Echoes of Vengeance: The Sweet Wife’s Perfect Revenge

Once Alaric left, Aveline was on the couch, wrapped in a warm throw, chatting with Scarlett when the door clicked open.

She only lifted her head when she caught sight of her man returning in less than fifteen minutes. All she could think was, "Did you forget something?"

The sharp lines on his face smoothed as soon as he caught sight of her. It wasn't the silence that usually greeted him, or 'Mr. Lancaster' in Martha's voice. Instead, it was the soft, surprised voice of the woman who chose him.

"Yes," he said, stalking towards her, watching her lounging in his hoodie and sprawled on the couch.

Aveline didn't get to ask what when he dipped his head and caught her lips with his. Though it was just a kiss, she couldn't help but smile against his lips. She didn't know if it was just the honeymoon phase or the saying echoing in her head:

'Everything will be perfect with the right person.'

He pulled back, curious about her smile. "Why are you smiling?" His voice was gentle.

"I don't know. You just made me feel good," she said, pecking his lips.

He didn't even know what he'd done to make her happy. He scooped her off the sofa, letting the throw drop. "Let me show you the place you'll be living in."

Aveline smiled helplessly, watching his composure when he was more excited than her about her moving in with him.

Something struck her. "What about your work?" she asked.

He had no plan to go to work when he heard her say she would be lazing all day. He'd just gone downstairs to meet Lucien. "That's boring," he said.

Before she could ask further, he tossed her onto the bed. He hovered above her as he spoke. "Maybe I'll sleep here when you throw me out of our bedroom."

Aveline burst into laughter, hearing this. She hadn't thought of it. "I'll try it someday," she said between her laughter, her eyes brushing around the guestroom. "It's decent to spend a night." She giggled.

They continued the house tour with the gym, but Aveline didn't prefer having her yoga corner there, and he insisted on her having a ballet practice corner.

Then came a brief visit to the pantry, the dirty kitchen, and the island kitchen, followed by his study room. She refused to make one for herself, saying she could use the same one.

They were heading upstairs when his phone buzzed, displaying 'Nicholas.' Alaric glanced at the screen, then deliberately silenced it.

"You're not answering?" Aveline asked.

"Not now," he said flatly. "This matters more."

It felt good in some way, but it was also reckless—ignoring calls that could be important. The implications of it unsettled her in ways she didn't want to admit.

There was an entertainment room, an extra bedroom that would be renovated as her closet, and a laundry room, all separate from the master bedroom.

Then they stood in front of the vault room. Aveline quietly watched him go through multi-level authentication before the large iron door opened.

Alaric's phone buzzed with a message from Nicholas:

[Walk into Lancaster Mansion now, or I'll drag you in myself and watch Ivory Towers burn with you inside.]

Alaric ignored the message and the sender.

She examined the crowns that were sitting on a velvet display. There was a small one that could fit a baby, then a slightly larger one for a boy and teenager, and finally a full crown that could fit an adult.

"I've never seen a picture where De'Conti princes wear crowns." She didn't know Alaric had been treated like a prince when Isabella had stepped down from her royal title.

A few seconds passed before he responded. "It's a coronet. Most of the time, modern royals wear suits, uniforms, or medals. Crowns and coronets are reserved for state ceremonies."

He could sense it—she wanted to ask more about the De'Contis, but she was resisting. And he was resisting because it was another mess in his life.

Aveline examined a few more pieces related to De'Conti history. She truly wanted to ask about his relationship with the Lancaster family and also the De'Contis. But she didn't want to pry into topics he might not like, wanting to give him space instead.

So she brushed off the awkward silence with a question. "Why is there a king and queen in Country Elaron when it's the prime minister who runs the government?" Aveline asked. She had met and heard about many royal families, but they didn't hold positions like the De'Contis.

"Elaron is a constitutional monarchy. The King or Queen is the head of state—it's symbolic, ceremonial. Whereas the Prime Minister runs the government as head of government and holds the real political power. Nobility titles are just honorary social titles..."

Nodding, Aveline shrugged. "Most of the jewelry I keep is for daily wear. I could use this room if I bring something more expensive."

Alaric nodded in understanding. "Let's keep your vault in the closet then."

Watching her walk out with a faint smile, he realized he would have to tell her about the Lancaster and De'Conti family dynamics sooner or later, especially when it was causing her nothing but trouble.

They lingered longer than intended on the terrace, soaking in the sun. After enjoying the quiet moment together, Aveline eventually revealed what Seraphina had told her at the cafe.

"Is your brother supporting her?" Aveline asked at the end.

Alaric was sure they were involved. However, he voiced his opinion: "Seraphina Astor has dedicated her whole life to building her perfect image. She might want Lancaster wealth, but she would never give up her dream."

Aveline nodded. She had suspected as much.

…

By the time they returned downstairs, Alaric's phone lit up again. This time it wasn't Nicholas, but Edward.

Alaric's thumb slid across the screen, and he answered, "Yes?"

Whatever words came from the other end, he heard them quietly without reaction. His eyes remained on Aveline the entire time.

After a long pause, he uttered nothing more than another, "Alright." Then he ended the call.

"Your father?" Aveline asked.

He nodded once, looking calm and unreadable. Then, softer, almost deceptively casual: "Would you like to go to the Lancaster mansion?" After a pause, he added, "The Astors are there as well."

The name hung between them. Aveline didn't answer immediately. She wasn't the same woman who once avoided every battlefield, so she weighed her options carefully.

She lifted her chin to meet his eyes. "Let's go."

Alaric's lips curved, just faintly. Not because she was joining him, but because of the sharp glint in her eyes when she made that decision.