Everything is Under Control

"I never knew this... He didn't tell me," Eliza said to Edward.

"Of course, he didn't. Why would he?" Edward replied, sipping his beer. "It's typical. But now you know. I just can't fathom how he managed to charm the late governess's mother. What a lucky bastard."

As Edward spoke, a waitress arrived with vodka, beer, and some small cups on a tray. Edward paid her, and she left.

"So, what do you want to do?" Edward asked Eliza, wrapping an arm around her waist.

"I want to see Evangeline in person and find out what kind of woman she really is. I heard she's an artist," Eliza said, grabbing a cup, opening the vodka bottle, and taking a swig. "I can't believe she's an artist, even with all those paintings her mother bought and displayed in the gallery." She twirled her cup thoughtfully.

"Yeah, I know about Evangeline. She's quite the talented woman. I also heard she's always with Richard, her bodyguard. I know that guy well—I'll tell you about him later," Edward said, his eyes following a woman passing by with a smile.

"I want to tear her down. I can't believe she's married to Dominic!" Eliza slammed her hand on the table, her fingers clenched in anger.

Edward laughed. "It looks like we have the same goal. Her family ruined a lot for me and my father, and I want to deal with Dominic personally. It's been a while since I've seen that bastard. But enough about that. Let's talk about it later. For now, let's drink. I miss you, Eliza. And remember, you've got me. Dominic is in the past now." He kissed her neck, holding her waist firmly before opening a beer and taking a long drink.

Eliza downed more vodka as their glasses clinked together in a toast. They drank deeply, letting the alcohol blur the edges of their worries until they were both undeniably drunk. Edward, his eyes dark with desire, scooped her up in his arms. She giggled, wrapping her arms around his neck as he carried her out of the bar. They stumbled to a nearby motel, laughing and whispering secrets only they could hear.

Inside, Edward paid for a room and carried her inside, kicking the door shut behind them. Eliza pressed herself closer, her lips finding his in a hungry kiss that left no room for doubt. Their laughter and whispers gave way to something deeper as they melted into each other, lost in the moment.

**Back at the Verdaselles Palace:**

"She wants you to have children?" Fred asked Dominic, coughing slightly. "Is there any chance this marriage could work out? Look, I'm concerned about you, Dominic." Fred placed a hand on his chest, his expression sincere.

"Yes, she does. But she'll have to be patient," Dominic replied, setting down a file. "Evangeline and I are fighting right now, just because I'm a Brusward," he muttered to himself, turning to face Fred.

"You two never liked each other from the start? Is that what you're saying?" Fred observed. He suspected that Dominic's feelings for Evangeline ran deeper than he let on, despite his cold exterior. Maybe Fred was just imagining things.

"Yes, we don't like each other. It's been that way from the beginning, and now we're going our separate ways. I'm just doing what needs to be done. It's unlikely that our marriage is going to work out," Dominic said with seriousness.

"Huh? Are you serious? If you don't like her, then why did you marry her?" Fred asked, slightly surprised as Dominic poured wine into an empty cup.

"I have my reasons," Dominic replied without emotion. "I'm just helping the old woman because of her health and Evangeline's well-being. I can't disclose that information—it's confidential." His intense gaze made Fred flinch slightly.

"That look again," Fred thought, sighing. "I understand, Dominic. So, what didn't you like about her from the start?" he asked, curiosity piqued.

"The way she looks at me, always nagging with distrust, as if I'm going to hurt her. I have no ill intentions toward her, but all that suspicion irritates me. It makes me feel like she's intimidated by me, but..." Dominic lowered his head, smirking.

"But?" Fred blinked, leaning in.

"But it makes her look cute... Sometimes, anyway. It's annoying, watching her try not to cry in front of me as her husband," Dominic admitted, crossing his legs and twirling his wine cup. Fred struggled not to laugh at the word "cute," shaking his head.

"You're a crazy bastard, Dominic. How does nagging from a woman look cute to you? From the way you're talking, it sounds like you want to make her cry!" Fred chuckled nervously.

"Not really. I can't make a girl cry just because she's about to but trying hard not to. That's ridiculous. I don't know why minor things bother me," Dominic said, sipping from his cup with a chuckle.

"Well, maybe it's because you're her husband, and you have feelings for her," Fred suggested with a sly smirk. Dominic's cheeks flushed slightly at Fred's words, and he spat out his drink to hide his reaction. Fred saw this and burst out laughing.

"So, you're going to Eardoznia?" Fred asked, trying to change the subject.

"Yes, for a business trip and some private matters," Dominic replied, looking at Fred.

"Oh, private matters? Do you have a mistress over there?" Fred teased, grinning. "A handsome guy like you, surely you have a few beauties around."

"Ridiculous. It's not like that. And I know you've tried setting me up with women after Eliza dumped me, but I'm a married man now. I have more important things to do than think about women. I value my job," Dominic said, rolling his eyes.

"But Evangeline..." Fred reminded him of his complicated situation.

"I know that. I told you, I have everything under control. My business trip is soon, and I have an investigation going on at my house," Dominic said with a sigh, rubbing his temples.

"Investigation? On what exactly?" Fred asked.

"Someone tried to kill my wife by giving her peach-flavored tea. She's allergic to peaches, and they even tried to frame her lady-in-waiting, Magdalene, who's also the head maid," Dominic explained, clenching his fists around his glass.

"The audacity of that person! I hope they catch them soon," Fred said, slamming his hand on the table in anger.

"Not yet. They've assigned an officer to us, and Magdalene will handle things while I'm away. I've had to replace the servants close to Evangeline with ones I personally selected. The former ones are on probation and facing a little punishment for their carelessness," Dominic said, biting his lip to contain his anger.

"You went too far, Dominic. That was harsh," Fred said, shaking his head in disbelief. "He hasn't changed a bit. Two impulsive people married—they're a perfect match. It's fate," he thought.

"I had no choice. I have to protect her, and I have a reason for keeping her around. When I catch the criminal, they'll pay dearly and won't forget it for the rest of their life," Dominic said, sipping his wine.

"Keeping her around? Or did I hear that wrong?" Fred asked, confused by Dominic's words. "What the hell is this little devil planning?" he thought.

"Uh-huh," Dominic replied, standing up from the sofa and walking toward the window.

"I'm looking forward to the end of our bet, darling," Dominic said to himself, touching the glass as the light from the window reflected on his wedding ring. "You should be careful because I'm eager to see your face when you lose everything you value in life. I hope you're doing your part well."