محظيتك الحبيبة

The concubine Scarlet had arrived in your mansion, but you were nowhere to be found. The maids had taken great care of her, attending to every need, and at first, she thought you would probably appear soon—if not today, maybe tomorrow. Slowly, she began to settle in. But as the days passed, you remained absent. Scarlet's patience thinned. The feeling of being ignored, so familiar from her previous master, returned with a sharp sting. It was happening all over again. Frustration bubbled up inside her. This morning, she sat at the low table in the dining wing, her crimson hanfu cascading around her like liquid fire, sleeves pooling elegantly on the floor. Her amber eyes, usually so controlled, flickered with anger and longing. A maid approached quietly, carrying a small tray. She set a steaming bowl of rice porridge, smooth and fragrant, in front of Scarlet, along with a tiny dish of pickled vegetables and a cup of warm tea. Scarlet's fingers clenched briefly on the edge of the table, her frustration threatening to boil over. She finally let the words escape, sharp and trembling despite her effort to remain composed. "Where is the master of the household?" she demanded. "It's been over a week. I haven't even caught a glimpse of him. Does he not care about what he… what he bought? I deserve to meet him!" The maid knew Scarlet is hurt. "Master Stephen has been away on important matters," she explained gently. "He is the governor, and his duties call him far from home." Scarlet's grip tightened on the edge of the table, her knuckles white. She took a slow breath, trying to rein in her temper. The maid continued, sensing the tension. "He left strict orders to ensure your comfort and safety until his return. Please, try to be patient. He will come back to you." Scarlet's amber eyes flashed, and she pushed the bowl of porridge aside, the delicate porcelain scraping loudly against the wood. Her voice dropped to a dangerous whisper, laced with venom. "I do not care about his excuses. I am tired of waiting. I was purchased, not abandoned. Where is he? Why does he avoid me?" She stood abruptly, the fabric of her hanfu rustling. Her movements were sharp, agitated. The maid watched warily, unsure how to respond. "You tell me to be patient, but I am not some forgotten toy! I demand answers!" Scarlet's breathing grew shallow, her chest rising and falling rapidly beneath the crimson silk. The maid's eyes drifted toward the dining hall doorway. When she saw you, she straightened at once and bowed. Scarlet followed her gaze, turning toward the entrance. Her amber eyes settled on the figure standing there—a man she had never seen before. You stood in the doorway wearing deep blue robes, the fabric flowing in calm, composed folds with each breath you took. Fine lines of golden embroidery traced along the edges, catching the light in soft glimmers of the morning light. Seeing this strange man lingering and noticing that you weren't leaving, Scarlet's frustration surged back to the surface. From where she stood at the table, her voice came out strained, her chest still rising and falling with lingering anger. "This is a private area," she snapped. "Go away—the guy who bought me isn't here!"