The more the three of them spent time together, the more Stella began to notice that Matteo was smiling much more often. The young man had been looking forward to discussing his favorite books with Stella. Ophelia thought that she would have some quiet moment to herself, but that didn’t seem to stop the Albrecht alpha from shooting incessant trivial questions at her.
“So, what’s your favorite tea?” Stella turned to Ophelia.
“…” She chose silence as her response, thinking that it would stop Stella from pestering her for answers. Ophelia was wrong about that.
“Hm, since you always have Earl Gray tea at our picnics,” Stella murmured to herself. “I assume that’s your favorite, right?”
The fact Stella guessed that correctly was rather infuriating. Ophelia didn’t want the alpha to learn too much about her because it would create an incessant attachment between both sides. The more that Stella paid attention to her, the more it would make it harder for Ophelia to embrace her role as the villainess in her life.
“Know your place, Stella.” Ophelia shot back, her voice dropping to a freezing chill. “We are not friends, and you’re nothing but my property, an alpha pet.”
“Then what’s your favorite food?” Stella asked another question, ignoring what Ophelia had said completely.
“Are you even listening to me??” Ophelia shot back.
“Isn’t it important for me to know what you like?” Stella shrugged, throwing sarcasm back at her. “Since you said I’m your alpha, then shouldn’t I know my master’s preference?”
“Ugh! You’re just—!” Ophelia couldn’t believe she was losing her patience with this alpha.
Stella wore a cheeky smile of confidence, knowing she had succeeded in breaking her composed demeanor. Ophelia’s face heated up, frustrated and annoyed, before they started bickering back and forth again. Matteo watched quietly with a soft smile. He was used to seeing them arguing, while his elder sister was doing her best to suppress her feelings.
“Ophelia likes desserts,” Matteo decided to chime in. “Especially strawberry shortcakes.”
After spending time with them for over a week, he could see that Stella was an honest, warmhearted person who genuinely wanted to get to know them both. Even though his sister scolded him for butting in, he wasn’t offended. As the three of them were enjoying this perfect weather in the shade of the tree, Stella thought this was the right moment to ask her one of the most important questions.
“So, I always wanted to ask you something for quite a while already,” Stella said.
“Ugh, what now?” Ophelia sighed. Her patience was wearing thin.
“Since when did you fall in love with me?” Stella asked.
“…”
Ophelia froze. She was grateful she was sipping her tea at that moment, or else she would’ve spat it all out. She even almost dropped the cup in her hand as her mouth hung agape. Even Matteo, who was immersed in his book, had to put it down, shooting his gaze at Stella. Ophelia’s reaction was what the alpha expected. Her green eyes dilated, her lips trembled slightly, as her cheeks turned rosy pink.
Seeing how this woman lost her composure almost instantly with just one question was rather…cute.
The omega might’ve been able to outsmart her in her previous life, but not this time. As a 24-year-old Duchess, Stella would make sure that Ophelia couldn’t possibly outsmart her.
“W-Wha—!” Ophelia stuttered. “What made you come to this preposterous conclusion?!”
“Well,” Stella thought for a second. “Anthony mentioned something along those lines that you have particularly great interest in me before he kicked me out.”
That was a lie. Of course, Anthony never mentioned a word about Ophelia’s feelings toward her. This was one of the secrets written in the omega’s private diary. In her previous life, Stella had gone through the entire thing and finally understood why Ophelia would’ve gone so far as to bring her own family down just for Stella…
…It was because Ophelia loved her.
She had always been in love with Stella, even before she had come to the Chevalier estate. At first, the young Duchess had her doubts, but after reading the entire diary…it was impossible for her to deny Ophelia’s romantic feelings. They were genuine.
Sadly, Stella had no idea when and how the omega came to develop feelings for her. Prior to now, their interactions could be considered minimal and only at formal events, such as the debutante ceremony. Thus, Stella might as well try to pry for more, for some reaction and information.
Could it be possible that they had shared a history that Stella couldn’t recall?
“Don’t get over yourself, thinking that I have intimate feelings for you just because I took you as my fiancée!” Ophelia shot back.
She was clearly lying through her teeth, but Stella could at least evaluate her reaction. Despite wearing her tough façade, she could see the shade of red brushing her cheeks from this distance. She often emphasized that Stella was her pet, but never once did she do anything harmful to her, unlike Theo and Eleanor. Ophelia was more likely to trigger her pet peeves and weaknesses as frequently as possible so they would have a toxic relationship.
“Hmm…” Stella tilted her head to the side. “Is that so?”
“You better eradicate those false understandings and thoughts at once.” Ophelia harshly commanded her, trying to conceal her bashful side.
Her reaction was enough to confirm the villainess’s feelings for her, but Stella still had many questions unanswered. Despite having already read through Ophelia’s diary, she still had many unanswered questions on her mind. One day, she wished to learn those answers, but not today. As of right now, she should focus on the present and establish a solid friendship with these two siblings first.
“Wow…there is a bookshop over there.” Matteo turned to his sister. A spark of joy ignited behind his eyes. “Sis, can we drop by for a moment?”
“Hm.” Ophelia mused for a moment. “That’s fine.”
Today, Matteo decided to tag along with them into the city. When he pleaded with his elder sister to stop by the bookshop, who would be in the right mind to refuse his request? Stella decided to use this chance to buy new books that piqued her interest, while the young man constantly consulted with her about which books he should purchase.
“Do you think this one is good?” Matteo asked, still deciding between the two books in his hand. “Uh…this one is also good too…”
“You can just get both, you know?” Stella chuckled. “We don’t know if that book will still be available the next time we come. You should buy it now.”
“I suppose you’re correct.” Matteo nodded. “Then I’ll get both.”
Matteo became like a little brother that Stella never had. As the youngest in her family, she never experienced what it felt like to have a younger sibling.
I suppose this is how it feels to have a younger sibling… Stella muttered under her breath as a soft smile touched her lips.
Aside from their usual afternoon picnic, Stella would always request that the little brother come along with them whenever Ophelia wanted to go out. The alpha knew that she wouldn’t refuse her request. Fortunately, he also enjoyed spending time with them. It was good for him to leave the manor and see the world outside as well as purchase new books to add to his collection. Meanwhile, Stella picked out several geopolitics books without realizing a pair of green eyes observing every action of hers in silence.
“…I didn’t take you to be someone who can be interested in geopolitics.” Ophelia strode over to her.
The corners of Stella’s lips lifted as she turned to see Ophelia showing interest in her selection of books.
“I love to learn about our homeland’s history and legacy,” Stella said. “I am an Albrecht, after all.”
“Hmph, thought you were only interested in those adventurous or explorer bibliographies that you often speak of with Matteo,” Ophelia said, crossing her arms.
“Well, I love reading inspirational stories during my free time.” Stella smiled. “Shouldn’t you find some books here while we’re here?”
Once they were done with their purchases for today, they returned to the Chevalier estate at once. The younger brother returned to his room, so eager to read the new novels he bought. Stella carried her fiancée’s purchases to her bedchamber. Now that there was some alone time, Stella took out one book from her bag and held it out.
“Here, this is my gift for you.” Stella smiled, nudging the book into Ophelia’s hand.
“What?” Ophelia blinked, still confused. Before she could see what it could be, her hand had already accepted it.
While Stella was in the bookshop, she had a wonderful idea. She could get Ophelia a gift, a book for her to read during her pastime. Ophelia’s eyes eventually settled on the cover: The Heart of Northland. Although she said she had no interest in fictional stories, she once heard about this famous story from her classmates. It was one of the all-time popular romance stories inspired by the true story of the first Duke and Duchess Albrecht of Northland. A beautiful love story between the duke and his partner, and their utmost service to their homeland. If it wasn’t for their immovable determination, Northland wouldn’t have survived through a series of cataclysmic events and still stand today.
“I told you I don’t read these kinds of novels!” Ophelia shot back, sounding almost annoyed. “Take it back.”
“It is a good story and inspirational,” Stella insisted. “Despite it being altered to be a fiction rather than a nonfiction biography. You should be grateful that there’s one copy left in the bookstore.”
When Ophelia held it out to her, Stella pushed it back into her hand as she continued to convince her that she would enjoy it once she started reading.
“Why should I care?” Ophelia sighed sharply. “Throw this away at once, or I will be the one to burn it—”
“Trust me, you’ll enjoy it,” Stella said, having no intention to back down. “You just have to try.”
She said with absolute confidence, making Ophelia pause for a second. Stella was also certain that Ophelia wouldn’t throw it away or burn it as she threatened to.
“Do let me know what you think about it once you finish the book.” Stella’s smile widened. “I would love to sit down and discuss the story with you.”
Even though Stella wasn’t exerting her dominating pheromones at the moment, it was that immovable confidence that triggered something inside Ophelia. Her heart skipped a beat, just for a moment. She pressed her lips together, her hands clenched tightly, resisting the urge to give in to the alpha before her.
“If you’re so confident that you won’t enjoy it, then prove me wrong, Ophelia.” Stella continued, wearing her cheeky smile. “Unless you’re going to admit that I’m right by trashing or burning the book, then so be it.”
“Y-You—”
“I’m going to go rest in my room for a bit.” Stella turned around and went straight to her door. “See you later for dinner.”
Stella knew exactly how to challenge the prideful omega in such a way that she wouldn’t simply back down without proving her wrong. If Ophelia decided to throw the book away as she initially intended, then she would be indirectly admitting to Stella’s statements.
“…I will make sure to prove you wrong no matter what.” Ophelia could only frown frustratedly.
Stella heard that but didn’t turn to look over her shoulder. She intentionally provoked Ophelia with sheer confidence since she already knew that she won this challenge before it even began. It was written in her diary that she had always wanted to read The Heart of Northland, but she never had the chance to do so. Obviously, she had a handful of matters to focus on rather than spend her precious time reading a romance novel leisurely. As she never had time to enjoy things and care for herself, the least that Stella could do was purchase this novel as a gift for Ophelia. Find the original chapter at novelping(.)com.
Instead of their usual afternoon picnic in the garden, Matteo made a special request to Ophelia as he wanted them to come to the horse stable with him. Aside from reading books most of the time, the young man often found time to visit this place, which was located towards the borders of the Chevalier’s land. He was a kind, gentle man with a love for books and animals. Stella finally understood why she rarely saw Matteo in her past life, since he would either be in the library or at the horse stable.
“Matteo, how often do you go over to the family’s barn?” Stella asked.
“Usually once a week,” Matteo said. “I like to help Louis with tending the horses, and he taught me many things as well.”
The young man began explaining the details of how to care for horses at the stable. Ophelia simply followed them a few steps behind without a word. She had only come along because it was one of those rare moments when her little brother actually asked her for something. Matteo wanted to show them the young horse that he had been caring for since it was born. They stepped inside and were greeted by the family’s stable master, Louis. The moment he saw Stella and Ophelia, the blood drained from his lips and face at once. His shock wasn’t surprising. Never in a million years would any servant expect Lady Ophelia to have a reason to visit a place like this.
This brought back memories for Stella of the time she used to spend in Albrecht’s horse stable alongside her parents. Her mother was the one who had taught her how to care for horses for as long as she could remember. She watched Matteo enjoy every moment of feeding and brushing horses in the stable before she decided to join in as well.
“Let me help you.” Stella picked up a nearby brush.
“It’s okay,” Matteo said, shaking his head. “Your clothes might get dirty, and I wouldn’t want to bother you…”
“This is nothing,” Stella chuckled, confidently approaching one of the horses. “I used to tend the horses back at my household with my mom.”
Stella was familiar with handling horses, and it was her gentle pheromones that made it easier for the horses to feel comfortable enough to let her touch them. Ophelia sat down on the bench nearby, watching her fiancée and little brother having their bonding moment together. She knew nothing about tending the horses, so all she could do was just sit and watch them from afar.
“Matteo, do you know how to ride horses?” Stella turned to the young alpha.
“I’ve been taking horse riding lessons since I was 15,” Matteo said, brushing the horse. “But because I’m not as talented as my elder brother, I never did anything aside from trotting around the field.”
“How often do you take lessons?” Stella asked.
“Once every two weeks,” Matteo responded. “We usually cover the basics with my cousins because we didn’t need to know more than that.”
Upon hearing that, Stella was able to piece the information together to grasp the situation. What Matteo meant was that he was far inferior to Theo in horse-riding. So, his horse-riding lessons and training were neglected outright, reduced to just the fundamentals. That was all he needed.
Unlike Stella, members of House Valens were taught swordsmanship and horse riding at a very young age. If she recalled correctly, her mother taught her to ride since she was 7, big enough to ride a horse, which did give Cedric a massive heart attack when he saw his daughter cantering around the open fields.
“How about I teach you?” Stella turned to him. “It’s a waste of time to spend two years on just trotting.”
“I-I can?” Matteo’s head snapped in her direction.
“I object,” Ophelia interjected at once. “Without proper guidance from a professional riding instructor, that is too dangerous.”
The young man was overjoyed earlier when Stella offered to teach him, but was then dejected when Ophelia objected to it outright. She wasn’t wrong to worry. What if he fell off the horse? Stella then turned to the omega, reassuring her that everything would be fine.
“You don’t have to worry. I’ve been training in horse riding for 13 years.” Stella smiled confidently. “I’m more than qualified as a professional riding instructor.”
“You?” Ophelia’s eyes narrowed halfway. “Do I even want to trust you?”
“Yes, you can.” A soft smile touched her lips. “If you’re worried, you can keep an eye on us. If you see it is too dangerous, we will stop. Does that sound fair?”
“…” Ophelia slowly glanced at Matteo, who wore a downcast look, which somehow weakened her resolve bit by bit.
“Sister, may I?” Matteo turned to her, asking for Ophelia’s consideration and permission once again. “I won’t do anything dangerous. You can tell me to stop anytime.”
Meeting his pleading green eyes was a mistake. It was impossible to refuse at that point. After a long minute of pondering, Ophelia let out a huge exhale, finally giving in.
“…Fine, but you must stop if I see that it is too dangerous for Matteo.”
The moment she permitted the unofficial horse-riding lessons from Stella, Matteo was over the moon. He thanked his sister profusely with those sparkling green eyes. Without further ado, Stella decided to give the young alpha his first private lesson. He couldn’t contain his excitement to learn from her. Shortly after, she taught him how to canter for the first time. Through her simple instructions, Matteo was able to pick it up quickly, and it didn’t take him that long before he was cantering around the field at ease.
“Ophelia! Did you see that?” Matteo beamed with joy. “I’m able to canter on a horse!”
“Don’t get careless.” Ophelia reminded him sternly. “Stay vigilant.”
“Hehe, I know!” Matteo said. “Don’t worry, sis.”
He was so eager to show his sister his swift progress that he began cantering comfortably in the open field at ease. Ophelia watched quietly, surprised even by how fast Stella was able to guide Matteo so effortlessly. It seemed her fiancée wasn’t boasting just for show. The omega watched and listened to the lesson quietly. She was able to understand it easily despite not having any prior knowledge of horse riding. While watching her brother wearing such a beaming smile across his face, she couldn’t help but envy him slightly from afar.
Matteo looked so free and happy. As a Chevalier omega, her fate was predetermined since birth. The meaning of her life was to dedicate herself to the family’s honor. Marry to expand her family’s network and produce an heir for whoever was her alpha mate. She would never experience a free life as she dreamt of, for as long as she bore the Chevalier name. Ophelia already accepted this fate, yet she couldn’t deny that she yearned for a life bound to none—free from all restraints. The helpless omega tried to convince herself that it was fine to live life being shackled until her last breath. She didn’t need to experience any of this as she had a greater mastermind plan to focus on.
“Do you want to give it a try?”
It was that familiar gentle voice that interrupted her train of thought. Her eyes darted to the alpha. Stella strode over to her, now standing beside her. Even though it shouldn’t come as a surprise to her anymore, it was still enough to make her speechless.
“I’m more than happy to teach you how to ride a horse,” Stella said, kindly offering to teach Ophelia. “I can see you’re interested in the lessons I was giving to Matteo.”
“How bold of you to assume I’m interested in such an unladylike activity?” Ophelia sighed, crossing her arms. “Have you perhaps forgotten that I am an omega?”
What was Stella expecting to hear from her? The answer was obvious in the first place. Sometimes, Ophelia couldn’t understand what was going on in her head.
“How does being an omega have anything to do with having some fun?” Stella asked, resting her hands on her waist.
“You can easily say so because you are an alpha.” Ophelia glared at her from the corner of her eye.
“That’s not what I mean…” Stella said, her voice softening as she never meant to offend her. “What I’m saying is that our secondary sex shouldn’t restrain anyone from doing something they are interested in.”
Stella made it clear that horse riding shouldn’t be strictly limited to alphas and beta men only. She believed everyone should have the right to experience what they’re interested in. Growing up closely with House Valens, everyone must study the family’s signature swordsmanship and horse riding at a very young age, regardless of their secondary sex.
“I know plenty of omegas who are exceptional horse riders,” Stella said. “Some were even better than alphas themselves.”
“You’re exaggerating,” Ophelia said, shutting her statement down.
“I’m telling you the truth. I know it’s unpopular for omegas to do a strenuous activity such as horse riding,” Stella continued. “But shouldn’t we all have the right to decide rather than being told not to do so?”
“…Such irrational naivety,” Ophelia muttered.
“Perhaps I am,” Stella didn’t object to her insult. “But I’m just being honest with what I believe things should’ve been in the first place.”
There was a moment when Ophelia was genuinely touched by Stella’s thoughtfulness, but she quickly suppressed her feelings before they could give her empty hope. She had more important things to focus on and had no time to find pleasure and happiness for herself right now. Could someone as sinful as she was have the right to pursue a life of happiness of her own?
At this point, the best solution for Ophelia was to ignore her completely.
She must refuse all the temptation to take her hand, no matter what. She believed she had no right to ask for any form of freedom until she accomplished her goal. After Ophelia refused to entertain this conversation any longer, Stella sighed and walked away.
In that moment, the omega thought that her fiancée had finally given up and left her be, but she was proven wrong. In a few minutes, Stella returned with a horse this time. She dismounted and extended her hand to Ophelia.
“Since you are not interested in learning, as you proclaimed earlier,” Stella’s smile never faded. “How about you ride with me instead? It’s normal for an alpha to invite their fiancée for a ride, am I right?”
“You…”
Stella wasn’t wrong, but this cheeky alpha was infuriating. She would do anything to have things her way. The more Ophelia tried to push Stella away, the more stubborn her fiancée became.
“If you hate it, then tell me after you ride with me,” Stella said. “What do you say?”
Her hand was so close, within easy reach, yet somehow, it felt impossibly far. Ophelia’s resolve was being tested, and that test filled her heart with fear. Should she give in and take her hand? Or push it away and stick to the plan? Whichever she chose, it would bring her pain, one way or another.
While Ophelia stood there in silence, Stella noticed a flicker of hesitation behind those green eyes. Then she reached out to take her hand before she could pull back. Ophelia’s eyes widened before looking up to meet Stella’s gaze. This was the first time they held each other’s hands. Her alpha’s hand was slightly larger and warmer than hers, making her heart skip a beat.
Stella gently pulled her to close the distance between them, offering a warm smile.
“Come with me, Ophelia.”
“…”
That was unfair. How could she refuse a smile that warm and irresistible? Stella was gentle, yet unshakably firm once her mind was made up. It was impossible to refuse her at this point. Ophelia clenched her jaw before she breathed out a quiet sigh—just this once. Stella’s face lit up with joy at once.
The alpha guided her carefully, helping her learn how to mount the horse. It was Ophelia’s very first time, and she was visibly nervous. Once they were both mounted, Stella took hold of the reins.
“Don’t tense up too much,” Stella said. “Relax.”
“Easier said than done,” Ophelia muttered under her breath. “This is the first time I've mounted a horse. I never once imagined I would end up here doing this.”
“We won’t go fast until you’re more comfortable with the speed,” Stella said, trying to reassure her.
That was easier said than done. This already felt too close for Ophelia to ever be comfortable. She was practically leaning against Stella’s chest as she gripped her vest tightly. Ever since they were engaged, she had never gotten this close to her. Every breath she drew carried Stella’s scent. Warm and soothing. This was too much to bear with a straight face. Thankfully, Stella couldn’t see it from this angle. The moment the horse lurched into motion, her grip tightened even more. This story is hosted at g.com.
“You better not go too fast,” Ophelia said, her tone sharp with warning.
“Don’t worry, you won’t fall,” Stella said. “Trust me.”
The horse walked the fields for a while until Stella noticed the omega gradually relaxing. As the horse broke into a trot, a gentle breeze brushed against their cheeks. Perhaps it was the thrill that made Ophelia forget her initial fear of falling. Though she had seen this same familiar field countless times before, it felt so different from this new vantage point.
“Wow…” Ophelia was unable to take her eyes away.
Stella glanced quietly and caught her genuine expression. Open and unguarded. A soft smile spread across her face. Just as she thought, a smile suited Ophelia far better than her usual grumpy face. After weeks of persistence, she had finally managed to make her smile. Could this be counted as her first repayment to Ophelia?
Riding through the fields together, the strong wind rushed past their faces as they galloped forward. Ophelia noticed things she had never seen before, especially how the vast blue sky felt closer than it ever had.
“I never thought that a sky and the view of my family’s land could be this captivating…” Ophelia muttered.
“That’s the true beauty of horse riding.” Stella smiled. “Breezing through the wind so freely like this. It feels very liberating, isn’t it?”
Ophelia noticed she had been holding onto Stella firmly, making her slightly nervous. She was supposed to act disinterested, but she unconsciously allowed herself to enjoy this far too much. She cleared her throat before her brows furrowed.
“Do not put words into my mouth,” Ophelia said. “I didn’t say anything about it being fun.”
“Uhuh…” Stella’s eyelids narrowed.
“Just tolerable. Do you understand?” Ophelia said, emphasizing it. “I will give that it is a tolerable experience.”
Seeing Ophelia attempt to convince her was rather quite funny and cute at the same time. Nonetheless, it was a success. She knew that Ophelia was interested in horse riding, but she just needed some time to warm up to the idea.
“Just between Matteo, you, and me.” Stella continued. “Next time we visit the horse stable together again, I’ll teach you how to ride a horse.”
“Are you hearing yourself?” Ophelia shot back. “It is pointless for an omega like me to learn such an unladylike skill—”
“No survival skill is pointless, Ophelia,” Stella replied, her tone carrying unshakable firmness. “One day, you never know that it can become useful when you need it the most.”
The young alpha meant every word she said. Her voice might accidentally carry a hint of worry and desperation. For the Chevalier siblings to know how to ride a horse properly would certainly come in handy if they had to escape from Viscount Lemaire’s assassins.
“…”
Ophelia stayed silent until their horse trotted back to the stable, where Matteo was waiting for them. Even after they dismounted the horse, she didn’t give her an answer, but also didn’t object to it. Ophelia’s silence itself was already an answer to Stella.
“By the way, we’ll need to change into another pair of trousers during horse riding practice,” Stella said. “That way, our clothes won’t get dirtied, and we won’t get caught.”
“Who said I am interested anyway?” Ophelia finally broke the silence.
“I’m just making a statement for all of us.” Stella glanced over at the young man. “Right, Matteo?”
“Yeah.” He nodded firmly, as though he understood the mission. “I would love it if we could learn together, sis.”
Even though she wanted to reject the idea on the spot, she had reached the point where it was impossible to say no to Stella and Matteo. Ophelia sighed and reached out to pat his head.
“I’ll accompany you to the stable whenever you wish for me to come with you,” Ophelia said, her tone becoming surprisingly soft.
“Thank you, sis.” Matteo smiled radiantly.
Watching those two siblings from afar reminded Stella of her relationship with Blake. This scene made her realize how it had been quite a while since she last saw her. In her previous life, she had made Blake worry about her. Even worse, Stella left in the middle of the night without saying her goodbyes.
“…” Stella exhaled quietly.
At this moment, she couldn’t help but wonder how her older sister was doing at the Albrecht estate. Was she eating and resting well? The more she thought about her, the more she started to miss Blake. Unfortunately, she wouldn’t get to see her any time soon for the next three years.
“Let’s return to the manor before I start sweating profusely from this heat…” Ophelia muttered softly.
Ophelia didn’t mind getting a bit of dirt on her clothes now and then, but she was undeniably a noblewoman who was far from comfortable with strenuous activities.
The three of them headed back to the manor together, hoping to return before anyone noticed how long they had been gone. As they walked along the corridor toward their rooms, they crossed paths with the elder chief butler. He greeted the two Chevaliers warmly; his smile filled with quiet affection. Everyone in the manor knew him simply as Reuben. He had served the family for two generations and once a private butler to Ophelia and Matteo’s grandfather. Thus, even the imperious Chevaliers showed him a kind of respect when he was just a butler.
“It is lovely weather today,” Reuben asked. “Did you three have a wonderful picnic outside?”
“We did. Thank you for asking, Reuben.” Ophelia said. “The cake you prepared for us was delicious as always.”
“I’m very honored you enjoyed it, Lady Ophelia.” He lowered his head.
Reuben wasn’t like most servants who would just wear a mask, do their job for pay, and gossip about their masters behind their backs. Perhaps, out of all the servants Stella had seen in this coldhearted household, he was one of the very few people with real warmth and genuinely cared about both Matteo and Ophelia. Every time they had an afternoon picnic in the garden, the chief butler would personally prepare a wide range of desserts himself, ensuring they would never grow bored of having the same thing twice. After their brief encounter, Stella waited for the right moment to whisper, pitched low enough for only him to hear.
“I hope you’ll keep today a secret from Lord Chevalier,” Stella whispered.
“…!”
As expected, he was caught off guard and turned to make eye contact with those calm, bright blue eyes. That was when he realized: Stella knew he was at the horse stable, spying on them earlier. He was quite confident he concealed his presence so no one would notice him, but he underestimated the young alpha’s vigilant senses.
“I’m not certain that this senile old man understands what you meant.” Reuben smiled, feigning innocence.
“I do think you genuinely care about Matteo and Ophelia,” Stella said, resting her finger on her lips. “At least, I hope you will keep this a secret for their sake.”
Stella walked past him, following right behind Ophelia and Matteo. Reuben stood there a moment longer, still bewildered by the young Albrecht. He had assumed that she would be like any other prideful alpha of her age, but he had clearly misjudged her. There was something warm about her, very much like the former duke. As expected from the bloodline of Albrecht, Stella had been raised differently from every other noble he had met.
Reuben exhaled softly before he returned to his duties. He was yet to give the Marquis his daily report on Ophelia and Stella’s activity.
“So, what did those children and that alpha do today?” The Marquis asked.
Sir Reuben came to Marquis Hugh’s study room to make his daily report, which he usually wouldn’t hesitate to make. But something about Stella’s words made him remember something that he almost forgot. When was the last time he saw those two lovely children smile? As he asked himself, Sir Reuben found his answer in silence before returning his gaze to the Marquis.
“They had a usual afternoon picnic in the garden behind the manor, my lord.” Reuben said. “No unusual sighting in the young Albrecht’s actions, as usual.”
“Good. Keep watching them and report to me any suspicious actions, especially from that alpha.” The Marquis said, his tone cold and indifferent. “She is Cedric’s daughter, so who knows what she has under her sleeves…”
Marquis Hugh had his suspicions. He knew that she was Cedric’s heir, though he couldn’t say for certain whether Stella herself was aware of it yet. Looking at that girl reminded him of that female knight, the one who had always stood out like a sore thumb beside the former duke. Alicia Valens, an elite knight of the Albrecht Order. If not for her extraordinary vigilance, and for the weight her family name carried, the Marquis would never have had to go through so much trouble just to execute Cedric’s assassination.
Sir Reuben bowed and quietly excused himself from his master’s study, returning to his usual duties. The old man had noticed how different Stella was from others. It was as though a fully grown woman resided inside a young girl’s body. From his observation so far, he had known for certain that ever since Stella stepped into the Chevalier manor, she genuinely cared for both Ophelia and Matteo. Perhaps even more than in the family.
Once again, he observed the three of them at the horse stable several days later as Stella taught Matteo and Ophelia how to ride a horse. The noble omega grumbled and complained about how her body was aching even after they had just started their lesson for 15 minutes. Matteo casually cantered in the open fields while Stella spent most of the time teaching her fiancée how to mount and dismount safely.
“Ugh…my entire body is aching,” Ophelia muttered under her breath.
“Of course,” Stella said, crossing her arms. “You were so tense when you’re trying to mount and dismount.”
“Must I remind you I am just an omega?” Ophelia shot back. “I am not built to be solidly built and fearless like you two who are alphas.”
“Haha, I’m not saying that there’s anything wrong with you being so tense.” Stella chuckled. “Anyone would be when they’re not used to it. Practice makes perfect. Just be patient.”
“…” Ophelia sighed.
“Let’s continue for a bit and make sure you can get on the horse without my assistance.” Stella said, reaching her hand out. “Take my hand.”
Stella possessed the patience of a god when dealing with Ophelia. She eventually gave in and took her alpha’s hand before practicing a little bit more until she could mount independently. Despite the resistance, her strong dignity as a noble kept her going. Ophelia was not the kind of person who would back down from a challenge.
Reuben watched them from afar behind the stable with a smile of relief across his face. He was grateful that he went with what his heart decided, which was to preserve Ophelia and Matteo’s smiles and happiness in this cold household, even though it meant that he had to lie to Marquis Hugh. While he was in his own thoughts, he caught a glimpse of the young alpha who had already noticed his presence. She smiled, lowered her head, before returning her focus to Ophelia.
“Stella, don’t you dare let go of the reins…” Ophelia muttered, her tone sharp with warning.
“I won’t. I’m not that evil, okay?” Stella sighed. “You can rest assured.”
Ophelia uttered with frustration and fear, as if she doubted Stella would tease her by letting go of the reins. Even though it was tempting, she wouldn’t do anything that could put the omega at risk. Reuben let out a quiet exhale, followed by a smile, before continuing to watch them for a little longer…