Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 Feeding the Rumor

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Elowen paused. She asked instinctively, “Did she have someone beat up his husband to vent her anger?”

That caught Gerda off guard.

In Avenlor, before a noblewoman was married, her family would usually make arrangements to teach her the matters of the marital chamber-how to behave with her husband, and how to bear children.

But Elowen’s case was… different.

When her parents were still alive, she was far too young. By the time she reached marrying age, there was no one left to oversee those thing

In her previous life, she had married Alaric, but they had never once shared a bed.

She died without even knowing what such intimacy meant.

There were many things she simply didn’t understand.

Gerda chose her words carefully. “She didn’t lay finger on her husband. Instead, she’s been spending time with men outside, often sneaking out to meet them-or worse, sneaking them into the house to, well… romp in bed when her husband isn’t home.”

Elowen’s face flushed crimson at the phrasing. Now she understood what those words really

meant.

Gerda went on, “After General fell in battle, the young lady began visiting Duskmoor Manor quite frequently. At that time, the Duke was in good health. She would often bring him stews or nourishing broths-clearly hoping to rekindle their old relationship.”

Elowen blinked, startled again.

“There was even one time,” Gerda said, lowering her voice, “she stripped down and climbed into the Duke’s bed, offering herself to him outright. He flew into a rage and banned her from ever returning. Only after the Duke fell unconscious did she dare show up again. And ever since His Majesty issued the royal engagement between you and the Duke, she’s been coming by more and more frequently. She even showed up today. With the Duke unconscious like this…”

Gerda didn’t finish her sentence, but her concert was obvious.

If Vivian tried her stunt again-stripping down and crawling into the Duke’s bed-he wouldn’t even be able to say no this time.

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Chapter 17 Feeding the Rumor

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Elowen, however, was unfazed. “No worries. I already took the entry medallion from Lady Marwen. She can’t get into the manor wing anymore. Come on, let’s head back. I’m sure the Duke is just fine.”

At the Rose Hall, Vivian lounged lazily across the couch, her waist curved just enough to accentuate her seductive posture. All ten of her fingers were lacquered with deep crimson gloss, and she was peeling grapes at a leisurely pace.

Marwen sat nearby, glancing from the door to her daughter, clearly growing irritated.

“You mean to tell me the Earl family can’t even afford grapes anymore? Had to run back here to mooch off mine?”

Vivian didn’t even look up. “Mother, you’re fuming because the new Duchess embarrassed you. Don’t take it out on me. I didn’t wrong you. You’re the one who dragged me here on short notice to fight your battles. If you chase me off, who else do you have?”

Marwen flared at the mention of “the Duchess.” “Don’t even say her name! She’s just a girl, barely grown! Only relying on a royal decree, ye dares to threaten me like that-”

Last night, she had summoned Lucien and questioned him. Why did he try to assassinate the Duke?

Lucien had panicked and confessed everything. That little witch Elowen had tricked her!

Lucien wasn’t trying to kill anyone. He’d merely taken a liking to Elowen and had sneaked into her room, hoping to take advantage of her.

Nothing but a minor incident, and yet Elowen had blown it wildly out of proportion.

She’d accused Lucien of attempted regicide, no less! Then, they used it as an excuse to confiscate Marwen’s access medal.

Marwen was furious.

She gave Vivian a sharp push. “Enough grapes! Half the money you use to keep your men fed comes from me! If that little witch truly takes control of Duskmoor Manor, where will you get your money then?”

Vivian’s eyes flickered slightly.

She chewed the grape in her mouth, swallowed, then dabbed her lips with a silk cloth. “Relax, Mother. Everything’s already in place.”

Marwen blinked. “In place?”

Vivian’s smile turned wicked. “I’ve lived like a willow for years. I know how lonely the nights

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Chapter 17 Feeding the Rumor

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