From Ashes of Scandal to His Embrace (Laurinda) novel Chapter 256

Laurinda hadn’t expected Adolphus to grow up in a place like this, but the more she thought about it, the more it all just seemed to fit.

“What is it? Not what you pictured?” Adolphus kept his voice low, catching the look of surprise on her face.

“Not really. Earlier today, Fraser called you Adolphus, all formal and proper. I just assumed you’d been pampered your whole life, like the golden child or something.”

He let out a short laugh. “Most people think that, just because I’m the youngest. They figure I must be the favorite. But it’s not just people outside the family, even my brothers and sisters think so. They’re always worried my parents will leave everything to me, so they keep their guard up. Some of them even wished I’d never come back.”

Adolphus’s eyes narrowed, but his voice stayed calm. Laurinda couldn’t quite read what he was feeling.

She just stayed quiet, watching him, waiting to see if he’d say more.

He caught her thoughtful look and it made him smile. He reached out, gently pinched her cheek, then pulled her into his arms.

“Honestly, it doesn’t matter to me who ends up in charge of the Lane family. There are so many of them, I never really wanted that responsibility anyway. All I care about is keeping you safe. If taking over the Lane family is what it takes to protect you, then I’ll do whatever it takes.”

Something in his words made Laurinda’s heart flutter. She leaned against his chest, her smile soft and a little shy.

“You don’t have to put that kind of pressure on yourself. Just do what makes you happy. As for me…”

She tilted her head up, left the sentence hanging, and stretched up on her toes to kiss him.

Neither of them brought up the family again. Instead, they wandered through the courtyard together, eventually ending up by the old cherry tree in the corner.

“This tree’s been here a while, hasn’t it?” Laurinda asked, looking up at the branches.

“So, what do you think? Any styles you like? Just wait, when you and Adolphus get married, I’m designing your ceremony dress and your wedding gown. No arguments.”

Laurinda looked at the designs on the screen, already imagining how gorgeous they’d look in real life. Seraphina’s dresses were seriously stunning.

“Seraphina, I’m only nineteen. You’re getting way ahead of yourself.”

“I like to be prepared! You never know with you young people. One day you might just wake up and decide you want to get married, just like that.”

Laurinda didn’t answer, her eyes still on the designs. She could feel Adolphus watching her, but right now she just couldn’t promise him anything.

Seraphina seemed to realize she was pushing too hard and changed the subject with a smile. “You guys are going to the Bill family’s party tomorrow, right? Got your outfits ready? We could go together if you want.”