The conditions of the contract weren't overly demanding, but one of them was to remain faithful. Naturally, Laila accepted it without hesitation, for that was something she disliked herself.

She was momentarily taken aback, but the conclusion was clear: Cain had no fiancée, no other person in his life, and he would continue to uphold this during their marriage.

As Laila's mind eased, she turned her gaze toward the window.

"You'll come to know, given time."

"What do you want?" she inquired, turning her head back.

"Here, people are quite stubborn," she said, her voice laced with a hint of evaluation towards the inhabitants of this place. In that moment, a glimpse of the boy who used to run around Heaven's Hill appeared in Cain's eyes. Since he had met him, he had never seen such an innocent and honest expression.

Laila let out a soft, amused laugh, and Cain quickly changed his expression, deciphering the reason behind her laughter. Laila shrugged her shoulders, mimicking him.

"I like it here. If my feelings remain unchanged in the future..."

With a gentle smile playing on her lips, she spoke.

"After the divorce, would it be possible for me to live in this area?"

Silence fell, and Cain's face stiffened, as if he had never imagined such words would be uttered. After gazing at her for a while, he responded with a strange smile.

"If your feelings don't change, then yes."

Cain graciously accepted her request.

Laila turned her gaze towards the window, looking outside. The damp, cold wind rushed in, tugging at her hair. A new life would begin in this place. Even if it was veiled in falsehood, Laila decided to look forward to life in this place.

The carriage arrived at the gray mansion located in the depths of Heavenly Hill. With the assistance of Cain, Laila alighted from the carriage and composed herself with poise.

As if they had heard the sound of the carriage, the household staff emerged from within and awaited their arrival. Laila, having alighted from the carriage with Cain's aid, beheld four employees standing before her. There stood an elderly man and two middle-aged women, clad modestly, along with a young maid. Although the scale of the mansion was smaller than that of the capital's estates, the number of employees was remarkably scarce.

"Welcome, gracious!"

Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.

The man who appeared to be the butler greeted Cain, and they simultaneously bowed their heads. In the capital, he would have been addressed as a duke or a lord, but this place still adhered to the vanishing titles.

"I hope you have been well."

"Yes, Your Grace. It's been a long time since we last met."

Upon receiving the greeting from Cain, the butler bowed his head once again.

"Please allow me to introduce you. This is my wife, Laila Vanderbilt."

Cain introduced Laila to them.

"Welcome, my lady."

Once again, the butler took the lead in greeting her, and the others simultaneously bowed their heads.

She didn't show much surprise at receiving the advance notice, but there was a hint of confusion. Since she had neither hosted a wedding nor knew anything about the guest of honor, Laila couldn't help but feel disconcerted. The glances she discreetly received were far from favorable. Only the young maidservant seemed impressed by her beauty and let out a faint sign of admiration.

"This is Butler Matthew, here is Rebecca, the cook Margaret, and this little one is Emily. They've all been taking care of this house since I was young."

"Ah, nice to meet you. I hope we get along well in the future."

Laila smiled, her trembling heart palpable. She had resolved to do well, but now that she was faced with the place she would be staying and the staff, she couldn't help but feel nervous.

"Please follow me. I will have the luggage brought in."

Matthew stepped forward and guided the couple.

Walking alongside Cain, Laila surveyed her surroundings. Whether it had rained or if the weather was like this, the trees, dry grass, and fallen leaves were all damp. Not only was the roof of the mansion gray, but the sky and the world seemed gray as well. It seemed fitting that this mansion was called Gravebrick Cottage.

What puzzled her were the traces of ivy on the building. One of them was likely ivy or a rose, but the stem, which seemed to have been torn off and extended to the ground, was nowhere to be seen. Upon closer inspection, the dry grass in the garden looked more like weeds than flowers. Could it be that even in such a wealthy house, they neglected the garden?

It was strange, but guided by Cain's touch, she quickly dismissed her thoughts.

***

The hall of Gravebricks Cottage was spacious, but it lacked the grandeur and splendor of the mansions in the capital. To Laila, that was more appealing. The larger the space, the more energy was consumed with each step she took. She felt that this place exuded more elegance.

"Where is Mother?" Cain inquired, surveying his surroundings, addressing the butler, Matthew. Laila also looked at the young maid standing beside her, feeling puzzled. It seemed strange that she didn't reveal her presence, despite her illness. The glances of the passing staff also seemed suspicious in her eyes.

"Well, she said she was tired and would see you later," Matthew replied with a perplexed expression, watching Cain's reaction.

A peculiar expression flickered across Cain's impassive face. He clenched his jaw and spoke in a chilly tone as he looked down at the butler.

"Nevertheless, it is impolite to behave like this when your son and daughter-in-law have arrived. Lead the way."

Upon Cain's command, Matthew sealed his lips tightly. It was a reluctant expression, but he couldn't refuse Cain's order.

"Right away, sir."

He guided Cain and Laila to the master's chamber.