Chapter 102 - Hot Spring

Caleb waited outside the bathroom while Kaisley was taking shower. He saw everything. The bruises and even between her legs, her inner thighs have those fading bruises. It's done. She's divorced and he will take care of her. No one shall get in between them. And he promised that he won't leave her. If ever they were separated again, Caleb wouldn't know how to get up again. 

Kaisley came out wearing the dress that he gave to her. He smiled at her and reached her hands. 

"You look beautiful, as always." He kissed her forehead. "The Duke will arrive anytime. Are you sober?" 

"Yes," She smiled at him beautifully. He scooped her face and pursed his lips. 

"You have to eat a lot of protein. I don't like seeing you so thin." 

"Okay," she chuckled. Caleb hugged her again, this time it was gentle and not tight. She wrapped her arms around his waist. "You get fat." She commented as Caleb laughed. 

"Those are muscles, baby." 

"K," A knock on the door made them stop and it opened. Stacey blinked and stared at each other. 

"Well, everyone almost has partners, but that Maverick decided not to even show up his damn face," Stacey complained. "Well, everyone should go down now." She rolled her eyes and left them. 

Caleb laughed and caressed Kaisley's hair. 

"Let's brush your hair." 

Caleb pulled her to the dresser with a round chair in front of the mirror. Then, he took the hairbrush and brushed her hair. Caleb usually brushes her hair whenever she requests it. Although he was busy, he would take a break and feel relieved. Kaisley knew well that a little distraction would lead him to a greater idea. That's when Caleb would tell her the details of his plan and she would listen and suggest a few things. Caleb would listen to her too. The two of them are just a great team and great lovers. 

"Your hair is short." He said. 

"I cut it short last month. And I have to cut it again." She pointed to the spot over her shoulder. "Until here." 

"Why?" 

"I want to look new, Cal." 

"You will look beautiful in every way." He smiled at her and hugged her neck. "Do you want the usual parlor or we can look for a better one?" 

"It's been a while since I last visited the parlor." 

"Good then. I need a haircut too." 

He unwrapped her arms and brushed her hair. Then, he braids it and ties it carefully with a ribbon. They left the room and he followed her downstairs. The couple was on the sofa cuddling while Stacey was on the terrace. Soon, the Duke entered with Secretary Bryan as everyone gathered. The ladies curtsied as the gentlemen bowed. 

"I heard what happened." The Duke said as he sat down. Kaisley sat down on the long circle-type sofa with a space from the Duke. "So, are you willing to convert your name?" 

"If it would help you, your grace." 

"Then, you'll stop being formal and you'll call me grandpa." The Duke grinned. "I brought the papers so it'll be processed and next well, you'll be Etrama." 

"But, may I know why?" Kaisley asked. 

"That's because they will start digging about Kenzo. I will divert their mind to you. Can you handle it?" 

Kaisley smiled politely. 

"Yes. It's not too much." 

"Don't worry. I'll give you a vacation. One of the manor in Westeria and also, I won't force you into marriage." He said seriously. "Unless it's Caleb." He grinned at her as Kaisley glanced at Caleb. "I was just teasing." But everyone laughed. "Well, let's have our dinner so we could enjoy the hot spring." 

They went to the dining room to enjoy the food on the table. They had their prayer first and then they enjoyed the dinner together. Celebrating the freedom that Kaisley received and celebrating their family achievements. 

<><><><> 

The hot springs are surrounded by stones and have bamboo decorations. The old man had his spot on the other side. The girls are wearing their swimming suits while relaxing. Caleb noticed that Kaisley was even wearing a black beach dress to cover up her bruises and no one complained or commented. She's still recovering and both of them weren't ready for any relationship. But they were still in mutual understanding. 

"After the hot spring, we will have it on the beach…" Kenzo said. "It is a long weekend," He pulled his wife closer to him. "I wish to drag Maverick here." 

Victoria nudged him not to mention Maverick. 

"Then, why didn't you?" Stacey asked. 

"Sorry, Stace. I can't kidnap him. He has lots of bodyguards with him." He sighed. "Sorry, Stace." 

"It's fine. But at least, next time try harder." 

Victoria snickered and nudged her husband. 

Stacey closed her eyes as she leaned on the stones and stared up at the starry night. It's relaxing. It's good. She could enjoy these relaxing moments in his arms. She just wished that Maverick didn't leave her house. They could have enjoyed every beautiful moment. Like this. She missed him. Somehow, her heart felt like it's slowly dying. 

<><><><> 

Maverick creased his brows at the contract that he didn't understand. He put it away. His head was aching a lot, so he needed to re-read it by tomorrow. 

"Sir," He raised his head to his assistant. "It's already eight-thirty. You haven't eaten your dinner. The maids and butlers called you many times." 

"Oh, shit." He mumbled. "Alright." He stood and he could feel his back aching. 

"You need to at least get up once or twice from your chair, sir." Mrs. Morgan said. 

"Yeah," He stretched his arms and moved sideways. Then, he faced the window as he stared at the beautiful garden of the manor. 

"Your dinner, sir." Mrs. Morgan insisted. 

He tidied his desk and followed Mrs. Morgan down the hall. 

"Aren't you going home, Mrs. Morgan?" He asked. 

"I am still assisting you, sir. You should take a break. Tomorrow is a holiday."

"I want to." He shrugged. "But there are lots of things to do." The butler pulled a chair for him and he sat down and looked down at the food. It always looked good but somehow, he missed the food that he prepared for Stacey. He's the Duke Maverick Edward of Marduque and it's been a while since someone has been ruling Marduque. 

The King wanted to separate Westeria and Marduque so they could facilitate everything. Now, he just found out that the townpeople, even the commoners, lacked a few things. They were taxpayers and they should receive benefits. There were also lots of visitors of Marduque and Duke Philip that is now Prince Philip was the one facilitating it with few aristocrats. Giving people a good view of Marduque but somehow, they still lack a few things. 

"Your Grace, I think it's better if you focus on your food rather than over-thinking things." 

"Right," Maverick nodded. He never over-thinks things back when he was with Stacey. He was focused on the foods, good companions, and funny stories. He simply missed his simple life with his friends although it was hard. But it seems like being lonely and alone is harder. 

He didn't enjoy his dinner and he turned to Butler Paul. 

"Butler Paul. I think it's better if you only prepare less food for my meal. It's such a waste not to finish all of it." 

"Yes, sir. But everything that we prepare is what your body needs. Soon, you have to find a suitable wife." 

"Suitable wife…" He mumbled. 

He stood as Secretary Morgan extended his phone. He looked at the messages from Kenzo and Caleb. He opened it and smiled at their crazy party in the hot spring. He left the dining room and went back to his study room. He stood near the window as he checked the photos on his phone. Then, there's Stacey wearing a sexy bikini. His body seemed to freeze as he stared at her beautiful curves and she posed sexily. It was sent by Victoria and his heart just flutters with her beautiful smile. 

Then, there is another video where they are in the living room, singing and dancing with Prince Philip who sang along with them. He smiled as Prince Philip and Stacey duet on a classic song. They were having so much fun and he also noticed that Caleb and Kaisley were close together. Well, just as Kenzo mentioned, Kaisley was Caleb's ex-girlfriend. 

"They are having fun," Maverick mumbled. "I just wished that I was there too." He sighed and stared at Stacey who was singing with Prince Philip. Prince Philip looked like a teenager. Stacey too. "I miss you, Stacey." He mumbled as he pulled the swivel chair and sat down. "Well, I think I should ignore this heart." 

A knock on the door caught his attention. He turned to Secretary Morgan. 

"I will go now, your grace. My husband is waiting downstairs." 

He smiled at her. 

"Thank you, Mrs. Morgan. Please send my regards to your husband." 

"I will definitely, your grace." 

"Good night, then." Mrs. Morgan curtsied and left. Then, the Butler entered and bowed. 

"Your grace, your hot bubble Jacuzzi bath is ready. Please, have a rest now." 

He looked at the piles of paper on his table. He couldn't rest with those papers on.

"Sir, I can't let you have overtime." Butler Paul said, to insist him. "Tomorrow is a holiday. Would you like to visit the farms rather than staying? I think it's good exercise for you too." 

Butler Paul was always caring toward him and it said in the contract that he should listen to Butler Paul with regards to his health. 

"I think that's good." He nodded his head. 

"Also, on Saturday, you have to visit King Edgar. You have three hours meeting with him." 

"Understand."