The Duke's Unwanted Second Wife

”It is a small token for you,” Damian said as he took several steps toward her.

Eilika stepped forward to meet him. She accepted the velvet box from his hands, feeling the weight of the gift. ”Thank you,” she replied softly.

”Will you not look?” he asked, a faint, rare smile touching his lips. ”What if the design does not please you?” He inclined his head, urging her to unveil the contents.

She complied, lifting the lid. Nestled against the dark velvet lining was a breathtaking necklace. It had brilliant, clear diamonds interlaced with deep, forest-green emeralds that seemed to glow in the lamplight. Her eyes widened, shimmering with the reflection of the stones as she looked up at Damian in silent wonder.

”It is... mesmerizing,” she murmured, a genuine smile breaking across her face. ”I have never seen such a piece.”

Damian watched her reaction, his expression softening. ”That is because this design is reserved solely for the royal line. It belongs to the King and his kin, passed down through the generations from father to son to adorn his bride.”

”Thank you. This means a lot,” Eilika said with a small smile.

”Let’s get some sleep,” Damian replied. ”It’s late.”

Eilika set the box on the nightstand and climbed into bed. She lay still, staring at the ceiling for a moment, before turning her head to watch him.

Damian moved across the room, extinguishing the main lamps. He left only the candles burning in the distance, which cast a dim, steady light that stopped short of the bed, leaving them in shadow.

Eilika tapped her fingers against the duvet, unable to settle. She turned her head slightly and saw him lying in the exact same position, his gaze fixed on the ceiling.

”Roman seemed happy today,” she said, breaking the ice. ”He was eagerly introducing us to his friends.”

”You gave him the one thing he’s always searched for,” Damian said. He paused, then added, ”Tell me, did you manage to speak with my father-in-law?”

Eilika’s eyes widened in shock. ’How did he find out?’ She had been certain Sir Henry wouldn’t have said a word.

Damian turned his head, and their eyes locked in the dim light.

”I only wanted him to understand your side of things,” Eilika said, her voice dropping. ”I’m sorry for asking Sylvian to arrange the meeting behind your back. But it’s true that I also stopped to visit a friend on my way back. Please, forgive me.” She braced herself, waiting for him to react with anger.

Instead, Damian’s expression remained steady and surprisingly gentle. ”Don’t apologize for that,” he said. ”What I couldn’t fix in years, you managed in a single day. Seeing Roman so happy with his grandfather was enough, but knowing that he has finally forgiven me... you have no idea what that does for me, Eilika. I haven’t felt this kind of peace in a long time.”

The tension drained from Eilika’s face as she held his gaze.

”I don’t know how you manage to be so understanding, but I am grateful. After the feast, my father blessed us and promised he would visit Roman. It made me truly happy,” Damian affirmed.

”But you must promise me you won’t take these kinds of risks again. It is dangerous. I have told you before: do not go out alone. I have enemies, Eilika, and the thought of them getting to you... I cannot bear it. It took so much strength for me to open myself to love again. We are only just beginning, and I refuse to lose you. Share your plans with me without any hesitation and doubts. I am your husband, after all.”

Eilika hummed, her smile widening. ”I won’t hide anything from you.”

”There is something else,” Damian added, his voice lowering. ”Roman told me he saw your sister, Rosaline. She was speaking ill of you. He was so upset that he asked me to punish her. He already thinks of his aunt as a villain.”

”Louis filled me in on the situation,” Eilika said. ”I’m not sure what Rosaline is planning, but punishing her isn’t the right move.”

Damian stood beside her near the stone balcony, his expression measured. ”I understand. Your family hasn’t approached you for anything, have they? I know your father’s business failed because he scammed many.”

Eilika tightened her grip on the duvet. ”Do not offer him any assistance. He is insatiable; if you help him once, he will only demand more. You likely think I’m a terrible daughter for saying that.”

”I stopped judging your choices a long time ago,” Damian replied. ”I know you act on the truth, and honesty, regardless of the cost.”

Eilika recalled what her stepmother told her.

”Damian, I promised something to my stepmother earlier before I stepped into the aisle,” she began.

”What is it?” He frowned slightly, hoping she didn’t fall in any trouble.

”She began saying I should at least repay for what they did for me all these years. Father was going to send me to my aunt-uncle’s house after my mother passed away. However, my stepmother stopped him that time.” For some reason, her tears suddenly turned misty.

Damian realized Eilika had a tough life and despite that she never once forgot being kind to the others. And he completely understood why she treated Roman with so much love.

”You want to repay them with the money, don’t you?” Damian inquired.

”I will sell the jewelry I have. Not yours or the one mother gave me. I told you because I thought I shouldn’t hide it from you,” Eilika stated.

”Don’t give them a penny. You’re not worth mere jewelery. Your worth is beyond any gold or diamond. It can’t be measured. I’ll handle the matter with them. And you won’t stop me. I want to do it for you, so let me do it,” Damian told her.

Eilika opened her mouth to speak.

”Your family won’t stop troubling you even if you help them with the money. And as I said you worth can’t be measured. So, I will see what can be done. For now, close your eyes and sleep,” Damian advised.