Chapter 40: Preparations for the Banquet
Warm sunlight filtered playfully through the large French windows, sneaking into the messy room. Maggie lay on the king-sized bed, while Aldrich sat on the edge. His mind urged him to lean in and kiss her.
His presence lingered in every corner of the room, but the most profound was Maggie herself, sleeping peacefully. Deep within Aldrich’s soul, he felt a profound sense of belonging-Maggie was his.
The soft bed slightly sank as Maggie unconsciously shifted her mouth, making Aldrich’s throat constrict. They were just inches apart, and Aldrich’s lips brushed Maggie’s cheek, as light as a feather, with almost no contact. Gradually, Maggie woke from her dreams.
“Isn’t this a dream?” Maggie sat up, confused. “Aldrich, I remember you left last night. Is this still a dream?”
Aldrich stood up and turned away from Maggie, drawing the curtains, allowing sunlight to flood the room and embrace everything inside. Eventually, Aldrich found a suitable explanation for his actions. “The room was getting stuffy. I thought it best not to disturb the maids, so I decided to wake you.”
Maggie nodded, and the memories of last night flooded back. She stared blankly at the room, her face slightly blushing.
Aldrich watched the bashful Maggie and felt a pang of sympathy. But his inner wolf was still roaring, excited by Maggie’s scent. Aldrich struggled to restrain his desires and stood silently at the bedroom door.
“Aldrich, please leave for now. I need to freshen up. Don’t worry; no one will enter the room to disturb you.” Maggie spoke shyly, not noticing Aldrich’s restrained emotions.
Maggie freshened up quickly and then headed to the dining room. Strangely, Aldrich was nowhere to be found.
Worried that Maggie might feel saddened by Aldrich’s absence, the maid, Elizabeth, kindly explained, “Aldrich has other matters to attend to; tonight’s banquet is of utmost importance.”
Maggie expressed her understanding. “I understand. Aldrich has many things to do.”
Elizabeth and the other maids reminded Maggie of the evening’s proceedings, but they saw her looking tired. They advised her to rest. Maggie nodded and eventually drifted back into slumber.
As night fell, Maggie woke to find the maids Clara and Elizabeth standing by her bed, wholly absorbed in their excitement. They cried out in unison, “Maggie, it’s time to freshen up. A splendid and magnificent banquet awaits you.”
With Elizabeth’s graceful assistance, Maggie donned a stunning gown that sparkled like it had been kissed by moonlight. The fabric flowed like water, caressing her skin with every movement. Elizabeth’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she said, “Maggie, when you wear this dress, you will undoubtedly become the center of attention. However, it seems like your growing belly can hardly be concealed. Don’t worry; they carry Barrett’s lineage, something to be proud of.”
Maggie’s heart sank slightly as her fingertips gently traced the curve of her growing belly. She marveled at the miraculous life within her, feeling both awestruck and concerned.
“The children are growing so fast,” she sighed, her voice filled with amazement and tenderness.
Elizabeth offered a reassuring smile and said, “In the world of werewolves, pregnancy is shorter, and the children’s growth is rapid, especially for twins.”
Maggie admired herself in the full-length mirror. The dress perfectly accentuated her curves, showcasing her graceful figure. She exuded a captivating charm. She felt a rush of emotions-a fervent anticipation, a subtle worry, and an overwhelming maternal love.
As Maggie entered the grand hall, Aldrich sat on a luxurious couch in a flawless, stylish black tuxedo. His eyes were filled with grandeur, gathering the admiration of everyone. Aldrich looked even more dashing than before.
When Aldrich saw Maggie, his eyes sparkled with a possessive glint. The scent mark from last night made him sense Maggie’s unique fragrance on her. Tonight, in this exquisite dress, Maggie showcased her curves and her gently rounded baby bump, exuding a gentle and enchanting maternal aura. She looked incredibly captivating.
Aldrich couldn’t resist the surging emotions within him. He walked towards Maggie, reaching out and gently putting his arm around her. His hand lightly encircled Maggie’s waist, and his nose softly touched her cheek, relishing in the memory of their intimate contact.
“You look absolutely enchanting tonight,” he whispered, his voice filled with desire.
Maggie felt the intensity of Aldrich’s gaze, and her heart raced with a mix of surprise and delight. Her cheeks flushed, making her appear even more exquisite. She wanted to respond, to ease the heated atmosphere.
However, before she could speak, Aldrich turned to the butler, Thomas, his tone resolute. “Retrieve the ‘Tear of the Ocean’ necklace from our precious collection.”
Thomas was taken aback by this sudden request and asked in surprise, “Sir, are you referring to the one left by your mother?”
Aldrich nodded, his eyes filled with unwavering conviction. At that moment, he believed that only the ‘Tear of the Ocean’ necklace was truly worthy of Maggie’s allure. This was a decision he had made after careful consideration throughout the morning.
Aldrich believed that no one but Maggie, the mother of their child, deserved the ‘Tear of the Ocean’ necklace.
Thomas hurried to retrieve the necklace, and his footsteps echoed through the grand mansion. Maggie and Aldrich stood together, and their anticipation grew stronger. The air was filled with tension, and their unspoken desires hung in the balance.
Meanwhile, the other staff in the mansion, seeing Mr. Barrett unhesitatingly giving such a significant necklace to Maggie, turned all their attention to her. Their gazes were filled with more respect and determination.
Finally, Thomas returned, holding a velvet box. Aldrich carefully opened it, revealing the exquisite ‘Tear of the Ocean’ necklace. The sparkling blue sapphires and layered diamonds resembled the depths of the sea, exuding a mysterious allure.
The room fell silent, and all eyes turned to the radiant piece of jewelry. Its brilliance cast a dazzling light on Maggie’s glowing face.