My Run Away Mistress🌸

22

Chloe Everdeen, daughter of the President of the Everdeen Bank—she entered Ethelwood two days later.

It was also the beginning of the rumors that she was about to be engaged to Killian Devonshire, Duke of Rockford.

The island where Rowena was staying was the second largest island in the Devonshire family's territory. It had a population of about ten thousand and earned its income mainly from pearl farming and tourism.

It was in Killian's generation that the island, which was originally just a large farm, had been reclaimed and developed.

As it gradually developed, the dying economy of the island and the islanders, who had been far away, came back and built their homes again.

The young Duke, who had transformed their homeland in unimaginable ways, was gradually worshipped like a King by the islanders.

Even though the duke only visited the island once or twice a year, the islanders piled up a mountain of papers requesting an audience with him. And their grateful attitude was also extended toward Rowena, who was not even his legal wife.

During her stay at the Duke of Devonshire's villa under the care of the Regent, Rowena was the subject of many curious looks and attention. When it came to children, that interest was expressed more openly.

"Ma'am!"

Rowena, who had been walking barefoot on the beach, turned around toward the innocent voice. The emerald sea glistened like scales behind her gently flowing blonde hair.

She was stopped by nine-year-old Tommy, the son of the regent and the leader of the island boys' alley.

Rowena bent her knees and made eye contact with the child.

"Don't call me Ma'am, you can just call me Rowena."

"But you're a high ranking person, I can't just call you by your name..."

Rowena let out a small laugh at his awkward attitude, even though he had called out to her while she was taking a walk.

"As I've said many times, I'm not a high profile person. Tommy. Did the Regent send you here?"

"No, it's not...I just saw you walking..."

Tommy's cheeks flushed and he crossed his legs several times, as if he were embarrassed. Smiling, Rowena stood up and held out her hand.

"Would you like to go for a walk with me? It's a beautiful day and the weather is nice for a walk."

"Sure!"

Tommy answered immediately and took Rowena's hand in his. Rowena held the child's hand with one hand and put her straw hat back on with the other.

The innocent face looked up at her as if he were bewitched by the sight.

She was the most beautiful person that existed in his nine-year-old life.

Her hair was like strands of melted gold and her eyes were like the verdant green grass.

When he first snuck a peak at her getting off the ship, he and his friends were thrilled that an angel had arrived. And it wasn't just her appearance that was beautiful.

Despite her high status, Rowena was kind to everyone and never ignored anyone, even if they were children.

It had only been half a month since Rowena had arrived here, but the islanders already liked her.

"My father told me that Rowena is someone the Duke cares for deeply. So I have to be careful with my actions and gestures."

While Tommy was chattering away, Rowena looked out over the white foam of the ocean.

The island was bustling with nobles who came to enjoy the beautiful scenery during the holiday season, but otherwise it was a quiet, secluded place where simple, friendly people lived in harmony. It was a bit distant from the outside world, and the newspapers were delivered no more than once a month, so the news was late.

There had been no telegrams from Killian so far. Although he said he would follow her soon, she was growing more impatient as time went on. At that moment, Tommy's words aroused Rowena's attention, as she was immersed in her thoughts.

"It's also Rowena and the Duke's wedding that my father was preparing for little by little, isn't it? I know all about it!"

"Wedding.....?"

Rowena stopped and blinked in surprise. But the words that followed surprised her even more.

"Yes! That and the Duke is coming today...Whoops!"

"......."

Rowena stopped and blinked in surprise. But the words that followed surprised her even more.

"Yes! That and the Duke is coming today...Whoops!"

"......."

Tommy, tilted his head at her unexpected reaction, then covered his own mouth.

"Was it a surprise?? I said it without realizing it...."

Tommy forgot his words when he saw her face, which was clouded in thoughts, but was now blooming like a flower in spring. Just looking at her made his small heart flutter and his mind go blank.

"Thank you so much, Tommy."

Rowena, smiling brighter than ever, looked at Tommy and hugged his small body.

What wedding preparations!

All the unknown fears she had had so far were groundless. The ominous feeling of impatience and anxiety that hovered in her chest had only started from her own weakness, and was not real at all.

Killian was doing his duty as he should have. So, it was only natural that he was very busy and that he had little time to breathe. Rowena focused on the fact that he had travelled so far to see her, despite his busy schedule.

"Rowena!" Tommy called out

Without stopping, Rowena turned and ran up to the villa. When she reached the front garden, she saw Melissa, who was just watering the flowers.

"Melissa!"

Melissa looked surprised at the sight of Rowena with her skirt and feet full of sand.

"My Lady? What's wrong? You came running like this."

"The Duke......is the Duke here?" She said while breathing hard.

Rowena was out of breath from running so fast, Melissa patted her on the back and bit her bottom lip.

"That's true, but....."

"When is he coming? At noon? Sunset...? Why didn't you tell me?"

Rowena urged with a look of great anticipation in her eyes.

"Tell me quickly. You know how long I've been waiting."

Of course, life on the island was satisfactory.

Rowena enjoyed the best of food, clothing, and shelter, just as she had in the capital. But it was the island itself that drew her in more than anything else. The natural scenery and the endless sea. The kind and friendly islanders.

As she spent her days with a happy look on her face, what she was met with at the end of the day was nothing but an empty house. There was a feeling of loneliness that washed over her while sleeping in the empty bedroom. As more time passed, the more she missed Killian, who had put a ring on her hand and gently kissed her forehead.

While Rowena's face was full of anticipation, excitement and happiness, Melissa seemed to be both afraid and sad about something.

As Rowena tilted her head at the unexpected reaction, she heard a voice behind her.

"The Duke is on his way..."

Rowena turned her head to the side and ran to meet him barefoot. Melissa hurried after her.

"My Lady!"