Chapter 12: Better Off Dead!
Snow blanketed the wall.
The courtyard brimmed with dark green pines.
Through the moon gate, she could still see the woods in the backyard.
Rebecca was captivated by the view. When she glanced back, she saw Elizabeth had already walked far ahead.
As she pushed the door open, a rich sandalwood scent enveloped her, even stronger than the aroma in the master bedroom at Pinewood Mansion.
She took a quick look around; the black, white, and gold decor was unmistakably Frederick's style.
But he wasn't there.
Rebecca hesitated, unsure whether to go find Frederick or wait for him in the room.
A gust of cold wind carrying snowflakes blew through, and Rebecca decisively chose the latter.
She closed the door and looked around the room for a while before kicking off her boots and diving under the covers.
Frederick returned, wrapped in cold wind.
His gaze swept through the living room and media room, but he heard no sound, so he headed straight for the bedroom.
When he opened the door, Frederick's steps halted.
He walked forward as quietly as possible.
Rebecca, dressed in a white wool dress, was sleeping soundly, hugging the blanket.
Her creamy skin had a faint blush from the warmth, her brows relaxed, and a small smile played on her lips. She looked completely different from the exhausted and worn-out woman he had seen late that night when he came home.
The coldness in his eyes faded. Frederick took off his coat and hung it up, then carefully lay down in the narrow space beside her.
Although the air still held the chill of winter, the faint scent around her made him feel inexplicably warmer.
Though he had several matters to attend to, he couldn't bring himself to leave.
He carefully turned over and placed his hand lightly on her waist.
Frederick gazed intently at Rebecca, who was so close.
Even in sleep, she was as beautiful as a fairy tale princess, stunningly beautiful.
Her long eyelashes curled like two little fans, casting lovely shadows under her eyes.
He could still smell the sweet and sour scent of the plum candy she had eaten earlier.
It was as if at this moment, Frederick realized once again that he had truly married her.
Unable to help himself, he leaned down to kiss her, but just before his lips touched hers, he lifted his head and placed a feather-light kiss on her forehead instead.
A flash of irritation crossed Frederick's eyes.
He disliked feeling out of control.
But looking at her serene and beautiful sleeping face, he lost control again and again.
His previously calm mood grew increasingly restless, as if there was a cage inside him, and the bloodthirsty beast within was about to break free.
Taking a deep breath, Frederick got up before the beast could roar, grabbed his coat, and left the bedroom.
Rebecca was woken by the alarm clock.
This was the Windsor Mansion.
And she was here with Frederick to meet his parents.
At such a crucial moment, it was always wise to be extra careful.
After getting dressed, Rebecca pushed the door open.
The snow had stopped, leaving everything covered in a pristine white blanket.
Standing at the courtyard gate, she admired the stunning snowy landscape and the traditional, winding corridors on both sides. Rebecca couldn't help but furrow her brow.
Earlier, when she had linked arms with Elizabeth, which way had they come from?
It seemed... it was the left side, right?
She took a few steps to the left, then looked to the right and felt that path seemed more familiar.
Rebecca paused, took out her phone from her pocket.
Thinking about Frederick's irritated tone: "Forgetting the path you've walked, Rebecca, you might as well be dead for being so stupid!"
Rebecca instinctively shrank her neck.
When she heard faint voices nearby, Rebecca quickly hung up the call she had just started and ran towards the sound.