Back Home

The morning did not start well for Adriana. She woke up feeling a lump in her throat. She covered her mouth the moment she opened her mouth. When she looked at her hand-painted in red.

Lately, there have been many things to handle. For instance, Adriana was getting worried about her movements of Issac. It just so happens that he has disappeared. No one knows why. Adriana did use Faris to track him down, but nothing came.

It was making her worried about his next step. Either way, she had to deal with something. And it was about the two madams from the Belladonna family.

Since her wedding with Astell, they have pestered her to return to the mansion with her husband. Of course, she did not want to bring him back there. Who knows which monster they'll unleash.

Adriana washed her hands and, as much as possible, removed any evidence of blood which included the smell of blood.

One thing she learned is that Astell's nose was like a dog's. He could sniff anything and recognize it. It is a weird skill but valuable at some times.

First, she had to do something about the two madams. Which is why she planned that it was the day to go back to that mansion. Though she was keeping it a secret from Astell.

Adriana knows it isn't a good idea to hide things from him, but then some things are not meant to be said.

Just for things to go well. Adriana had told Astell about her plans in advance. But she lied, saying she was going to town to buy some books and more. Not to her surprise, he allowed her.

Either way, his schedule has been busy since it was about time for him to receive the title of Duke. Which made her nights lonely.

They have slept on the same bed since the incident. Yet, every time she went to bed and woke up, his face was nowhere to be seen. And if there was time, he would go his way out to find her.

This man really does know how to make a woman's heart jump. Somehow it was unfair to Adriana.

Adriana got dressed for the day. Instead of wearing a dark-colored dress. She thought it would be nice to send them a present. She wore a simple dark blue dress and a few accessories for show. At the same time, she had to look presentable as if she was going to go around in town.

Once, she had set foot on the grounds of the familiar mansion. It made her eyes turn cold. It was not surprising that she did not feel sentimental. Just looking at the mansion. It still looked dark and lonely.

Then a tiny dwarf made its way to Adriana. Its small legs made it look adorable to Adriana, but this dwarf was a spirit contracted to Raven. It seems like he made a new friend.

Adriana lowered herself and carried the dwarf under her palm. Its size was so tiny that she wanted to keep it with her. But she knew it was impossible as if the servant was away from its original master. Then it will lose energy and might die.

"Master said to keep you safe," spoke the dwarf, who had a low tone despite its tiny body.

"Thank you."

"Hmph, don't underestimate me. I may be small, but I'm powerful," argued the dwarf.

"I won't. You don't look like it, but you're still a medium spirit," acknowledged Adriana, which made the dwarf feel proud.

"Glad that you know," huffed the dwarf. "Master said to not stay long in the mansion. He feels that…that ugly woman will not allow you to leave."

"Madam Ebony?" questioned Adriana, and the dwarf shook his head.

"No. The one that looks like you. Your mother?"

The one that looks like Adriana? But the color of her hair and eyes is similar to the family head. It might be her facial features. Being compared together with her mother, Adriana frowned bitterly.

"The one who gave birth to me. But I don't accept her as my mother," Adriana answered the dwarf, who didn't seem to understand her and shrugged it off.

The voices of the two madams were heard from afar. The familiar voices reminded Adriana how annoying they sounded.

"It's been a while," Adriana bowed her head to show at least respect to them. She did not want them to nag about her being rude, especially Madam Ebony.

The smile on Madam Ebony's face washed upon hearing her voice. Of course, she was not happy to see her at all. Since she discovered that Adriana faked Astell's death and helped him escape.

If not for Adriana, they would have killed Astell so that the Skydane family would lose their heir.

"Finally showing your face after thousands of letters," exaggerate Madam Ebony. "If I didn't lie about your father dying. You wouldn't have come. But you did. I guess you were aiming for some inheritance." Adriana smiled at her, but this made Madam Ebony tremble.

"Madam Ebony, do you think I am here for some inheritance?" Adriana asked Madam Ebony, who was cut off as Adriana continued, "I am no longer a Belladonna. Just note that my husband is a lot more powerful than you are. And if I wanted, I could ask him to burn this place now."

"This is how you speak with us? We raised you," Ebony slammed her teacup on the table, which shattered into pieces.

The personal maid of Madam Ebony immediately grabbed a towel and handed it over to her. But Madam Ebony threw it at the maid out of anger.

"Raised?" Muttered Adriana.

"Adriana! How can you speak like that to her?" Scolded Jocelyn, who walked towards her and raised her hands.

As Jocelyn swung her hand. Adriana grabbed her wrist and twisted it. Jocelyn screamed in pain and was surprised that Adriana had made a move.

"Adriana! How can you treat your mother like that! Release her," demanded Ebony, who walked over at them, but Adriana pushed Jocelyn towards Ebony. As they crashed together, they fell to the ground.

"I didn't mean to push you away. I apologize, mother," Adriana said insincerely.

Jocelyn dug her nails into the soil and frowned. Her delicate appearance faded and turned dark. If it was the past, she would be happy to hear Adriana call her mother. But it was mocking her, and she did not like it.

"Ebony, do it," commanded Jocelyn while Ebony did not say anything and listen.

Ebony raised her hand as if she was gathering her mana. Then she pointed towards Adriana, which at first, she was able to deflect it. But then her chest tightened, which caught her off guard.

Using this to her advantage. Ebony used her magic and forced Adriana to lose consciousness.

It was late to say, but before entering the mansion. Adriana felt that something had changed.