His Duchess is a Ghost (Novel) - Chapter 37 (Patreon)

As Alena’s lips parted in disbelief, the duke glanced towards the door.

Although no sound had reached her ears, that simple gesture was enough for Alena to understand that he might have detected someone's approach.

As the duke began to loosen his hold on her hands, obviously preparing to pull himself away, Alena swiftly raised her legs and securely wrapped them around the duke's waist. This unexpected move of hers caused him to halt mid-action, his gaze snapping back to her.

Alena had already come to the realization that her initial strategy of remaining unseen by everyone had been ultimately proven futile. Because since the duke had become unconscious, not one of his men had even considered to check on her. She had anticipated that someone would eventually seek her out, inquiring about her well-being or summoning her to the duke's side, and then that would lead them to stumble upon the truth that the 'duchess' they believed to be right inside her chambers was, in fact, non-existent. Yet, none of this happened.

So why not just make her presence known? She should just step into the light, and let them catch glimpses of her and then make them wonder once she would vanish into thin air. She knew that the duke will definitely prevent them from witnessing her materializing or disappearing but the mere knowledge of her inexplicable comings and goings would surely sow seeds of curiosity and suspicion. Eventually, they would be forced to acknowledge the peculiar nature of her existence, her appearances, and disappearances! And once that happens… rumors would spread and eventually reach her family’s ears leading for investigations!

“They're coming, Duchess...” The duke’s voice pulled her from her thoughts. “Are you truly comfortable being seen in such an intimate position with your injured husband?"

Shame made her bit her lip but the prospect of disgrace did not deter her. "Why? Are you now concerned for my reputation, Duke?" she countered.

He opened his lips to respond as his hands fell to hold her legs when she abruptly reached out and wound her arms around his neck. She would not let him peel her off him. Not until they see her!

The door opened before the duke could even remove his hands on her legs.

The footsteps ceased, the world outside their immediate vicinity paused, and for a moment, their bodies mirrored the stillness of the world around them.

Then the awkward shuffling of feet continued for a moment longer before the hesitant voice of a man, presumably the doctor, filtered through the slightly opened door. "Pardon me, my lord," the voice echoed with a note of caution. "But I would strongly suggest you abstain from... such endeavors for the time being... unless you desire your wound to reopen. I fear you may not have noticed, but... your wound has indeed begun to bleed again."

The duke let go of Alena’s legs and was about to hold her hands, maybe to peel her off him when Alena pulled him as hard as she could, causing his body to crash against her.

“Please come in, doctor," Alena announced, her voice ringing clear and authoritative as she cradled Kaztiel's head against her shoulder, securing him in what looked like a protective embrace.

As the door swung open to admit the pale, slender figure of the doctor, his eyes immediately widened at the unexpected sight of Alena. In response, Alena smiled at him with such effortless grace that it momentarily flustered the man, prompting him to bow his head in a mix of respect and surprise.

"Please treat him now," Alena urged, inflecting her voice with concern. "He felt so cold, I had to hold him like this. I hope you don't mind my presence."

"Oh, n-not at all, princess... um, your grace," the doctor stuttered, correcting himself in confusion. "Very well, I shall begin. Uh... we need to remove the bandages, so, um, could you please..."

"Dear," Alena whispered to the duke, her voice soft and coaxing, "we need to sit up."

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