Before Damian could respond, the chamber doors opened and Joanna stepped out, her face glowing with relief. "Your Grace, the Duchess is awake!"

Both men turned sharply toward her.

"Call the doctor," Damian ordered, and without waiting, he walked straight into the room.

He found Eilika sitting up slightly, sipping water. She looked exhausted, her skin still pale from the fever. When she saw him, she instinctively tried to move to the edge of the bed to get up, but Damian stepped forward and stopped her.

"Stay in bed," he said, taking the glass from her hand and gently but firmly pushing her back against the pillows. "How do you feel?"

"Weak," Eilika whispered. "And my head hurts."

Damian looked down at her, his expression turning stern. "How did you manage to get this sick? You’ve caused a stir for everyone, even Roman."

"Will you stop with your harsh remarks, Duke?" Eilika asked, her brow furrowing. "And if I bothered you so much, why did you even come here?"

"Roman is the reason. He was throwing a tantrum," Damian replied coldly. "Last night, what medicine did you take?"

"The one the physician gave me," she said simply.

Before Damian could retort, the doctor entered with Joanna close behind. Damian stepped back, giving the doctor space to examine her.

"Inform Roman that his mother is awake," Damian instructed Joanna. She bowed and hurried out.

"I have finished the checkup, Your Grace," the doctor said, turning to Damian. "Her pulse is stable and the fever has broken. I advise the Duchess to rest for a day or two and ensure she eats her meals on time."

Damian gave a short nod, gesturing for him to leave. Once the doctor had bowed his way out, Damian turned back to the bed. "It seems the medicine caused a negative reaction in your body."

"That has never happened to me before," Eilika murmured, then looked away. "You can leave now."

"What is wrong with your tone?" Damian hissed.

"You’re the one who taught me to speak like this," Eilika said, the anger from their argument the night before resurfacing. "I told you not to come near me, yet you keep finding excuses to be here."

Damian let out a sharp, mocking laugh. "Did you not hear me? I am here because of Roman. Why are you acting like I’m the villain?"

"When did I say you were a villain? You claimed that title yourself," she retorted.

"Look at that tongue of yours," Damian muttered. "It doesn’t even seem like you were sick."

"What is wrong with both of you?" Louis’ voice drifted from the doorway.

Eilika pursed her lips, embarrassed to have a witness to their bickering. She lowered her eyes, while Damian simply sneered at his friend’s interruption.

"Duchess, I understand my dear friend has a habit of infuriating people, but please do not let it affect your health. I apologize for his behavior," Louis said, bowing his head with a sincere smile.

"She doesn’t need an apology! And when did I infuriate her? She was the one who started it," Damian snapped, looking at Louis with disbelief.

"Tell your friend to shut his mouth. His voice alone makes my head throb," Eilika stated, crossing her arms over her chest and refusing to look at Damian.

Damian surged to his feet, his face darkening as he prepared a stinging comeback. However, he heard the voice of his son from the hallway outside.

"Mama!" Roman’s cheerful voice rang out as he burst through the door.

Eilika’s entire expression softened instantly.

"Mama is awake!" Roman chirped and ran to her. He was quick to climb the bed after removing his shoes and threw his little arms around her. Eilika wrapped her own arms around him, kissing at the top of Roman’s head.

Seeing that sight, Damian’s heart melted a little.