[Afternoon]
Ovelia's POV
•Palace Kitchen Area•
I had gathered enough knowledge about werewolves from my readings in the library. Lunch was finished, yet again I had dined alone, without Ace's company.
Now, Ann kept me company in the kitchen, where I decided to bake cookies as a snack for Ace. I had no prior experience in baking, often criticized by my non-biological parents. However, my cooking books taught me the necessary ingredients and procedures.
"Ding!" The oven chimed.
"Ma'am Ovelia, the cookies are done! It smells amazing!" Ann exclaimed with a bright smile.
She opened the oven and pulled out the cookies, their aroma enticing and warm. We waited a few moments for them to set, a sense of anticipation building between us. Finally, I couldn't resist. I took a bite, and a wave of delight washed over me. A smile spread across my face—this was my very first time tasting my own cookies, and they felt heavenly. I reached out and offered one to Ann. She hesitated, a shy smile on her face, but eventually took it.
"Hmmm, they're delicious, miss Ovelia! Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, and not overly sweet. Sir Ace will surely love them!" Ann declared joyfully, her eyes sparkling.
I clasped her hands in gratitude, my heart swelling with warmth. "Thank you for helping me," I said, sincerity pouring out of my voice. Gently, I arranged the cookies on a plate to take to Ace's office.
However, when I glanced back at Ann, I noticed her quiet demeanor. After setting down the cookies, I looked into her eyes and was taken aback to see tears glistening. She suddenly embraced me tightly.
"Thank you too, Miss Ovelia," she said, her voice slightly muffled against my shoulder.
I smiled gently, feeling the connection between us deepen. Afterward, she eagerly helped me prepare hot chocolate, the perfect companion for our freshly baked cookies. The warmth of the moment filled the air, as laughter and shared smiles echoed in the kitchen, the perfect prelude to the joy that awaited Ace.
After preparing the snacks and placing them on the tray, I stepped out of the kitchen and headed towards Ace's office. Ann couldn't join me today because she needed to do the laundry for the bedsheets.
•Ace's Office•
I knocked softly and opened the door. As I entered, I caught Ace's gaze; he looked at me with a hint of irritation. My heart raced nervously. I placed the tray, filled with cookies and hot chocolate, on his table, and he glanced at me again before turning back to his writing. My mind drifted to the papers I'd spilled coffee in the morning, a reminder of my clumsiness.
Silence hung in the air as I stood in front of him for a few minutes, hoping to catch a glimpse of him enjoying the cookies.
Ace shot me a sharp look. "Aren't you leaving yet?!" he snapped, his voice laced with impatience.
I flinched at his words, fear prickling at my skin. Taking a deep breath, he picked up a cookie and took a bite. To my surprise, a small smile crept onto his face. Instant joy warmed my heart, and I couldn't help but smile back at him.
"Are they okay?" I ventured, my voice quivering slightly, but hopeful.
He nodded, his expression softening. "Not bad at all," he replied, his tone more relaxed now.
I felt my anxiety fade, replaced by a warm flutter in my chest. "I'm glad. I thought you might like them."
He leaned back in his chair, and for a moment, the tension between us dissolved into something lighter. "You should bring snacks more often," he teased, a playful glimmer in his eyes.
"Only if you promise to take a break," I replied, grinning.
"I think I can manage that," he said, chuckling softly.
In that brief exchange, the atmosphere shifted. It felt like a small victory, and for the first time, I embraced the growing connection between us.
"Ovelia, take off your dress, or do you want me to tear it off again like last night?" Ace said calmly, his voice low and husky.
Gently, I removed my dress, anxiety coursing through me. I feared his anger might trigger a transformation into a werewolf, so I wanted to comply.
As the dress slipped away, I realized Ace stood behind me, leaning in to lick the bruise on my back. A mix of pain and an unexpected thrill surged through me at his touch.
"Ace, why are you doing that?" I asked, my cheeks flushing.
"To make your bruises hate me and leave your body," he declared seriously, but I could sense the teasing lilt in his voice.
Suddenly, he turned me to face him and said, "My wolf craves you, but as a human, I'm hesitant to accept those feelings. I don't want you to become my mate yet."
His words didn't confuse me; I recalled the book I'd read earlier about werewolves.
Without warning, he leaned in to lick another bruise on my chest. I felt no anger at his actions—rather, a warmth blossomed inside me. My heart raced, and I could feel heat rising to my cheeks.
Ace gently pressed me against the table, bringing his face close to mine as he whispered, "Find a way to make me fall in love with you," his voice soft and seductive. "Make me want to make you my mate. Make me see only you as a woman."
My heart pounded faster, anticipation bubbling within me just as he was about to kiss me when a sudden knock at the door shattered the moment.
Panic surged through me. I was exposed, vulnerable—what if they saw me naked? I glanced at Ace, finding him smiling, his gaze calm and playful.
Suddenly, I grabbed my dress and slipped it on. As I opened the door, I was met by a tall, handsome man, his expression one of surprise.
"Oh, you must be Miss Ovelia. It's wonderful to finally meet you, alongside my younger brother," he said, a warm smile illuminating his face.
I turned to Ace, who let out a soft sigh before stating, "He's my half-brother, Ray."
Ray stepped into the office, reaching for a cookie from the batch I had baked. "I'm also his assistant," he added casually. As he took a bite, he continued, "Hmm, this is delicious! The maids here don't bake cookies like this. I assume you're the talented baker, Miss Ovelia." He paused, surveying me with curiosity. "Wait, it's getting late. Why are you still here? Isn't your wedding with Ace tonight?"
Once more, I glanced at Ace. Just like me, his face reflected the realization—we had both forgotten that we were to be married this evening.
"Thank you, Sir Ray. I'll head to my room now, Ace," I said, my voice steady but my heart racing.
Both men smiled at me, and I returned their smiles, retreating from the office. As I closed the door behind me, I leaned against it, feeling a warmth rise to my cheeks as memories of my earlier encounter with Ace flooded my mind. What almost happened between us lingered in the air, adding to the tension that surrounded our impending wedding.
With a mixture of excitement and anxiety, I made my way to my room, grappling with the confusion and emotions stirring inside me.
Ace's POV
As Ovelia stepped out, I shot a glare at Ray.
"You ruined my time with her," I said, anger simmering beneath my words.
Ray just grinned, his eyes twinkling with amusement. "Why? Were you two getting up to something naughty in this office?" he teased, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
I let out an exasperated sigh, sinking into my chair. I glanced at the cookies and hot chocolate Ovelia had prepared, trying to find solace in their warmth. Guilt gnawed at me as I thought about the bruise on her back. I was the reason for her pain, yet she hadn't once lashed out at me. She bore so many bruises. All I wanted was to erase them. My wolf howled within me, yearning to crush anyone who had hurt her.
I forced myself to focus and began scribbling on the paperwork before me. Ovelia and I were set to be married tonight, and I needed to finish all my paperwork today.