Chapter 3

After leaving the manor that morning, I went to a small town far away.

Over the years, to accommodate Enzo’s habits, I had grown accustomed to staying awake at night and sleeping during the day. I spent my nights in the manor and returned to my room only after the moon had set.

Here, I had a small house of my own. It was a coming-of-age gift my father had given me.

Although the house was not as exquisite or luxurious as the Vane family manor, it was more than enough for me to live alone.

The town was peaceful and quiet, with no one to disturb me. It had exactly what I loved: plenty of sunlight. From the attic, I could even see the ocean in the distance.

I stayed in the little house for the entire day.

I cleaned the rooms, enjoyed the sunlight, prepared for my new life, and contacted my family.

Enzo still did not know that before I married him, I had never been an idle Ashford heiress. Nor had I been idle during the three years I was married to him.

Over the years, I had remained fully involved in every Ashford family business. I had also quietly built up resources and established connections with powerful allies willing to work with my family, among both humans and other vampire families.

I knew what each of them valued—and what each of them needed.

Tomorrow night, once the marriage alliance between our families came to an end, I would return to the Ashford family and begin the life that truly belonged to me.

I did not return to the manor until the sky had completely darkened.

Enzo was still nowhere to be seen, and I had already grown used to it.

But I never expected to find an unexpected visitor waiting for me on such a quiet night.

“For someone so determined to become part of the Vane family, you don’t seem to mind going out during the day.”

Vanessa stood by the door, looking at me coldly.

“You should have known long ago that humans will never be accepted by vampires.”

I ignored her sarcasm.

“Why are you here?”

Vanessa gave a soft laugh.

“You are not the lady of this manor. What right do you have to question me?”

She walked to the sofa and sat down with the confidence of someone who already owned the place.

“Starting today, I will take charge of all decisions and affairs at Vane Manor.”

I did not understand what she meant.

“What do you mean?”

She smirked and looked at me provocatively.

“Although you and Enzo are married under human law, according to our rules, you are not considered his wife without sealing the blood bond. This manor should have a lady of the house to manage it, so Enzo has given that authority to me.”

“Since I will be acting as the lady of the house, I’ll be moving in tomorrow so I can properly fulfill those responsibilities.”

She straightened slightly, deliberately making sure I saw the family crest on her chest.

But to Vanessa’s surprise, I did not argue with her.

I simply nodded and replied calmly, “I understand.”

After saying that, I turned to leave.

Vanessa froze for a moment. Then she suddenly stood up and stepped in front of me, blocking my way.

“There is one more thing. Enzo said I could choose any room I wanted. I have chosen the largest bedroom, so please move out of the master bedroom today.”

Before I could say anything, Ingrid, who had been standing nearby, could no longer stay silent.

“Miss Vanessa, that bedroom belongs to Lady Vane—”

“Since the blood bond was never sealed, she is not Lady Vane.”

Vanessa interrupted her coldly.

“Besides, I don’t think I need to remind you that I can dismiss you at any time now.”

Ingrid went pale.

“It’s fine. I’ll move.”

I shook my head at her.

There was no need to argue over something so insignificant. After all, I would be leaving tomorrow anyway.