The Blood Contract-Chapter 16: I’ve missed him

True to Dr. Marlowe's word, two hours after Serena accepted the second dose of the medicine, she couldn't find any trace of the weakness she had felt earlier. In fact, she felt even stronger and more energetic than she had been before all the drama started.

With her strength fully restored and armed with the knowledge of what was going on around her, Serena decided to explore the house.

Darrell and Dr. Marlowe acted as her tour guides, leading her through the sprawling estate. As they walked, Serena realized that although her room took it a notch higher, the entire house was decorated in dark tones, with everything exuding an air of dark, opulent luxury.

The only exception was the dining room.

That part of the house was a stunning blend of elegance and sophistication. A long, glossy white table with intricate gold detailing took center stage, surrounded by plush, high-backed white chairs. Overhead, grand chandeliers cast a warm, golden glow, highlighting the intricate gold moldings on the ceiling. The walls were a soft cream color, adorned with elegant paneling, gilded accents, and glass cabinets showcasing delicate china.

The contrast between the dining room and the rest of the house was striking, and Serena found herself drawn to its brighter, more inviting atmosphere.

That afternoon, she had lunch with Dr. Marlowe in the dining room. Serena felt much more comfortable eating in the brighter environment than in the somewhat oppressive atmosphere of her bedroom.

Thankfully, Lucian was away for work, so she didn't have to deal with his suffocating presence.

After lunch, Serena agreed to go shopping with Darrell to pick up a few basic things she would need before the next day would arrive, when she and Dr Marlowe would embark on the journey to Viera to get the rest of her things from her house.

By the time they returned to the house from shopping, it was already evening, and everyone was hungry. Thankfully, dinner was ready when they arrived.

Serena carried her shopping bags to her room, pausing for a moment as she stepped inside. The instant change in mood that washed over her as she entered the dark, luxurious space was almost palpable.

Refusing to let it get to her, she dropped the bags and went to freshen up. Now clad in a loose t-shirt and knee-length shorts, she made her way back to the dining room, only to find four people already seated. The dishes had been served, and they were already eating.

Lucian sat at the head of the table, his presence as commanding as ever. Adrian and Darrell occupied the seats to his left, while Dr. Marlowe sat on the right-hand side, skipping the seat directly next to Lucian.

All eight eyes turned to Serena the moment she appeared. Dr. Marlowe and Darrell flashed her warm smiles, and Adrian greeted her with a polite, "Good evening, madam."

But Lucian neither spoke nor acknowledged her. His face remained unreadable, though his piercing gaze swept over her as if he sought to undress her with his eyes. He wasn't sure if it was just him, but it seemed like she was changing her appearance every day.

The first time he saw her, he had already known she was pretty, though he had adamantly refused to admit it. Now, looking at her, she seemed like a different person, even though she still dressed simply, like someone who knew nothing about sophisticated fashion designed to entice a man.

Before any emotion could show on his face, Lucian returned his attention to his food, ignoring her as if no one had just walked into the room.

"I know you must be hungry. Come on, you still need to regain more of your strength," Dr. Marlowe said, waving her hand to beckon Serena over.

Serena happily complied, ignoring both the seat Dr. Marlowe had skipped and the stone-cold man sitting at the head of the table. She took the seat next to Dr. Marlowe, placing herself as far from Lucian as possible.

"I believe you're feeling better now," Dr. Marlowe spoke in a low voice, her tone warm and reassuring.

Serena nodded, a beautiful smile spreading across her face. "Yes, I am. Thanks to you and your medicine."

"Anytime," Dr. Marlowe replied. "I brought your father's journal, so we can go over it after dinner."

Serena nodded again as she began to fill her plate with food.

Having known since she was a little girl that her father wrote in codes, she was familiar with some of them and had promised Dr. Marlowe she would help decipher his writings.

However, it had been a long time since she had last seen her father's personal notes, and she wasn't sure if she would remember all the meanings.

Dinner proceeded in relative silence, with everyone engrossed in their own thoughts. Serena found herself glancing occasionally at Lucian. Although she told herself she didn't care, she couldn't help but wonder why he was so cold to everyone, even to the people he worked closely with. He sat so close to them, yet he seemed so distant, as if encased in a glacier of ice so thick it would take an eternity to melt.

When dinner ended, the maids came to clear the dishes. As they worked, Serena caught sight of Rhoda, who flashed her a warm smile and gave a nod. Serena returned the smile before shifting her attention back to Dr. Marlowe.

This 𝓬ontent is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

Though the exchange was brief, it didn't escape Lucian's notice.

Dr. Marlowe reached into her bag and pulled out a journal, handing it to Serena.

A sad smile settled on Serena's lips as she flipped through the pages, recognizing her father's handwriting.

"I didn't realize how much I've missed him," she muttered, her voice soft and filled with emotion.

"You're not alone," Dr. Marlowe said gently. "I miss him too. He was a great man, and I must say, a major influence on most of my life decisions—including finding the courage to leave the Council of Vitae."

Lucian, Darrell, and Adrian remained quiet, observing the interaction between the two women.

"I still remember some of these symbols," Serena revealed, her fingers tracing the coded lines on the pages. "Is there anything in particular you're interested in?"

"I'm interested in everything," Dr. Marlowe replied, "but yes, there's one section that I feel is very important. It's been giving me a tough time." She turned the pages of the journal until she reached the page in question.

The heading of the page had been torn out, leaving only the body, which contained a series of complicated codes that even Serena struggled to understand.