The Monstrous Grand Duke's Fake Lady

As usual, Knox eventually set down his spoon as soon as he had completely emptied out his meal. Compared to the Grand Duchy, the ingredients used and the taste must have lacked, but still, he would always empty the whole plate.

Then, he rose from his seat and approached her to pay the price for the meal.

“You don’t have to pay. It’s a reimbursement from me since you have never used the room before.”

“Then, can I come again to have a meal tomorrow as well?”

“There are many other great restaurants that would suit your taste out there.”

“Your cooking is still the best in the world.”

No way. It wasn’t even comparable to the food she had eaten with him back then. The food that was served by the chef, who had been studying only for the sake of food for their whole life, was definitely no match to the food she prepared.

Vivian thought it was merely a pretense of his, like it always had been.

“If I don’t eat your food, I feel that my day isn’t complete at all. So please, at least allow me to have a taste of your food everyday.”

When Vivian appeared hesitant, he hastily added that he wouldn’t be a bother to her. She then sighed at his desperate tone of voice.

“Only for dinner. I still don’t accept you staying here.”

“I’m perfectly fine with that.”

Vivian stared at him, who quickly exclaimed in contentment, with an askew gaze. It’s no wonder since you owned a big mansion not that far from this inn anyway.

“Then, I’ll come again tomorrow, Vivian.”

He emphatically called Vivian out on purpose before turning his back.

Everyone could notice how cheerful his steps had gotten, unlike the time when he came before.

The bell on the door jingled as he stepped out and Ez, who was holding back his curiosity all this while, began to approach her in quick steps.

“Isn’t he the one who brought Ashley to the doctor yesterday?”

“He is.”

“Then, why…”

Ez suddenly stopped questioning. It was all because of her gaze that had been glued to the door at that moment. He then instantly grabbed upon her shoulder.

“What’s wrong, Ez?”

“Ah, that……”

Flustered, his hands flailed around before he quickly lifted the tray that was just next to him.

“I believe that there are already a number of people who have finished their dinner, so I’ll be taking care of that!”

“This early?”

“It’s unpleasant to have the empty plates left on the table right, ma’am?”

Vivian, who thought nothing of Ez’s burst of words, began to smile.

“Can you please, then? I’ll go and check up on Ashley for a moment.”

“Don’t worry, ma’am!”

She left Ez, who was smiling confidently while assuring her not to worry, before heading upstairs to her room.

As she opened the door, the sight of Ashley playing alone quietly came into view. Vivian drew a bright smile in response.

“Ashley, my lovely child. Have you been good?”

“Maa!”

Vivian’s mouth couldn’t stop smiling at the loveliness of her child who was trying to pronounce the word, mother. As her black locks had grown long enough to tie up, she showed quite a troubled expression.

“You don’t have to look this similar, you know?”

When she swept away the child’s hair, a burst of laughter could be heard. When she wasn’t laughing, there was no doubt that she had Knox’s appearance, but when she laughed, Vivian’s features were overlapping as well.

Actually, she was anxious that he might find out when she had lied to him. However, fortunately or unfortunately, he didn’t notice and plus, he was somehow persuaded with her lie as well.

Vivian hugged her child tightly with love before she put her down once more.

She opened the drawer and took out her needlework. It was a small job which she had received from people around her. She needed money for the sake of her lovely child.

Ever since yesterday, she had already packed up in advance so that she would be able to leave at any time. It was still quiet now, but no one could know if something was bound to happen. In order to prepare for that day, she decided to reduce her sleep and increase her workload instead.

After all, she had to stay up all night when her child couldn’t sleep and started whining anyway, so it wasn’t that big of a deal. She then slowly sewed onto the fabric tightly.

“…’am.”

“Ma’am!”

“Huh, uh?”

Surprised by the sudden voice, Vivian quickly raised her head. Ez was already staring intently at her worryingly.

“Are you very tired, ma’am? You were dozing off while leaning against the broom.”

“Ah……”

Vivian shook her slightly dizzy head. It seemed like she had already sewn a little too hard yesterday. When there was no longer much time left until its completion, she became so eager that she continued sewing up till the morning sun gradually rose.