Lady Catherine entered the room with graceful steps, her hands folded gently before her, wearing a loving smile as she gazed at the sleeping Roman.
She probably never imagined that there was someone else in Roman’s room—someone whom she held in high regard: the Holy See.
Unaware of this, she had no reservations and came to Roman’s bedside.
Pulling over a chair, she sat down, her eyes fixed on Roman’s sleeping face for a long time, unable to look away no matter how she tried.
Sylvia, hiding in the wardrobe, naturally witnessed this entire scene.
Although Lady Catherine’s tender gaze seemed piercing to her, she could understand it.
The sudden appearance of such a child in the manor naturally earned Lady Catherine’s deep affection, especially since the noble lady had yet to bear children of her own.
She cared for him with all her heart.
However, understanding aside, Sylvia couldn’t help but feel a growing irritation.
Watching Lady Catherine hold up her skirts as she sat down, her delicate face leaning so close to Roman’s peaceful sleep—it was hard to imagine how they interacted daily.
No wonder her scent was so obvious on Roman.
“Bad boy…”
Lady Catherine’s red lips softly whispered, her first words striking Sylvia like lightning.
Especially with the plaintive, reproachful expression on Lady Catherine’s face—such sultry charm displayed by a noble lady was captivating.
If Sylvia weren’t familiar with Lady Catherine’s character, she would have thought it was a seductress’s ploy.
Seeing that Roman showed no sign of waking, Lady Catherine blushed slightly and stroked the finger that once wore a ring, now only marked by the ring’s impression.
Only just now did she realize that Roman hadn’t returned her ring yet…
Though it wasn’t anything of great value, it symbolized her status as a noble lady and couldn’t be casually lost.
Otherwise, rumors would spread outside.
She didn’t care much about gossip, but she had to maintain her husband’s dignity.
Even if he wasn’t truly her husband, at least they were ‘friends’ who respected each other.
But since Roman was asleep, she would quietly wait by his side.
Minutes passed one after another. Lady Catherine felt peaceful and serene, unable to get enough of her good boy’s sleeping face—delicate and almost feminine, his calm features like those of a gentle fawn.
She couldn’t help but reach out to touch Roman’s cheek, sliding her hand down along his jawline.
Gradually, Lady Catherine herself felt a bit drowsy amid Roman’s soft breathing.
She stretched her arms lazily, and her plump white rabbit almost slipped free in front of Roman.
Even without escaping, her dress—which was already somewhat low-cut—barely covered it.
Half of the white rabbit peeked out, with a faint blush partially visible.
Propping herself on the edge of the bed, Lady Catherine laid her head on her crossed arms, turned her face to the side, closed her eyes, and gradually drifted into light sleep.
The atmosphere between them was so harmonious and peaceful, yet Sylvia felt utterly tormented.
She had thought several times about bursting out from the wardrobe and telling Lady Catherine to bring Roman back to the Holy City—to make him her ‘Holy Child’ while she took on the role of his godmother.
In the end, she gave up—not out of respect for Lady Catherine, but because she didn’t want to startle Roman all of a sudden.
Roman’s life now should be peaceful enough, after all.
The Lily Countess had given him such a fulfilling, happy environment.
Having just recovered from the blow of losing his mother, if Sylvia were to appear out of nowhere and disrupt his settled life, he would likely resent or even hate her.
So she waited.
About twenty minutes later, Roman awoke from his nap, opening his eyes to find Lady Catherine’s face mere inches away.
Her slightly curled black hair mingled with his silver strands, tickling his nose.
Nuzzling her nose softly, Roman found it amusing and chuckled lightly.
Lady Catherine puckered her lips—this startled Roman, nearly causing their lips to meet.
Her charming face was so close to his, her sensual features enchanting even during this peaceful afternoon nap.
Roman swallowed hard and whispered, “Mother?”
Sylvia: ?
Roman’s voice was pleasant, light and sweet, like soft cotton candy.
Yet his words wiped away the drowsiness that had been creeping up on her.
“Ah.”
Roman’s soft voice also stirred Lady Catherine awake. Her long lashes fluttered before her lightly made-up eyes slowly opened, her sea-blue gaze somewhat hazy as it met Roman’s.
They stared at each other’s clear, doe-like eyes for a long while.
Only when Lady Catherine saw the smile in Roman’s eyes did she fully come to.
Their faces were so close, every wrinkle and expression clear as day.
Every beautiful detail on their faces was visible.
Roman’s cheeks bore a faint flush, his slightly parted lips tugging at Lady Catherine’s heartstrings.
Roman thought his mother was incredibly beautiful at this moment—the eyeshadow emphasized her naturally sculpted features, making her look all the more alluring.
Yet her waking gaze was pure, the contrast thrilling him immensely.
“Darling, did you have any sweet dreams?”
Lady Catherine was the first to speak, resting a hand gently on Roman’s shoulder and planting a soft kiss on his forehead.
Roman closed his eyes, showing a look of contentment, and softly replied, “I dreamed that you came to my bedside and put your finger in my mouth.”
“Ah…”
Lady Catherine blushed furiously.
“You naughty boy, you always think the wildest things! I never did that!”
“I know.”
Roman thought of the kiss on the forehead and, under Lady Catherine’s surprised gaze, cupped her delicate face and gently kissed her.
“Mother, did you come to see me for something?”
Roman asked after pulling away.
Lady Catherine rested her head on the bed and tilted her head to the side, meeting Roman’s gaze.
“Nothing important. Can’t I just come find you?”
It was hard to imagine how ambiguous their conversation must seem to outsiders, but to them, it was natural enough—after all, there was no one else here.
“Well…”
Lady Catherine then spoke more seriously.
“Darling, did you forget something? I still have something of yours.”
Roman paused briefly, then realized, suddenly sitting up in bed.
“Your ring is still with me.”
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