Stefan's concern emanated genuine warmth, and Raegan couldn't help but feel a slight flutter in her eyelashes, a tinge of embarrassment creeping over her.

On her way here, she had collided with a servant, prompting Victor to shield her face with her jacket, hoping to prevent gossip.

But deep down, Raegan understood that this gesture was akin to a futile attempt to cover one's ears whilst stealing a bell. After all, the white dress could not be fully concealed, one could tell she was today's bride without seeing her face.

With her wedding dress marred and bloodstained, appearing disheveled on her special day without explanation, Raegan knew all too well that people would inevitably indulge in speculation about her morals. And countless rumors were likely to circulate.

Even though their marriage was a charade, it remained a secret to others. In the eyes of society, a bride's loss of dignity on her wedding day equated to the groom, Stefan, losing face. Raegan still felt deeply remorseful and embarrassed.

After all, in a male-dominated and primitive society like Aurora, the preservation of dignity held significant importance, particularly among men.

“Stefan, I was spotted by two servants on my way here. I'm sorry. You might have to deal with that..." Raegan spoke, her aversion to inconveniencing others evident in her tone, which carried a subtle hint of remorse.

Stefan didn't seem perturbed by that. Instead, he inspected the bloodstains on her dress hem with concern. "Are you injured?"

Raegan glanced at the bloodstain. “It's not mine..."

Anticipating Stefan to probe further, he merely seemed relieved. "As long as you're unharmed."

"Regarding the servants..."

"Don't worry about the servants. I'll take care of it," Stefan assured her tenderly.

Though Stefan didn't pry for details, Raegan felt compelled to provide an explanation. Their cooperation was built on mutual trust, and Erick had always emphasized promptly explaining any mishaps to him or Stefan to prevent misunderstandings.

"Stefan, it was Mitchel who took me away. Raegan bit her lip, a sign of unease, before adding, “He made his way here."

Following a brief silence, Stefan replied, "Don't worry. I'll instruct my people not to make trouble for him."

Stefan's understanding response heightened Raegan's embarrassment.

Erick had characterized their relationship as mutually beneficial with the claim that Stefan required a faux wife to extricate himself from his family.

In reality, Stefan could have selected a bride with a less intricate background to fulfill the role instead of someone like her, surrounded by dangers and troubles. In such a short span, she had already caused him considerable trouble.

"Stefan, I'm truly sorry. I haven't been out much, so probably not many people have seen me. If you need to find someone less problematic, you could..." Raegan lowered her head.

“It's me who needs your assistance," Stefan interjected swiftly.