Chapter 3: Awareness

"Marquis de Rosa, I am happy to be of assistance!" Lady Claire, the notorious seamstress of the capital's aristocratic society, welcomed us with a smile that seemed as warm as the freshly brewed tea after she curtsied before him. "How may I help you, my lord?"

Thaddeus removed his hat, gliding a beautiful smile that could have a stunning effect on others. "I am here to get my tailored outfit and for her." He gestured his hand to get Lady Claire's attention to heed on me.

"Oh, I see." Lady Claire nodded before curtsying in front of me. "Please to see you again, Lady Kasumi. I hope you still remember me."

I nodded, smiling. "The pleasure is all mine, Lady Claire." I felt the turmoil in my stomach flushing out of my body when she spoke to me with a respective tone. "And how could I forget you since you were the one who made my dazzling wedding dress, Lady Claire?"

I still remember how intricate the tailored wedding dress she made for me was.

The wedding dress at that time was shimmering under the light, its white satin fabric reflecting the glow of the chandeliers. The bodice was adorned with intricate beading that seemed to dance in the light, creating a dazzling effect. The skirt flowed out in a graceful cascade of tulle and lace, each layer adding to the ethereal beauty of the gown. The back of the dress was a work of art, with delicate lace forming an intricate pattern that hugged the curves of my back before trailing down into a flowing train.

At that moment, I could see the envy in Akane's eyes when the House of de Rosa paid for that luxurious dress. Even I couldn't believe that I had worn that.

Lady Claire's eyes widened, and the corners of her mouth lifted, sending a radiant glow across her face. "I am happy to be of your service again, Lady Kasumi, Marquis de Rosa!" With that, she ordered her assistants to get our finished outfit.

I went to one of the private rooms when she bestowed our tailored outfits to try on, feeling a strange sensation between my thighs that made me restless.

This sexual attraction between Thaddeus and me was always why I had to distance myself from him. Not only because he was my father-in-law but because he was politically married to Severin's stepmother, Madeline Roster.

This was why I did not want to be near to him. I had to keep my distance from him, but it was hard when Thaddeus drew himself near me.

With the help of one of their assistants, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the full-length mirror, my eyes widened in amazement. The teal dress I wore hugged my curves in all the right places, and the color made my skin glow. I couldn't believe how stunning I looked.

How much more if Thaddeus saw me in this outfit? What would he say then?

I castigated myself for something so trivial, catching my cheeks turning into a bright red tomato. "Kasumi... No..." I must not think of that. That was not the right thing to think at this moment.

"My masterpiece looks so majestic on you, Lady Kasumi!"

That was Lady Claire's remark as I emerged from the private room. In my peripheral vision, I felt Thaddeus' stare intensely perforating my soul into voidness, making my heart uneasy again.

My eyes locked onto Lady Claire, trying to keep myself from acknowledging the intense aura radiating from him that made my heart race. As I approached them, I noticed Lady Claire's hands clasping together and her eyes running up and down my figure. Her gaze was intense, like the glittering remnants of stars in the clear night sky.

I felt shy all of a sudden.

"It's so perfect!" Lady Claire's soft laughter echoed in the room as she circled me, her eyes scanning every inch of the fabric and lace of my ball gown. "Are you comfortable, my lady? Do I need some adjustments in your dress? Please tell me if there is anything you need."

Ironing the fibers of the teal skirt, feeling the crinoline underneath it, up to my very tight bodice using my hands, made me notice that they were made from fine cotton, wool, and silk.

"I am perfectly fine. I am not uncomfortable or anything, Lady Claire," I said, eyeing myself again.

Her perfect white teeth glinted in the light as the praise made her shine even brighter. Then she gasped out of nowhere. "I knew something was lacking! I forgot your gloves and mask, my lady. I will be right back!"

"Lady Claire, wait!" I reached out my hand to her, wanting to halt since I had just realized that I was left alone with Thaddeus lurking in the corner while his arms crossed his chest. But it was too late, she was out of my view already. I secretly gnashed my teeth when our eyes met through the reflection of the full-length mirror. "Um... What can you say?" I asked as he stood there silently, eyes darting around the room, taking note of everything with a sharp gaze.

Since there was no choice now, I had to start a conversation with him. Thaddeus was the type that wouldn't say anything unless it were necessary or try to initiate a conversation with me by any means possible. He was a dangerous bystander who was also a keen observer, scrutinizing his prey quietly and patiently waiting.

His upper lip lifted into a small smile, eyeing me up and down. "Kasumi, this is the first time you've spoken to me first instead of the other way around," he remarked. His husky tone filled the room, reverberating in every corner like a bell rung in a quiet.

"Is it a big deal?" It was a big deal if I kept discoursing with him. He was really the last person I would speak with as I had to maintain a distance from him.

"It is to me."

I panicked when Thaddeus sauntered his way in my direction, making my wolf squirm under his intense gaze. My feet couldn't make me step back even though he halted before me.

"What?" I tried to be as calm as possible since his overwhelming presence made my knees wobble.

Thaddeus picked up my left hand where the heirloom ring of the House of de Rosa, the sapphire ring, was on my finger. He stared at it, tracing the gemstone with solemnity before gaping at me.

"I knew that ring looked good on you." My eyes widened as I felt chills down my spine because his calloused fingers brushed mine.

My wolf never failed to tell me that our mate was here—with us. Alone with him.

I heard a warning bell striking my head. "Unhand—"

"Now! You are perfect! Everyone will be astonished to see you with this in your masquerade ball!"

Thaddeus casually removed his hand from mine when Lady Claire suddenly entered the room. It was so smooth that no one would think he just made my knees wobble at this moment. I could even feel the loud pounding of my heart inside my ribcage, silently making me wish to pull that organ immediately.

Lady Claire bestowed me with the masquerade mask I was going to wear. I tried it on and made her squeal. "She's looking fantastic, my lord! You are lucky to have her as your daughter-in-law!"

I watched Thaddeus smiling with a meaningful gaze. "Indeed... She looks ravishing as well..."

I secretly pressed my thighs together my clit throbbed again from his comment. Damn it... That raspy voice of his was affecting me. It was a whisper, yet I still heard. I wasn't even certain if Lady Claire heard that.

"We will take it. Deliver these items to the House of de Rosa within this day."

"Your wish is my command, Marquis de Rosa."

After the negotiation, I returned to the changing room to remove my dress, staring at my nakedness before wearing my chemise. This time, I did not ask for assistance since I could attach the layers of my dresses.

I was once a maidservant from being a daughter of an Alpha, so I learned how to dress on my own.

I gripped my skirt, staring at my reflection. I was still wearing a fancy dress provided by the House of de Rosa but still unsatisfied. The emptiness of losing my father and the Red Sun pack, which was out of my grasp, was frustrating me.

"Patience, Kasumi... Patience..." I chanted, heaving out a sigh.

If I kept distressing myself, I would end up miserable, so I must keep myself together.

Opening the door to leave was having my heart leap out of my ribcage upon meeting Thaddeus, who was already there, tucking his hands in his pockets, looking so goddamnly attractive with his droopy eyelids.

"Shall we?" He offered his arm to me.

"Yes," I said, biting the tempting poisoned apple he offered.

I silently cursed, knowing I had drawn myself to the flame. I could feel myself getting scorched right now.

Dear Mother Moon Goddess... Help me.