The Devil's Betrothed-Chapter 740: My Brother Is Smartest

The servant brought a pot of hot water, and by then, Lucian had finished removing Erin’s boots and socks.

The lady servant placed the pot near her feet and said, "I will bring ointment," before leaving quickly. As a servant she was smart enough to know what was going on between the Lord and a Lady.

Lucian began folding her pants up just above her ankle when Erin pulled her feet back. "You don’t have to do this. Just leave."

Lucian didn’t budge. He held her feet in place and commanded, "Stay put," as he continued rolling her pants up.

Erin gritted her teeth, wishing she could kick him away, but Lucian’s domineering presence made her suppress her anger.

When the servant returned with the ointment, Lucian dipped her feet into the hot water. "Any other instructions, my Lord?" the servant asked.

"You can leave," Lucian ordered.

Erin bit her tongue, unwilling to oppose Lucian in front of the servant. Once the servant left, she turned to him, frustration bubbling over.

"Are you so determined to ruin my engagement with Aaron? What would he think if he saw you here with me? Why are you trying to destroy my marriage before it even begins?"

"You will have a perfect marriage," Lucian said, carefully massaging her injured ankle in the hot water, his focus unwavering. "But not with Aaron."

Erin scowled. "How I wish I could smack you in the head with something."

"Go ahead," Lucian replied calmly, continuing his work. "Is your other foot entirely fine?"

She stayed silent, so he checked it himself.

"It’s inappropriate for you to touch a lady like this," she muttered.

"Intentions matter, not the touch," Lucian said. "Right now, my only intention is to treat you so you won’t limp when you walk."

Pressing her lips into a thin line, Erin surrendered to his care. There was no point in arguing—he wouldn’t listen anyway.

She watched as he dried her feet and applied the ointment with deliberate care. His concentration made it seem as though he was performing a task of great importance.

Bitterness crept into her thoughts. If only he hadn’t refused to marry me... But she shook her head. What am I thinking? He’s Aaron’s brother. I need to spend more time with Aaron—once we’re married, everything will be fine.

Lucian finished wrapping her ankle with cloth tape, ensuring it was secure. Then he slipped her socks and rolled her pants down.

Standing up, he said, "You should be able to walk comfortably now, but try to avoid walking for long."

"Thank you," she said curtly.

"Rest for a while. You’re tired," Lucian added before leaving.

Erin lay back on the bed, staring at the ceiling. He’s insane. So stubborn. Whoever he marries is going to suffer. She sighed. At least it won’t be me. And I hope Aaron isn’t as stubborn as him.

When everyone was finally awake and gathered for breakfast, the residence buzzed with life once more.

"Erin and Rina aren’t here yet?" Nathaniel asked as they settled around the breakfast table.

"Someone must have upset my sister," Rowan remarked, casting a pointed look at Lucian. "I wouldn’t be surprised if she decided to have her morning meal in her chamber."

Lucian ignored Rowan’s jab, his gaze fixed on the door, waiting.

"That won’t do," Nathaniel said, turning to the butler. "Go call her."

"No need," a sweet voice chimed from the doorway. All eyes turned to see a young girl walking in, holding Erin’s hand.

"I brought Lady Erin here, though she didn’t want to come," Rina announced with a playful smile.

"See?" Rowan muttered, glancing knowingly at Lucian. "I told you someone upset my sister."

"Thank you, sweet lady, for bringing her," Rowan added warmly to Rina.

Rina beamed. "I’m so hungry! I had to hurry her along."

Lucian’s eyes lingered on Erin, but she refused to meet his gaze.

"Brother Aaron," Rina said, walking over to him, "Lady Erin hurt her foot. You should be the one taking care of her, but I had to do it."

Her words drew surprised looks from everyone around the table.

Rowan and Rafal both stood, concern etched on their faces.

"What happened?" Rowan demanded.

Aaron, however, remained seated, his expression composed. It wasn’t his place to show worry.

"It’s nothing," Erin interjected calmly as she moved forward. "My ankle hurt a little, but it’s fine now."

Lucian watched her closely as she walked, relieved to see she was moving without much difficulty.

Erin approached the table, stopping by Aaron’s seat. "Rina, will you sit beside your brother?" she asked gently. "I’ll sit here, next to Aaron."

Once everyone took their places, the seating arrangement left two empty chairs—one next to Lucian on one side of the table and the other one next to Aaron on other side of that rectangular table.

Rina glanced at the empty chair next to Lucian and hurried over to sit there, grinning mischievously at Erin. "You and Brother Aaron are getting married, so you should sit together."

Erin returned her grin with a smile. "You’re truly smart, Rina. I only wish you could pass some of that cleverness to the people around you." Her words, though playful, were clearly aimed at Lucian.

After offering Aaron a polite greeting, which he acknowledged with a nod, Erin took the seat beside him.

All the men around the breakfast table looked at Lucian who stayed calm and simply looked at Erin. Her anger was evident to everyone.

Aaron looked at his brother, as if saying he can’t do anything now.

Rowan chuckled. "I have to agree with Erin—Rina is indeed very smart." He glanced toward her. "You should teach your brother some of that cleverness too."

"Huh?" Rina clung to Lucian’s arm, wrapping both hands around it tightly. "My brother is the smartest man," she said with conviction, beaming up at him. "You’re the best, brother!"

Lucian patted her head. Even though he sent her to Aaron and had upset her, she loved him the same. His heart felt heavy with how much she loved him. He had no words to describe her. She was just his sweet little sister who he would always protect and provide with everything she would ever need.

The morning meal continued peacefully. Lucian would look at Erin once in a while as she was comfortably sitting next to Aaron and eating. Aaron could only sit quietly, offering Lucian a gaze that said, you should take care of this matter quickly.