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She was Versus’ biological mother, but not Etienne’s.

Etienne was the child of the late Empress, who had already passed away. From what I recall from the novel’s memories, the current Empress disliked Etienne.

No wonder; which woman in the world would like a child born out of her husband’s affair with another woman?

Of course, it’s not like Etienne likes her either. There was no reason for him to like the Empress, who despised him simply for being born.

Oh-ho, is this going to be a full-blown conflict?

I blinked my eyes, filled with excitement.

“As long as the crown prince is there, there’s no need for me.”

“Then come to see me. Because I want to see you.”

My anticipation plummeted at Versus’s playful response.

It seemed more like a moment of capturing a loving brotherhood rather than a conflict.

What exactly happened between the two of them? Why did Etienne try to push away someone as affectionate as Versus? Human greed truly knows no bounds… What is the worth of such power?

I secretly glanced at Etienne.

“Dahlia will come too, right? Dahlia hasn’t really stepped into the social circle since the wedding. Everyone is so curious.”

Versus’s question came back to me. I quickly averted my gaze. Then I pondered over his question once again.

The social circle? The Empress’s birthday celebration?

I nodded my head quickly.

Even though I didn’t know when the celebration would take place, I wanted to attend it. Since coming here, I had only experienced hardship.

At this point, there should be some enjoyable moments!

If I’ve come to this world, I should at least attend a party. I imagined scenes I had read in books before.

Women dressed in lavish and glamorous dresses, lovers twirling around and dancing, and a line of exquisite dishes! The epitome of extravagance!

Perhaps… the most beautiful among them all is me, Dahlia? What if everyone falls in love with me? What if Etienne doesn’t want to divorce and asks me to be with him? Should I pretend to be unattainable and get a divorce? Hya…

As I indulged in these absurd thoughts, a smile involuntarily appeared on my face.

“I will definitely go with Etienne.”

I could feel the cold gaze, but I stubbornly ignored it.

* * *

After finishing the sumptuous dinner, only Etienne and Versus remained in the room.

“Thank you for agreeing to attend.”

“I figured you wouldn’t go back until I accept it.”

“Yeah. I was planning to rest here until you agree to go. But since you easily accepted the invitation, I guess I can leave tomorrow.”

Versus leaned back, his posture straight. Due to the angle, his gaze fell downward, as if observing Etienne.

“By the way, I heard an interesting rumor.”

“What is it?”

“That Dahlia has changed.”

Etienne took a sip of wine, lost in thought.

It was true that she had noticeably changed. Although it was instructed to keep her memory loss a secret, the servants often gossiped openly about her transformation.

However, the fact that the story had reached the ears of someone outside the mansion was another issue.

“Is that so?”

Etienne casually replied, making a mental note to find the source of the spreading rumors.

“Yeah, but seeing it like this makes it seem real. Anyway, I’m relieved because you seem to get along well. Actually, Dahlia has always been a bit extraordinary.”

Versus chuckled gleefully. His last words struck a chord with Etienne. Etienne smiled back at him as if in response.

“That’s what makes her charming.”

Versus’s eyes flickered with a dull glint for a moment before fading away.

* * *

As soon as I returned to my room, I plopped onto the bed. I was incredibly tired after the long day. Normally, it would have been time for me to read and study, but today I decided to go to bed early.

However, on that night, an unexpected guest knocked on the door.

“Versus?”

“Sorry for the late hour, but would you like to take a walk together?”

I rolled my eyes in disbelief.

At such an ambitious hour, he wanted to go for a walk together?

If we had a normal relationship, I would have thought that this man had ulterior motives.

But this was Versus, a man who would not give me affection even after a lifetime of devotion. There was no possibility in that direction.

“Just a moment, I’ll call a maid.”

Versus grabbed my wrist.

“No, let’s go just the two of us.”

“Just the two of us?”

Hmm, it would seem strange if anyone saw us like this…

As I hesitated, he gently pulled me along.

“It’ll only take a moment.”

Was there something important he wanted to say?

I felt uneasy, but I decided to follow him for now.

Even though there were lights scattered around, the garden was still dark. It was because of the dense clouds that covered the sky.

The sound of our footsteps echoed through the quiet garden. There was no one around, and we had been walking for a while, but Versus remained silent.

Did he really call me out just for a walk? It’s not like it’s a nighttime date or anything. Ugh, seriously. If that’s the case, I want to go back. What if I get hungry while walking? I sleep best when my stomach is full.

I was about to say that I wanted to go back, but Versus suddenly enveloped my hand in his. Huh? Why?

“Aren’t you cold?”

“I’m fine.”

“Should I take off my coat for you, then?”

As I discreetly pulled my hand away, he asked again.

Why is he acting like this…? Even though Versus is known for his affectionate nature, wasn’t that limited to the heroine only?

Surely “heroine exclusive” and “obsessive male lead” were the keywords here… Sophie is going to have a hard time dealing with her husband’s strange behavior later on.

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