Chapter 24: It’s Just One Night
“…Who?”
“Mellie Enwood. The only daughter of Baron Enwood.”
Ada Felton froze for a moment, her gaze darting around the room as though searching for proof that this was not reality but some cruel jest.
Edric stood calmly, waiting for his mother to reconcile herself with the truth.
“You’re out of your mind.”
Ada finally found her voice, laced with disbelief.
“Is it pity? Did you decide this because you felt sorry for her?”
“… … .”
“If you’re making this absurd decision out of misplaced compassion—” Ada paused, her breath catching.
“I’ll find someone else, someone more suitable for you. Not some wounded baroness, but a countess… no, a marchioness. Just—”
“You don’t need to go to that trouble.”
Edric cut her off with quiet finality.
“It’s not about pity.”
The tone of his voice, resolute and unwavering, made Ada realize the situation was far worse than she had anticipated. This wasn’t a moment of persuasion—it was a declaration.
“I will not allow it,” she snapped, her maternal authority brimming with indignation.
“I cannot accept such a damned girl as my daughter-in-law.”
The mask of diplomacy fell from Ada’s face as anger overtook her.
“Is she even fit to be a duchess? Do you know what people will think? They’ll believe some beggarly orphan manipulated her way into our family to seduce you!”
“I’ve made my decision,” Edric replied, his voice steady, his expression unyielding.
The words rendered Ada speechless. This wasn’t her son—the one who had always valued honor and dignity above all else.
This was someone else entirely.
“Still,” she tried again, “it’s impossible. I will never accept her.”
“You’ll have to,” Edric said.
“… … .”
“We’ve already had our wedding.”
The weight of those words hit Ada like a physical blow. She reached for the chair beside her, steadying herself.
Though she had suspected things had gone too far, hearing it confirmed was an entirely different matter. She had underestimated her son’s resolve—and Mellie’s influence.
“Edric, you’ve lost your senses,” she said, her voice trembling.
“If you’re marrying her just because you’ve shared a bed—” Ada took a deep breath to regain her composure. “You needn’t go that far. Do you know how many illegitimate children are there in the world? If we followed your logic, society would collapse.”
Her tone softened as she sought to appeal to reason with her son.
“Marry Rosalind. Or, if not her, choose another suitable lady. Mellie can remain as your mistress. I’ll even ensure she’s well cared for. And should a child come of this…” Ada hesitated but pressed on. “I will take responsibility for the child as well.”
She smiled faintly, believing she had offered her son an acceptable compromise.
“Mother,” Edric began, a faint smirk on his lips. “I have no intention of having children with anyone other than Mellie. Would that still be acceptable to you?”
“… … .”
“If so, I’ll reconsider the match you propose.”
An unshakable unease crept over Ada. Her son’s tone carried a madness she couldn’t ignore, a devotion that defied reason.
“That woman… has driven you insane, hasn’t she?” Ada hissed, dropping the pretense of decorum. “What spell has she cast on you to make you lose your senses?”
Edric’s eyes widened briefly at his mother’s uncharacteristically vulgar outburst. Then, to her astonishment, he laughed softly.
“Ah, so that’s where I get it,” he said, the realization dawning
with amusement.
“I don’t care where you get it!” Ada snapped, her composure slipping further.
“I will never allow someone like her to become part of this family!”
“You will,” Edric replied simply, his voice quiet but firm. “Because no matter what, I will marry her.”
Ada stared at him, knowing full well his words weren’t a threat—But they were a promise.
—
Later That Evening
Knock, knock.
Oz entered Mellie’s room with a polite bow.
“His Grace requests your presence on the terrace,” she said.
Mellie felt her heart plummet.
“…What for?”
“I’m not sure,” Oz replied. “But he doesn’t look to be in a good mood.”
“… … .”
Mellie’s face fell, her unease mounting.
“Alright,” she said softly. “Tell him I’ll be right there.”
“Yes, Miss.”
After Oz left, Mellie tried to steel herself, but her mind raced.
Why does he want to see me?
She shook her head, forcing herself to breathe deeply. The worst-case scenario immediately took root in her thoughts.
Is this it? Is he going to tell me it was all a mistake? That last night meant nothing?
Her chest tightened painfully. She had spent hours convincing herself to move on, to find peace in the fleeting moment they had shared. Yet all that resolve shattered under the weight of Edric’s summons.
With trembling hands, Mellie smoothed her dress and checked
her reflection in the mirror. There was little she could do to change the outcome, but she didn’t want to look as fragile as she felt.
—
When Mellie arrived at the terrace, Edric was standing at the railing, gazing out at the evening sky. The faint light highlighted the broad lines of his back, the same back she had traced with trembling hands the night before.
Mellie hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward.
Hearing her, Edric turned, his expression unreadable.
“You’re here,” he said softly.
“Yes,” Mellie replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
He gestured for her to join him, tapping the railing lightly. Reluctantly, she stepped closer. The sky beyond the terrace was stunning—soft clouds tinged with pearl and gold, the horizon fading into twilight. Yet, Mellie barely noticed.
“Edric,” she began, her voice faltering.
But she couldn’t let him speak first. Not if it meant hearing the
words she dreaded.
“I know what you’re going to say,” she blurted. “And I agree. Last night was… It was just one night, wasn’t it? A good experience, nothing more.”
“… … .”
“It was fun while it lasted,” she continued, forcing a brittle smile.
“But I don’t expect anything more. I’m not that naive. It’ll be a nice memory—one I’ll cherish. But that’s all.”
She exhaled, relieved to have said it. Yet, her chest felt hollow.
“Mellie,” Edric said, his voice dangerously low.
Mellie flinched at the intensity in his tone.
“So, you’re saying you spent the night with me,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers, “without any intention of marrying me?”
“… … .”
“Is that right?”
