Ashley Bowen felt a bit frustrated. She'd married into the royal family but couldn't even show off her wealth. 'There's nothing more tragic in this world.'
In the past, she and her besties would post all about it even if they just went out for a buffet. Showing off their happiness had always been the best way for a common girl like her to feel better about herself.
"Mhm, don't worry. I'm an Imperial Concubine now, so I'm also worried about revealing my location and getting kidnapped," Ashley Bowen said with great innocence.
The stone-faced man's lips twitched slightly, as if he were holding back a laugh.
The car finally came to a stop. A villa that looked like an ancient castle appeared before them, its white spires soaring into the blue sky, partially hidden by the clouds.
Ashley Bowen pushed open the car door and couldn't help but gasp in amazement. "Wow!"
"This way, Imperial Concubine!" a synchronized voice called out. More than twenty people stood on both sides of the long driveway, all dressed in sharp suits. They were bowed at a 45-degree angle, their posture utterly respectful.
Ashley Bowen clapped a hand over her mouth, her heart about to leap out of her throat! 'This... the life of luxury I've always dreamed of... it's really happening today!'
"Your Highness, the Imperial Concubine, I am Ryan Osborne, the butler of this villa. Welcome home, Your Highness!" The stone-faced man stood before the others and gave Ashley Bowen a deep bow.
Flattered, Ashley Bowen rushed to help him up. "So you're Mr. Osborne! I'll be in your care from now on! I really will!"
Surrounded by the staff who treated her like a queen, she entered the villa. After a tour of the place, Ashley Bowen was grinning from ear to ear. 'This place is paradise!'
"Imperial Concubine, His Highness will be away on business for a month. During this time, please remain here at home. We will be here to accompany you," Ryan Osborne said.
Ashley Bowen sat on a tiger-skin sofa, stroking the soft fur as she nodded. "Alright. Sorry to trouble you."
She kicked off her shoes and stepped barefoot onto the wool carpet. Ashley Bowen flopped onto her back with a sigh of relief, ready to relax properly.
But...
"Imperial Concubine, you must be mindful of your attire in the house. In particular, you must not walk around barefoot. His Highness does not like it."
Ryan Osborne reminded her.
Ashley Bowen quickly shoved her feet back into her slippers. Frowning, she asked, "This morning, you said His Highness doesn't like people whistling. You couldn't be talking about the Third Prince, could you?"
"In my vocabulary, there is only one 'His Highness.' Naturally, I was referring to the Third Prince," Ryan Osborne said, his speech meticulously formal.
Ashley Bowen immediately started scratching her head. Her opinion of the Third Prince took a nosedive. 'I really never would have thought the Third Prince would be such a nag.'
"Don't worry, Butler Osborne. I'll remember," Ashley Bowen said with a small smile, deliberately pouting to look cute.
Sweat almost beaded on Ryan Osborne's forehead. 'I thought the Third Prince would marry a dignified, virtuous young lady from a family of equal standing. I never imagined it would be a vulgar, ill-mannered country bumpkin like this...'
"Now that the Imperial Concubine has married into the Sinclair family, I must inform you of the family rules—what you may and may not do."
GROWL.
Ashley Bowen pointed at her stomach. "I got up so early I didn't even eat breakfast. I'm starving now. Can we listen to the lecture after I've eaten?"
"That brings me to the first house rule. The Sinclair family's three daily meals are served at strictly scheduled times. Breakfast is at 7 a.m., lunch is at 12 p.m., and dinner is at 5 p.m. If you miss them, you will not be served, and they will not be served early."
"What the hell?! I'm still sleeping in at 7 a.m.! And if dinner is that early, I'll be hungry again later!" Ashley Bowen protested vehemently, instantly displeased. 'There is no way I can accept this first rule!'