The Lycan King and His Dark Temptation Novel

"Everything that comes from you," she spat, her voice laced with venom. "I told you! I don't want you in my room anymore! Leave!"

How could a ten-year-old girl harbor such bitterness?

"Lady Lavinia, I found the ribbon you wanted..."

"Oh, it’s you..."

"How dare you speak to me like that?" I challenged, lifting my chin defiantly. "I have finished my meal, and I wish to return to my room."

"Who will stop me? You?" I began moving forward, clutching the skirt of my dress tightly.

In this house, everyone treated Rossella like a used rag that needed to be discarded. I expected him to step aside, at least out of respect, perhaps even looking offended. But instead, he stood his ground and signaled to the footman.

I began to believe they were planning to force me back to the table.

"Let her go. If she wants to leave, let her."

That cold voice, almost a low growl like a beast, resonated through the vast dining hall. The butler shot me an angry look but reluctantly stepped aside, allowing me to walk straight to the exit.

Once I shut the door behind me, I pressed a hand to my chest, trembling. I was frightened. That man's presence felt suffocating. I didn’t want to dine with him again or share anything with him. I resolved to avoid him at all costs.

That's what I thought... but by the next morning, I found myself facing him once again.

I woke up early—very early—and made my way to the kitchen. The maids and cooks looked at me in horror as I started preparing breakfast myself.

I knew how to cook very well, and so did Rossella. It was part of every woman's education for marriage. I took an empty workstation in the massive kitchen and began crafting something delicious for my daughter. I ignored the malicious glances and the provocative whispers.

With the tray in my hands, I felt happier than ever as I climbed the stairs to her room. I knocked gently, and when I heard her little voice say, "Come in," a small smile crept to the corners of my lips. This was the first step to winning her heart.

When I entered, I found her organizing her schoolwork on her desk. The moment she saw me, her eyes—so much like mine—held that contemptuous look that crushed my soul.

"Good morning, sweetheart. I brought you breakfast. It’s something delicious; try it," I said, ignoring the fact that she didn’t even greet me. I walked toward her, uncovering the tray to reveal the appetizing pancakes drizzled with honey and the strawberry cream the cook told me she liked.

"You need to eat well so you can study hard and become a—"

BAM! Her hand shot up and smacked the tray away. I tried to catch it quickly, but it ended up crashing onto the carpet. Everything I had prepared with love for her now lay on the floor like garbage.

"I don’t want your disgusting breakfast! Nana already fed me, and I hate..."