Chapter 2

After realizing what Edward was thinking, I was on edge the whole time in the bath. I kept worrying he'd barge in and do something crazy.

The steam swirled around me, the hot water wrapping me in comfort so deep it almost made me drowsy. Thankfully, Edward never showed up while I was bathing or getting dressed. I figured he was fantasizing, not gutsy enough to actually make a move.

After blowing out the candles, I settled into bed, ready to drift off, when suddenly there was a knock at the door. "Lady Violet, are you asleep?" Edward asked.

My eyes flew open, my cheeks stiffening. No way. Edward really was that gutsy.

I buried myself under the covers, pretending to be asleep, hoping Edward would leave. But he was stubborn, knocking again.

"I brought you some hot chocolate. You haven't eaten all day. Have some before you sleep." Right on cue, my stomach growled.

Fine, I'd grab the hot chocolate and send him packing.

I opened the door, awkwardly reaching out. "Hand it over. You should get some sleep."

Edward sidestepped my hand, smiling. "Careful, Lady Violet. It is really hot. Let me carry it inside for you." He walked right past me, heading straight in.

Hey, I never said he could come in.

By candlelight, Edward and I sat facing each other. He was dressed in a crisp white shirt, making him look almost otherworldly. His side profile was sharp and handsome, with a gentle, classy vibe.

"Lady Violet, I put in those peanuts you like," Edward said.

"Thanks, Edward," I replied.

"Careful, it's hot. Eat slowly."

"Alright."

I kept my head down, cheeks bulging with food, wanting to finish up and get him out of here.

Inside his mind, he said, 'Her cheeks look so adorable when they're puffed up. I wonder how they'd feel if I poked them.' I nearly choked on my food.

I pushed the bowl away and burped quietly. "All done. Edward, you should head back to your room and get some rest." Seriously, went already gone.

Edward gazed at me, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears, his voice soft as he pleaded, "Lady Violet, can I stay in your room tonight?"

"Absolutely not," I shot back, my tone sharp. "You're grown up now. It's not appropriate for you to be this close to me anymore."

"But tonight's different." Edward hung his head, eyes red at the corners, looking heartbreakingly pitiful.

"Back then, I watched my mother die right in front of me. It tore me apart. Now that Father is gone, it makes me miss my mother more. For tonight, can I stay with you?"

I could never say no to a puppy. And right now, I couldn't say no to Edward either.

"Alright, but you're making a bed on the floor. That's the deal."

"Thank you, Lady Violet." Edward's eyes sparkled.

Inside his mind, he said, 'Man, this trick always works. Lady Violet is way too soft-hearted. Her hair looks gorgeous when it's down. I kinda want to kiss the ends.

'No, gotta play it cool. If she catches on, I'm screwed. Hold it together. If I slip up, she'll run for the hills.'

I wanted out. Edward wasn't a puppy. He was a wolf playing pretend.

*****

When I woke up the next morning, Edward was already gone. His bedding was neatly folded, not a wrinkle in sight.

The maid came to invite me to breakfast. As I walked along the garden path, I caught a glimpse of Edward practicing his sword outside the gazebo.

He stood tall and elegant, his eyes sharp and icy, every move smooth and mesmerizing. The breeze from his blade sent pink petals swirling through the air, making the whole scene look like a painting.

I couldn't help but get lost in the moment, silently admiring how good-looking Edward really was.

"Lady Violet, are you heading to breakfast?" Edward strode over, his smile bright and open.

"Yes, I was planning to," I replied.

"I'll go with you," he said, walking right beside me. His sleeve brushed against my arm, almost deliberately.

"Lady Violet, look, the roses are blooming."

Inside his mind, he said, 'Last night, I secretly watched Lady Violet sleep for ages, couldn't take my eyes off her. Did she notice? She looks so damn cute when she's asleep.

'Her lips kept moving, and she was mumbling in her dreams. I really wanted to poke those soft, chubby cheeks.'

"Bloomsday is almost here. Lady Violet, you love flower festivals, right? I'll go with you," Edward said.

Inside his mind, he said,'I wanna have her all to myself. Ugh, I wish I could say that, but nope, gotta keep it cool. If I blurt it out, she'll totally run for it.'

Edward's words and his thoughts were worlds apart. To me, it felt like two Edwards were talking at the same time, and I couldn't tell which one was real.

I played along. "Alright, the two of us then."

Edward froze for a second, then flashed me a bright smile. "Deal." Still, something about it felt kinda weird.

*****

In the dining room, the servants brought out breakfast. Edward always sat right next to me, and I'd always pick out his favorite dishes for him. "Your favorite breakfast sandwich, sausage, egg, and cheese. And a coffee, with two creams and one sugar."

Edward chuckled softly and started picking out food for me, too. "Lady Violet, you've been so busy lately, you've lost weight. You really need to eat more."

I put on a proud smile and patted his shoulder. "Such a good boy. With you taking care of me, Chris can finally rest easy up there."

Edward, no matter what, I would always be your mom.

Edward smiled and kept quiet. 'Why didn't the old bastard kick the bucket sooner? Now Lady Violet's gotten way too caught up in this role.'

Well, what a model son.