Violet Zerotta’s Hasty Marriage - Chapter 60

Even if nothing else, shouldn’t a husband returning after three months be given at least a tight hug? No… truthfully, he had hoped for something much more intense than a hug…

But with Rosetta in Violet’s arms, that hope seemed out of the question.

The child wouldn’t allow her mother’s attention to shift to her father. Rosetta was already tugging at Violet’s hair, demanding all of her focus, and Violet wasn’t even looking at Aldrick anymore.

Aldrick decided to put aside his petty feelings. If Violet couldn’t hug him, then he would just hug the two of them instead.

Seeing his wife again after so long made him want to act spoiled, but truthfully, Violet was the one who had every right to complain.

He ought to be thankful to her, who had protected both the lord’s estate and Rosetta so well during his absence.

“Violet, I really missed you. Were you well while I was gone? I honestly didn’t go a moment without thinking about you.”

“I was fine, Aldrick. I worried a bit that something might happen, but thankfully nothing did. And I missed you too.”

As always, Violet answered with her usual spirited voice, but Aldrick didn’t fully believe her.

She was the kind of person who would dismiss even the three years she spent alone while he was at war with a simple “it was fine.”

“Thank you for looking after the castle while I was away. It must’ve been hard taking care of Rosetta alone too… I’m truly grateful for everything. Now that I’m back, you can rest a little. You’ve done more than enough.”

With those heartfelt words, Aldrick pulled the two women he loved most in the world into his arms, and happiness swelled into a solid, undeniable presence.

Even though the baby squirmed and Violet protested about the dust getting on her, it was still happiness.

“What a lovely family.”

Snapping them out of their little world were none other than Count Simon Lambert and his wife, Doris, who had entered the castle unnoticed.

“It didn’t look like the host was going to invite us in anytime soon, so we let ourselves in. Forgive the intrusion, Madam Winter.”

Violet’s eyes widened at the unexpected visitors standing at the entrance.

“Oh my, Count Lambert, and Countess! How did you come all this way…? Aldrick—no, my husband didn’t say anything about it! If you had sent word in advance, dear, I would’ve prepared for your arrival!”

Watching Violet clumsily switch to polite speech in response to the Count and Countess, Aldrick let out a small laugh.

“Let’s drop the act, Violet. Everyone in the castle already knows we don’t stand on ceremony with each other.”

“You’re impossible,” Violet said, chuckling awkwardly, and the Lamberts returned her smile with warm, unpretentious ones of their own.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well? No need for any talk of formal hospitality between me and Aldrick. I actually asked him not to tell you. I didn’t want to impose.”

Count Simon Lambert and his wife were still the same—easygoing and genuine.

Hesitating for a moment, Violet wondered if it was okay to be so unguarded but soon pushed the thought aside.

There was no helping it at this point.

The Lamberts, too, seemed far more interested in the baby than in any formalities.

“What an adorable child. Hello there! So you’re the famous Rosetta. I’ve wanted to meet you so much. You really are a little angel.”

Doris Lambert wore a deeply affectionate expression as she gently stroked Rosetta’s tiny hands again and again.

Watching his wife, Simon Lambert’s face briefly showed a trace of sadness, but he soon cleared his throat and jokingly said,

“Well, Rosetta. I heard all about you from the capital. Your father wouldn’t stop whining about how much he missed you and your mother. Oh my, and you’re not even crying when a stranger holds you? So brave! Your dad needs to realize even his two-year-old daughter is more composed than he is.”

At Simon’s teasing, Aldrick’s brow furrowed deeply.

“Hey, don’t say weird things to her. She understands more than you think. And I didn’t whine that much, alright?”

He grumbled at his childhood friend, but Violet, who could imagine exactly how it had gone, simply kept her mouth shut.