Heavenly Love from a Demon

Arrival

“Woah! Woah!!”, a puppy ran towards Lilith, wagging its tail happily. It's tongue out as it rushed over to her.

“Oh my goodness, you're so pretty.” She bent down, her finger grazing its fur, as she released a sigh of relief.

The little dog barked happily, leaning into her touch.

Before she could pet it further, a maid rushed forward quickly, grabbing the chain attached to the collar. “Come here, Doggo,” she scolded gently.

Lilith blinked, standing up. “Doggo? What kind of name is that?”

The maid bowed at Lilith, fear in her eyes. “I'm so sorry, madam. Doggo is just the name we call it since the Master hasn't found one for him yet.”

Lilith has guessed that the master in question had to be her stranger husband.

“Where is your master?” She turned to ask the maid who looked tense, fidgeting with the leather collar attached to the chain.

Before the maid could give a reply, the butler spoke again, two rows of maids dressed in a black and white uniform, trailing behind him.

“Take her inside, and prepare her.”

She threw him a hard glare. “Prepare me for what?”

Mr Graves didn't answer. Instead, he simply gestured for the maids to lead her way.

She had no choice but to be quiet, and follow his orders.

As the maid guided her through the endless hallways, she felt like she was walking deeper and deeper into something unknown, something she can't escape.

“Can someone just say something? Anything at all?” her breath hitched, as she managed to let those words slip from her mouth.

None of the maids answered, all quiet like the only orders they listened to was that of Mr Graves.

Lilith adjusted the beaded jewelry on her wrist, her feet, now feeling wobbly to continue the strange journey for her preparations.

“No! I'm not moving till they tell me what's going on,” she whispered to herself, as her legs stood still.

“Even if my father had always reminded me to serve and obey orders, I have the right to my opinion and feelings,” the thought lingered unconsciously in her mind.

“You should keep walking, child. His Lordship lacks patience when waiting for someone,” a gentle voice announced behind Lilith.

She turned back, and saw a wrinkled face lit up with a sweet, gentle smile that made fine lines appear at the corner of her eyes.

“I won't move further till you answer my questions! Where are you taking me to? What are you preparing me for?”

The woman reached out for Lilith’s trembling hands and held them tightly. “You’re safe here, child. I’m Maria, Lucian’s guardian. Trust me, we have no plans to hurt you, but at the very least, a bride should know her way around... especially with servants at her service.”

Lilith stood still, tense beneath the warmth. She needed to please her acting mother-in-law.

Then, she smiled apologetically, her voice hesitant. "I’m... not sure what I’m supposed to do here, Maria. Everything is so new to me.”

“It's fine, child. If you're tired from your journey, we can do this tomorrow.”

“No!” Lilith cut in immediately, a fake smile playing on her lips. “I'd love to know my way around, and I'm grateful for your help.”

At least knowing the ins and outs of the estate would help... one way or another. Just in case.

Maria led her down a long hallway, her footsteps making a soft tap on the cold floor. “This is the kitchen, child,” she said with a small nod.

The room was wide and clean. Everything looked new, cabinets new and shiny. There was a big silver fridge in the corner and store that didn't look like it had been used much.

But what caught her eyes was the kitchen counter. It wasn't filled with fruits, bread or anything she expected. Instead, there were bottles, lots of them.

Different shapes and colors. Some were unopened, while others were already half gone.

Maria chuckled playfully, adjusting her old glasses, one Lilith just realized she'd been wearing. “Fully equipped, of course. Though…..you'll find the alcohol is more in use than the oven.”

She glanced towards the bottles, then quickly added. “The chef only comes around when we have guests, which is also rare,” her voice now reduced to a whisper.

Lilith brows furrowed slightly, her fingers brushing the cold surface of the counter. “So, he doesn't eat?”

Maria pressed her lips together, then murmured, “Not in the way you might expect, child.”

Lilith scoffed sarcastically. Her husband isn't just a monster, but also an alcoholic. Perfect choice for me, father!

She trailed behind the older woman who led her to a door, and pushed it open gently.

Judging from the shelf filled with books, the leather chair and a working desk, she had guessed that it must be his study. “Stranger husband have a great taste,” she admitted inwardly.

“Lucian spends almost all day in there, and wouldn't want anyone trespassing.” Maria raised her finger while saying those words, which sounded like an order—more like a warning.

Lilith cared less. She wouldn't want to see him all the time anyways, so it was perfect for her.

Maria's eyes gleamed faintly with a light smile. “Oh, I'm sure those rules wouldn't apply to his wife.”

Lilith faked a chuckle, as she continued to follow Maria down the hallway.

The next door that was opened revealed an outstanding sight of a bedroom, its dim light accentuating the furnishings and designs that screamed luxury.

Maria stepped aside for her to get in. “Here's your room now. Yours and his.”

The bed was wide enough for one person to stretch out, but just close enough that two would have no choice but to feel each other’s presence.

Lilith looked around taking in the beauty of the room. “It's beautiful…..so spacious.”

It was far better than her previous room, although she wouldn't mind going back there.

Maria smiled knowingly, as she spread her arms wide in the form of a gesture. “Yes, we had it renovated a while ago. Thought it should feel special……welcoming.”

Lilith nodded softly. “It definitely does. Thank you.”

Maria’s gaze scanned the room once more, as if trying to remind herself that she did a perfect job. “My pleasure, child. You know, newlyweds need comfort, privacy, and a bit of spice, don't you think?”

Lilith's smile faltered slowly, “I suppose so.”

Maria walked to the bed, touching the sheets. “Silk sheets. They're soft, warm…..and they don't wrinkle easily, no matter how much you toss and turn.”

Lilith's brows furrowed slightly, confusion in her gaze. “.....I see.”

Maria's lips curled into a teasing smile. “I'm sure you two will be adjusting to each other soon. Nights can be long after all.”

She walked to the window, and drew the curtains slightly before adding, “Thick curtains too. They keep out the light and the sound.”

“The sound?” Lilith repeated the word with a small frown, unsure of what Maria really meant.

She chuckled awkwardly, “well, laughter…. conversations….maybe more. I always say, a good marriage often begins with some closeness.”

Lilith tilts her head slightly, her eyes narrowing. “Closeness?”

Maria sighed softly. “Don't worry, child. I'm sure you'll understand soon. Now let's prepare you for a good bath.”

Lilith gave a weak smile, still confused about everything. “Oh….okay.”

Steam rose from the bathtub, warm and gentle. The room smelled like lavender. Maria checked the water and added a few flower petals. It looked perfect.

Two maids stood by the door, holding towels.

“That’s enough. You can go now,” Maria said, waving them off. “She's not comfortable with too many eyes.”

They nodded and left quietly.

Lilith turned back to the bath. As she reached for a towel, something on the table caught her eye. A small rose-gold bottle. It was shiny and new.

She picked up the bottle, reading the label: Rose Evening Elixir.

The scent was rich, roses mixed with something warm and sweet. It wasn’t just oil. The instructions were clear: “Massage gently onto thighs, neck, and inner wrists before intimate evenings.”

Her heart skipped a beat. This wasn’t for pampering or relaxation. They were preparing her for something else—her wedding night.