Resisting the Heroine's Temptation

Since he was focused on Helena's matters, Ethan almost forgot that he was staying under one roof with the heroine of the story. The beauty of the heroine was really something. At glance, her outer appearance almost looked like Helena's. However, her long straight hair presented a graceful beauty. Her light blue eyes also looked so soft, complementing her kind-hearted soul.

She looked like an angel with no wings.

In the original plot, Helena lost the challenge. She would meet the young Duke of Westland who wanted to be the king so badly. He offered to help Helena to inherit the title of the Duchess of Eastland before Liana turned 20 if Helena helped him to get rid of the crown prince. With the Duke of Westland's help, Helena didn't have to marry anyone to get the title.

Helena and the young duke tried to murder the crown prince, however, Liana knew it and tried her best to stop their evil plan. The crown prince of Altara would fall for Liana and ask her hands in marriage while Helena and the young duke would be punished for living in the dungeon for good.

'However, since Helena agreed to marry Ethan with conditions, the plot would have to change, no?' Ethan was sure that Helena would not end up miserably. What he had to do was support Helena and made sure she didn't do any means to harm others. Happy wife, happy life.

'I will make her win the title!' Ethan was determined to help his wife. However, that was an unclear plan. What exactly he had to do to make her achieve the goal?

"Ethan?" Liana's voice woke Ethan up from his thought. She smiled broadly, showing a row of white teeth and neatness.

Ethan looked at Liana in awe and said quietly, "You look like a toothpaste commercial."

"What?" asked Liana who did not hear fully. "Did you say something to me?"

"Eh, nothing!" Ethan answered nervously.

Liana smiled amused at Ethan's behavior. "So what do you need, Ethan?" Liana's soft voice makes men's hearts tempted.

"Ethan … Ethan!" Liana called Ethan who looked dumbfounded repeatedly.

"Yes?" Ethan asked nervously when he woke up from his reverie. He then returned Liana's smile and asked, "You called me?"

"I asked, what are you doing in the kitchen so early in the morning?" Liana asked with emphasis because she had repeated the same question many times.

Ethan then smiled shyly and said, "Uh, no. I was just surprised to see a lady in the kitchen. Ah, I will go outside to do some exercise."

Ethan's nervousness made Liana smile amused. The woman seemed pleased with Ethan's response and felt guilty at the same time. However, she immediately dismissed the feeling.

Liana threw a megawatt smile that bloomed perfectly on her beautiful face. A sweeter smile that made Ethan even more uncomfortable.

The man then walked slowly into the garden. He enjoyed the view outside the house and started his sword practice immediately. His face turned serious and so passionate. Looked like he truly enjoyed the practice.

"Come here, young man! Do you want to do sword practice with me?" asked Duke Henry with a bright smile while stretching his right hand up, alternating with his left hand. He was surprised to see Ethan was good with a sword.

Ethan came closer to the duke. He studied the duke's appearance closely. He was the man version of Helena. Why did the duke dislike the granddaughter who took after his looks?

To be honest, Ethan liked Duke Henry, who looked genuinely fond of him. Not just carrying out tasks from Helena who specifically asked him to please her grandfather.

"Do you still practicing swords as well?" asked Ethan casually.

"Sure. That's why my body is so fit," answered the duke, showing off his godly appearance. Even if he was old, his abs were perfect, as good as Ethan's. "After seeing Helena getting married. I feel like I want to live a little longer. I want to see my great-grandchild so soon!" Duke Henry said so followed by heartwarming laughter.

"Uh…." Ethan could only smile bitterly. The corners of his lips trembled faintly. 'That's it! The duke wants a great-grandchild! I have to make the baby asap!'

However, Duke Henry's hopes were unlikely to materialize any time soon as Ethan has yet to see any sign that Helena would change her mind so soon. She still refused to be touched. How was it possible that he would be able to perform marital duties soon?

Suddenly the image of Liana's smile flashed across Ethan's mind. Maybe it would be a different story if Ethan married Liana. However, Ethan soon realized that his thoughts were so bad.

He immediately shook his head to shake off his lecherous thoughts again. 'Remember Ethan, you are already Helena's husband!' the man muttered to himself. 'Don't be a jerk!'

"Are you alone? Where's Helena?" asked Duke Henry curiously. As the old man recalled, the newlyweds did not want to be separated from each other. "She used to practice sword in the morning."

"Ah, she is sleeping," Ethan replied nervously.

"How was last night?" asked Duke Henry.

"As always, Grandpa," Ethan replied, giving two thumbs up. "Great!"

Duke Henry chuckled, shaking his body. Holding his stomach, he then gave Ethan a thumbs up.

Ethan just replied with an equally great fake laugh. The young man then remembered the conditions last night which were not very comfortable for both himself and Helena. If only last night he managed to hug his wife, maybe he wouldn't be here either. Surely he would be sprawled hugging his wife's body in a warm bed.

"Ethan! Grandfather! The breakfast is ready!" Liana called from upstairs, waving to the men who were currently doing sword practice.

"Thank you!" replied Ethan while returning Liana's wave.

The grandfather nodded and frowned in confusion. Liana was a good girl. However, why was she spoiled Helena's husband?

Ethan and Duke Henry immediately came to Liana who had finished arranging the dishes. They sat around the table with their stomachs rumbling from the delicious aroma that tempted their nostrils.

"Where is Helena!" sighed Duke Henry as he felt something was missing.

"Let me call Helena," Ethan slid back his chair, preparing to head back into the room. However, Liana pulled his hand and asked Ethan to sit back down.

"Don't do that! Helena often gets angry when she wakes up before her time. Let's enjoy the food while it's still hot!" said Liana trying to convince Ethan who looked doubtful.

Ethan finally relented and sat back down. Liana handed a piece of banana bread to Ethan first. This made Duke Henry feel surprised because Liana had always served him first. However, the duke tried to understand because maybe Liana treated Ethan like that because he was a new occupant in their mansion.

"Here! Give it a try!" Liana said proudly.

"Thanks. It smells good. The smell of bananas is so great. Do you add some spices?"

"How do you know?" Liana responded with great enthusiasm. "Are you a baking expert?"

"I am good at cooking as well."

Duke Henry observed Liana and Ethan who looked so close. He felt something was wrong. Even though Liana was a good girl who was always friendly to everyone, she shouldn't be too close to her cousin's husband. Duke Henry was worried that if this continued, something embarrassing and unwanted would happen. Something that had never happened in the Arkwright family: adultery.