The next day, Dane's education officially began.
"Listen carefully to your teacher today, alright?" I reminded him as I helped him get dressed.
Today marked the beginning of his formal training to become the future heir—a very important step.
Dane nodded with a bright smile. "I understand, Mom. I'll behave and listen well."
"Raise your hand if you have questions. Don't interrupt when he's speaking. Take notes on everything he discusses. And if, by any chance, he ever mistreats you—stand up like a soldier. Understood?" I added firmly.
The door to his room opened, and Duke Darwin stepped inside. "How is he?" he asked, glancing at Dane.
"He's just about ready," I replied, finishing up the last touches on Dane's hair and adjusting his collar before standing upright.
"Good," Darwin said with a nod, then looked toward the door. "Professor Ivan, you may come in."
A young man entered, exuding a calm confidence. He had short blue-toned hair, gentle green eyes, and light freckles across his nose. He wore a tailored black waistcoat over a white shirt, giving off a scholarly yet approachable aura. He smiled warmly at us.
"Greetings, Lady Adeline, Lord Dane," he said, bowing politely.
"Greetings to you too," Dane replied with a respectful nod.
"This is Professor Ivan—a highly respected and well-known educator. He has an excellent reputation and a proven track record with his students. He'll be responsible for all of Dane's education and training," Duke Darwin explained. "He's also a former knight, though now retired. You can rest assured, Dane is in capable hands."
I nodded in understanding, a wave of relief washing over me. Knowing my son was being taught by someone trustworthy brought me comfort.
After the brief introduction, Dane followed Professor Ivan into a study room. Since then, he hadn't stepped out.
I waited in the lounge, feeling increasingly restless.
Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was already 9 a.m. Wanting to do something meaningful, I decided to bake Dane's favorite treat—brownies.
Without wasting time, I headed to the kitchen.
"Good morning, Lady Adeline. What brings you here?" the head chef asked politely.
"Good morning. I'd like to bake my son his favorite brownies. Would it be alright if I used your kitchen?" I asked with a hopeful smile.
"Of course, you may."
Third Person P.O.V.
Butler James spotted Lady Adeline in the kitchen, busy baking. A soft smile formed on his face before he turned and headed toward the study room.
Inside, Duke Darwin was focused on paperwork, flipping through documents and signing with practiced efficiency.
"What time is it?" he asked without looking up.
James checked his pocket watch. "It's 9:16 a.m., My Lord."
"I see. How's my son doing?"
"He's doing well, My Lord," James replied with a respectful nod. "He's quite intelligent. In my opinion, he'll grow into an excellent Duke one day."
"Good," Darwin said, pausing for a moment. "And Lady Adeline?"
James smiled subtly. He knew the Duke had never shown the slightest interest in women before. The mere fact that he asked about her caught his attention.
"She's in the kitchen, baking a snack, My Lord."
Duke Darwin glanced up from his papers. "A snack?"
"Yes, My Lord. She appears to be making something for the young master," James said with a knowing smile.
Adeline's P.O.V.
I finished baking the brownies. I seemed to have made more than expected, so I offered some to the kitchen staff before preparing a tray for Dane.
Carrying it carefully, I made my way to the study room where his lessons were being held. I knocked on the door, and it opened to reveal Professor Ivan's face.
"Lady Adeline, what brings you here? Please, come in," he said, stepping aside.
I nodded in thanks and entered. Dane saw me and his face immediately lit up.
"Mom!" He hopped down from his chair and rushed over. "Wait... I smell brownies! Did you bake some?"
I chuckled and nodded. "Yes, your favorite."
I set down the tray, which held two plates filled with brownies.
"These are for you and Professor Ivan," I said with a smile.
Ivan returned it warmly. "Thank you, Lady Adeline."
"Just Adeline is fine," I replied casually.
"Oh, alright then—Adeline," he said, nodding cheerfully.
Dane looked up at me. "Did you bring some brownies for Father too?" he asked, tilting his head.
"I'm planning to," I said with a small smile.
From what I remember in the book, even though it was only briefly mentioned, Duke Darwin had been food poisoned before. Since then, he only eats food prepared by his manor's chef. That's why I'm not sure if he'll even touch the brownies I made.
After handing off the two plates to Dane and Professor Ivan, I made my way to Duke Darwin's office.
I knocked gently, but there was no response.
Slowly, I opened the door and peeked inside.
There he was—fast asleep on the couch. He looked... tired.
I walked in quietly and set the plate of brownies on the small table beside the couch.
"He must be exhausted from all the work," I whispered.
I let my gaze linger on his sleeping face. When he's asleep, he looks like a peaceful angel. Just like my Dane—kind and innocent.
I let out a quiet chuckle. But he's the total opposite when he's awake.
I noticed his coat draped over the back of a chair, so I picked it up and gently placed it over him.
"Sleep well," I whispered, then quietly turned to leave.
Third Person P.O.V.
As soon as Adeline left the room, Darwin's eyes slowly opened.
He sat up, staring at the closed door. He had been awake the whole time.
He had no idea why he pretended to be asleep—or why he let her see him like that. It was unlike him. Everything about this situation felt... unfamiliar.
Then his eyes landed on the plate of brownies.
He hesitated.
Normally, he wouldn't dare eat something that wasn't made by his trusted chef. Especially not something homemade by someone else. But strangely... he trusted Adeline.
He reached for one brownie and took a bite, half expecting to taste something unpleasant—or feel his stomach twist.
But neither happened.
Instead, he found himself... enjoying it.
Before he realized it, he had finished every last brownie on the plate.
"Delicious," he murmured to himself with a soft smile—completely unaware that he was smiling at all.