The carriage rolled to a stop outside the Whitlock estate, and the footman opened the door. Selena stepped out first, grateful to escape the confined space and the oppressive weight of Alex's amused gaze.
Lucien followed silently, still refusing to meet her eyes.
As Alex climbed out, he took a moment to study the grand estate before him. The Whitlock name carried weight, even in foreign lands, and their wealth was evident in the sprawling gardens and the towering façade of the mansion.
Selena turned to him, her expression guarded. "You'll stay in the guest wing," she said. "We'll discuss our... arrangement further in the morning."
Alex inclined his head. "As you wish, my lady."
She shot him a glare before turning on her heel and marching toward the mansion, her skirts swishing behind her.
As he followed her inside, Alex couldn't help but smile. He had a feeling this was going to be far more entertaining than he had anticipated.
And as for Selena? She had no idea that the man she had so recklessly brought into her life was about to uncover secrets that could change everything.
The Duchess of Whitlock stepped out of her chambers, her elegant gown swishing softly as she made her way toward the commotion at the main hall. The Whitlock estate was known for its grandeur and order.
When the Duchess reached the hall, she found Selena giving instructions to one of the stewards about preparing a guest room. Selena's cheeks were flushed, her posture rigid, and though she was trying to appear in control, her mother could see the tension in her eyes.
"Selena," the Duchess said, her voice calm yet firm. "You should rest. It's been a long night."
Selena's head whipped toward her, her expression briefly betraying a mix of relief and frustration. She wanted to talk to him on the way about their future plans but her mother was not going to let her.
She clearly wasn't in the mood for her mother's intervention, but the Duchess paid no mind to her silent protest. She turned her attention to Alex, who stood quietly behind Selena, his expression unreadable.
"I will guide our guest to his room myself," the Duchess continued, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Selena opened her mouth, perhaps to protest, but one sharp look from her mother silenced her. With a defeated sigh, she relented and turned toward the staircase. "Fine," she muttered. "Goodnight, Mother. And you," she added, pointing the finger at Alex, "Don't cause trouble."
Alex simply inclined his head, an amused smile playing at the corners of his lips.
As Selena disappeared up the stairs, the Duchess gestured for Alex to follow her. The staff lingered in the shadows, their curiosity palpable, but none dared approach as the Duchess led him down the grand hallway.
The silence stretched between them as they walked, broken only by the soft rustle of the Duchess's gown and the steady click of Alex's boots against the marble floor. Finally, when they were far enough from prying ears, the Duchess spoke.
"I understand that you are... With my daughter." The Duchess broke the silence. To her and to Lucien, Alex was someone Selena got attached to after repeated heart breaks, they did not know about her arrangement.
Alex glanced at her, noting the subtle tension in her posture. Despite her composed demeanour, it was clear that she was uneasy. "You could say that," he replied.
The Duchess stopped in front of a large door and turned to face him. Her sharp green eyes, so similar to Selena's, studied him intently. "I wanted to speak with you privately," she said, her voice lowering slightly. "As her mother, it's my duty to protect her. Selena is a Whitlock, and with that name comes a great deal of responsibility."
Alex raised an eyebrow, intrigued by her sudden candidness. "And you believe I pose a threat to that responsibility?"
The Duchess's lips pressed into a thin line. "I don't know what your intentions are," she admitted. "But I do know my daughter. Selena has faced many challenges in her life, much of them brought on by her own actions, yes—but also because of the expectations placed upon her."
Her daughter suffered many insults, they were self-inflicted, yes, but she would not let her add on another insult. She refused to see her get together with a commoner. She couldn't bear seeing people hate her daughter...
She should have put an end to her behaviour when she was younger... But with everything that child went through... She just could not put her through anymore distress and let her act out.
She paused as if weighing her next words carefully. "A Whitlock cannot afford to be careless with their reputation," she said firmly. "Marrying a nobleman of good standing is not just tradition—it is a necessity. Our family's influence and survival depend on maintaining our position. A relationship with a commoner, however temporary, would be disastrous."
Alex listened patiently, his expression calm and composed. He could see the concern in her eyes.
"I understand, your grace." He nodded. He was not unaware of the societal norms. He was definitely not one of those idealistic men who wanted to be loved for their amazing personality and not their wealth and fame.
He knows what it takes to run an Empire, he knows the expectations of people and the toll scandals take on one's reputation.
"You seem remarkably composed for someone in your position," she remarked.
Alex's lips twitched into a faint smile. "I have faced worse situations than a protective mother, I assure you."
The Duchess's eyes narrowed slightly, though she could not deny the sense of steadiness he exuded. Still, she was not entirely reassured.
"I hope you understand," she said, her tone softening slightly, "that my daughter's well-being is my only concern. She may act strong, but Selena has endured more than most realise. I will not allow her to be hurt again.