Ethan woke to the soft rays of sunlight filtering through the curtains, casting a golden glow over the room. The air was still, the silence broken only by the faint chirping of birds outside. For a moment, he simply lay there, taking in his surroundings. The lavish canopy bed, the intricate ceiling design, and the faint scent of jasmine from the nearby garden reminded him of his new reality.
Turning his head, his eyes fell on Amara. She lay curled on her side, her breathing soft and steady. Her face, devoid of its usual cold expression, appeared gentle and serene in sleep. The tension that constantly guarded her features had melted away, revealing a vulnerability that tugged at Ethan's chest.
A notification from the Villainess Wife Pampering System interrupted his thoughts.
Notification:
"Amara feels a subtle sense of security sleeping near you.
Happiness increased by 3%.
Trust in you increased by 2%."
Ethan smiled faintly. Progress, even if it's small.
He shifted slightly, trying not to disturb her. But the bed creaked ever so lightly, and Amara stirred. Her emerald eyes fluttered open, confusion clouding them for a moment before realization set in.
She sat up quickly, her movements stiff and cautious. "Good morning, Your Grace," she said, her tone formal, her mask sliding back into place.
Ethan propped himself up on one elbow, his voice soft. "Good morning, Amara."
Her gaze flicked to him, wary and uncertain, before she looked away. "I trust you slept well."
"I did," he said with a faint smile. "Though I'm more curious about your sleep. Did you rest comfortably?"
Amara hesitated, her lips pressing into a thin line. "It was adequate," she said curtly, then rose from the bed.
Ethan sighed inwardly. One step forward, two steps back.
Breakfast was a tense affair, held in the grand dining hall of the Delacroix estate. The room's opulence—marble floors, crystal chandeliers, and long mahogany tables—seemed to amplify the silence between them. Amara sat across from Ethan, her posture impeccable, her movements precise and distant. She barely touched her food, her emerald eyes focused on the plate before her.
Ethan decided to break the ice. "Do you have any plans for today?"
Amara glanced up, her expression carefully neutral. "I will be meeting with the estate's steward to review the household accounts. It is my responsibility as the duchess."
Her voice was calm, but there was a subtle edge to it, as if she expected him to dismiss or criticize her efforts.
"That sounds productive," Ethan said with a nod of approval.
Amara blinked, clearly caught off guard. "You...approve?"
"Of course," he said. "The estate is as much yours as it is mine. I trust you'll manage it well."
For a brief moment, Amara seemed at a loss for words. Then she looked down, a faint flush coloring her cheeks.
Later in the day, Ethan decided to explore the manor. Its grandeur was overwhelming, with sprawling gardens, luxurious halls, and countless rooms. As he wandered, the system's familiar voice chimed in his mind.
New Task Assigned:
"Spend quality time with your wife.
Reward: 300 points.
Penalty for failure: Decrease in Amara's happiness by 8%."
Ethan smirked. Looks like it's time for some husbandly duties.
He found Amara in the study, surrounded by stacks of ledgers and papers. She was seated at a large oak desk, her quill moving gracefully across a page as she reviewed the estate's accounts. Her brows were furrowed in concentration, a faint crease marring her otherwise flawless features.
"Busy?" Ethan asked, leaning casually against the doorframe.
Amara glanced up, startled. "What are you doing here?"
"I thought I'd keep you company," he said, stepping into the room.
Her expression turned skeptical. "You wish to help with the estate accounts?"
"Why not?" Ethan replied with a grin. "I might surprise you."
Amara hesitated, her gaze searching his face for any sign of mockery. Finally, she handed him a ledger. "Very well. Let's see if your skills are worth my time."
The afternoon passed more smoothly than Ethan had anticipated. Though he wasn't an expert in estate management, his business acumen from his past life proved invaluable. As they worked together, the atmosphere gradually shifted. Amara's sharp, guarded remarks softened, and she even offered the occasional wry comment.
By the time they finished, she leaned back in her chair, a faint smile tugging at her lips. "You're not entirely useless," she said, her tone light.
Ethan chuckled. "High praise, coming from you."
Amara's smile lingered for a moment before she stood, her composure returning. "Thank you for your assistance, Your Grace."
"Call me Ethan," he said, meeting her gaze.
Her expression faltered slightly before she nodded. "Thank you, Ethan."
As evening approached, Ethan suggested a walk in the gardens.
Amara hesitated. "A walk? Together?"
"Why not?" he said with a small shrug. "The weather is perfect, and I'd like to spend more time with you."
After a moment of consideration, she relented. "Very well."
The gardens were stunning, a kaleidoscope of vibrant flowers and lush greenery. The air was cool and fragrant, the golden hues of the setting sun casting a warm glow over the estate.
As they strolled along the stone paths, Ethan kept the conversation light, asking Amara about her interests and experiences. She was hesitant at first, her answers brief and guarded, but as the minutes passed, she began to open up.
When she admitted to enjoying painting, her cheeks flushed faintly. "It's not something I share often," she said quietly.
"I'd love to see your work someday," Ethan said sincerely.
Amara glanced at him, her emerald eyes searching his face. For a moment, she seemed unsure of how to respond. Then she looked away, a soft smile tugging at her lips. "Perhaps."
Task Completed:
"300 points awarded.
Amara's happiness increased by 12%.
Trust in you increased by 7%."
That evening, as they prepared for bed, Ethan presented Amara with a small box.
"What's this?" she asked, frowning slightly.
"A gift," he said simply. "I thought it might suit you."
Amara opened the box to reveal a delicate silver bracelet adorned with a single emerald. Her eyes widened slightly as she stared at it.
"It's beautiful," she said softly.
"I'm glad you like it," Ethan said, his tone warm.
Amara hesitated before slipping the bracelet onto her wrist. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
As they settled into bed, the atmosphere between them felt different—softer, warmer. Though Amara still kept her distance, Ethan sensed a subtle shift in her demeanor.
He smiled to himself as he closed his eyes. This is only the beginning.
End of Chapter 3