His Thoughts

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Ezekiel wished that they were growing close in a different setting, the atmosphere between him and Aelia was rather.. bittersweet. He definitely was not expecting his in-laws, apart from the Marchioness, to be poisoned. However, he was glad that Aelia would trust him enough to come and ask for his help. As the two walked down the hallways, he couldn't help but stare at her peach blonde hair that flowed behind her as she kept her strides long. Despite having much longer legs than her and the ease to take over and walk in front of her, he would rather walk behind her so he could see her whole being. It was as though he was enchanted. Ezekiel had always admired her from afar. His admiration and respect only grew for her as he observed her from the past few days. He knew that she was shaken and hurting inside yet she kept a brave face on and courageously kept moving forward for her family. And he was more than glad at the fact that she would only show him that vulnerable side of hers. He was glad that she found some space, albeit small, for him in her heart. Ezekiel was deeply in love with this woman, his love for her only grew every second. He was enamoured with every single thing she would do. The way her expressions would change so quickly from happy to sad or the way she would hold her teacup or how she would tug on a strand of her hair when she got nervous or how she would make a determined face when she was being serious. From head to toe, in his eyes, she was perfect. His thoughts were interrupted as she stopped in front of a door. He stopped right behind her and he could see that her body was trembling. That fragile and small stature of hers looked as though it could break upon one touch of his, but he knew she was much stronger than how she looked like.

"It'll be okay," he said softly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Take a deep breath, my dear."

She did as he instructed, her nerves calming down, "Thank you, Ez. What would I do without you?" Aelia gave him a small smile before opening the door.

Aelia's words made his heart leap with joy. He pushed those emotions down, knowing that now is not the time as he stepped in after her. Ezekiel shut the door as the two entered the room. He observed the family as they talked, he kept his eyes mainly on Aelia who explained everything to everyone.

"About the culprit..." Aelia turned to look at Ezekiel, signalling him to continue.

He became alert and walked slightly forward, "Rest assured, we have found 3 suspects. All of them will be interrogated by me." Ezekiel emphasised on the last two words with a grim look on his face. "I'll bring justice to your family." He bowed his head slightly.

"It's your family too now, your grace." The Marquess said in a soft voice, looking at him with a smile on his face.

Ezekiel's eyes widened. How is it that this family is so full of pure love and happiness? He gritted his teeth together finding an even firmer resolve to punish the one who has harmed his family in such a way.

"Thank you for such an honour, Marquess. I won't let you down." He bowed again.

"It's father to you, your grace." The Marquess said rather firmly. "And you need not bow. Your status is higher than mine."

"Alright... father. Then, call me Ezekiel, please." He smiled at the Marquess. "I only bow to you out of respect, father. Status is nothing, we are all equal."

The Marquess smiled back, "Thank you, Ezekiel. For everything."

The Grand Duke couldn't help but continue to smile. This family had melted his heart, had brought down the walls he had taken so much care building around him. It felt like home, a home that he had lost years ago, a home he thought he would never gain. Yet as he stood in the room, he felt loved. 

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