The Vampire Prince's Blindfolded Bride
Chapter 295: The den of a werewolf

Chapter 295: The den of a werewolf

"Say something," Rhea urged, her voice gentle yet insistent as she looked at Venus.

"Mother, I have no interest in him," Venus replied, her tone filled with frustration. "He’s a werewolf, and I want to stay as far away from him as possible."

Rhea sighed, her expression a mix of concern and understanding. "Solomon sent a message to your father earlier. We were searching for you until a servant mentioned that you were somewhere in the garden."

Venus’s eyes narrowed with irritation. "Why did he send a message to Father? I can’t understand that man," she muttered, her annoyance clear.

Rhea caressed Venus’s arm soothingly. "Your father may ask you about it later. You can tell him your decision then," she said softly. "Now, drink your tea," she added, offering a cup to Venus with a reassuring smile.

"Mother, I don’t wish to trouble Father with my responsibilities," Venus stated with concern.

Rhea shook her head gently. "There are no responsibilities on us, Venus. Don’t think that way," she reassured her daughter. "Your father doesn’t want you to be involved with a werewolf either. He just wants to talk to you because he wishes to know your decision."

Venus sighed, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "I understand, Mother," she replied, taking a deep breath. She picked up the cup of tea and drank it slowly, savoring the warmth and comfort it provided. Finishing the tea, she looked up at her mother, "Thank you for the tea."

Rhea caressed Venus’s head gently before leaving the room.

"Solomon not only sent a letter for me but for my parents too," Venus murmured to herself, retrieving the letter from beneath her pillow. She stared at it, contemplating her next move. She decided she needed to talk to Solomon one last time, but going outside was almost impossible. Odin’s watchful eyes were on her at all times, making any escape seem futile.

Venus went to the window to check if the rain Venus went to the window to check if the rain had stopped. It had slowed down to a light drizzle.

She quickly braided her hair and pinned it into a bun before putting on a hat. After slipping on her gloves, she resolved to meet Solomon where he had asked to see her. She put the letter and ruby necklace inside a tiny pouch bag and tucked it around her wrist.

Venus found the living room empty and seized the opportunity to slip out unnoticed.

Moving quickly and quietly, Venus rushed out of the mansion’s gate, holding her umbrella tightly against the drizzling rain. She kept her head low, avoiding eye contact with anyone who might recognize her. After walking a short distance from her house, she began looking for a local carriage.

Fortunately, she soon spotted one and approached it with haste. "Excuse me, could you drive me to the local tea shop ran by the werewolves?" she asked the chauffeur, her voice steady despite the rush.

"Yes, Miss. Please get in," the chauffeur replied courteously.

Venus closed her umbrella and climbed into the carriage, her heart pounding with anticipation and a hint of nervousness. As the carriage began to move, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her thoughts and prepare for her meeting with Solomon.

Within twenty minutes, the carriage arrived outside the tea shop. Venus paid the chauffeur and stepped out, handing her umbrella to an usher who greeted her at the entrance.

She thanked him with a nod and stepped inside, her eyes scanning the bustling tea shop. The room was crowded with patrons, making her wonder how Solomon would find her amidst the throng.

"Miss Venus, please come this way," a voice called out suddenly, startling her. She turned to see a man approaching her with a polite but firm demeanor.

"Who are you?" she asked, her guard up.

"I’m Sir Solomon’s close aide," he introduced himself, giving a slight bow. This explanation put her at ease, clarifying any lingering doubts she had.

"Follow me," he added, gesturing for her to come with him. Venus followed the man through the crowded room.

Reaching upstairs, Venus entered a private space and found Solomon was present there. He promptly left his seat to see Venus and pulled out a chair for her.

"Thank you," Venus said after sitting on the chair.

"I heard you are fond of jasmine tea. That’s why I ordered this one," Solomon said, his voice calm as he gestured towards the tea server, who promptly poured them both a cup. Once the tea had been served and they were left alone, a sense of solemnity settled over the table.

Venus took a moment, her emotions steady but firm, as she retrieved the letter and the ruby necklace from her pouch bag. She placed them on the table before Solomon and spoke with directness, "I’m sorry, but I can’t accept this. I didn’t appreciate you approaching my parents to persuade them to consider you for me."

Solomon’s demeanor softened, his gaze earnest as he responded, "I will make you happy. I am not like Eugene. You know this."

Venus shook her head gently. "It’s not just about that," she replied evenly. "I cannot be with a werewolf. I hate werewolves."

"Because of what Eugene did to you?" Solomon asked gently, his concern evident.

"Yes, and because I cannot entertain a relationship with my late husband’s cousin," Venus clarified firmly, taking a sip of the jasmine tea before setting it back down on the saucer. "This is the last time I will see you, Solomon. Please respect my decision if you truly care for me," she declared, pushing her chair back.

As she moved towards the door to leave, Solomon’s voice stopped her in her tracks. She turned, finding him standing just behind her.

"Venus, I will marry you," Solomon said and he grasped her wrist, pulling her close to him.

"Leave me!" Venus told him and she twisted her grip.

"If people find out that the widow of my cousin has come to see me, your remaining dignity will be ruined. In the end, you will have to come to me," Solomon asserted, his voice carrying a hint of threat veiled behind a facade of concern.

Venus’s eyes widened in shock and indignation. "Let me go! How could you—" she started, but her words were abruptly silenced as Solomon pressed his finger against her lips, stifling her protest. She tried to pull away, her heart racing with a mix of fear and anger.

But in that crucial moment, the sound of loud music from the ground floor permeated the air, drowning out any sound from the secluded tea room.

The lively tunes masked Venus’s voice entirely, rendering her cries for help unheard by anyone nearby. She struggled against Solomon’s grip, her desperation growing as she realized the precariousness of her situation.

Venus’s heart raced with panic as she hit her forehead against Solomon’s, hoping to free herself from his grip.

With a desperate shove, she pushed him away. She turned to flee, her only thought to escape the impending threat, when Solomon seized her by the hair and violently pulled her back.

"Ahhh!" The sharp pain shot through her scalp, causing Venus to cry out in anguish, tears welling up in her eyes.

She struggled against his tight grip, feeling trapped and helpless in the face of his strength. In that harrowing moment, she realized the gravity of her mistake in trusting Solomon’s intentions. Her mind raced with fear and regret for having walked into what now felt like a dangerous trap— the den of a werewolf.