Chapter 173

Soon, a knock came from the door. One of the maids said, "Ma'am, Mrs. Richards just arrived with her luggage." Elaria had expected that. She answered calmly, "Got it. I'll head down in a bit." Climbing off Sebastian, she said softly, "Let's go freshen up. We'll have breakfast after." She helped him get ready, squeezing toothpaste onto his brush and wringing out the towel. The man had some stubble coming in, so Elaria carefully shaved it off with a razor, then wiped his face clean with a warm towel. Before she could put it down, he gently held her hand. "You don't have to do everything," he murmured. "We can sleep in separate rooms." She looked up. "Is it too much pressure for you?" He paused. "Not really pressure. Just... feels unfamiliar." Like this morning-despite a very physical urge, he'd held himself back. He knew what people expected. His wife was a powerful, beautiful woman. But he couldn't bring himself to act on pure instinct. Deep down, it felt like he was in love with someon