Dark Dad's Rebirth - Chapter 14. Madness (9)

Chapter 14. Madness (9)

Aria’s words caused Caelius to feel a sharp pain and difficulty in breathing. It was as if his heart was being squeezed. Despite the chilling nature of her words, Aria maintained her composure. She even let out a soft laugh at the end, showing no signs of remorse.

Caelius felt foolish and weak for considering a peaceful life with Aria, like any ordinary married couple. It was clear that Aria would never allow it.

“……I’m sorry.”

“…….”

“I’m sorry, Lily.”

His voice was slightly shaky, with a hint of sobbing in it.  Aria’s voice trembled as tears dripped onto the sheets. She stared at Caelius with an impassive expression, offering no words of comfort.

“Please don’t hurt yourself,” he pleaded. He tightened his hold on the sheets.

He wanted her to hit him, push him, hurt him, or do anything to make her stop being so angry. Aria dismissed the idea and refused to entertain his request.

“Why?”

“…….”

“Because of the kid?”

“No, it’s not.”

“You’re lying.”

“…….”

Aria leaned back against the backrest of the bed, frustrated with the sight of her flat stomach.

“Dad.”

“…….”

“Do you hate it when I act this way?” Aria’s sudden question caught Caelius off guard, but he nodded slightly in response. Aria continued, her tone matter-of-fact.

“Then can you make sure that I am no longer connected to you in any way?”

Caelius looked confused as he tried to understand Aria’s request. Aria explained what she meant.

“I mean it literally. I don’t care about your actions, even if they constitute treason. I simply want to completely remove the name Caelius from my life.”

Caelius’s expression softened with pain, while Aria remained impassive as if she had expected his reaction.

“In exchange, I will stop bothering you and will no longer harm the child. All I ask is for my freedom and my life.”

Caelius became more confused when he heard the word ‘life.’ He wondered if she thought he wanted to harm her.

Caelius thought bitterly, ‘I can’t even touch you anymore.’ He used to assert his control over her without hesitation, disregarding Aria’s wishes. However, now it seems impossible. He is afraid that any physical contact will make her even more contemptuous of him.

With a heavy heart, Caelius forced a smile and looked down at Aria.

“You win, Lily.”

“Yes, Dad.”

“I can’t lay a hand on you.”

Caelius spoke with resignation. He knew he could not overpower Aria and could not predict her intentions. She held all the cards, and he could not anticipate her next move.

“The person I am now would never lay a finger on you, even if you didn’t want me to. Your safety is my priority.”

“I don’t believe you.”

“What do you mean?”

“I don’t trust what you’re saying.”

Caelius could not understand why Aria had reached this point.

He felt accused of something he had done before, but he didn’t understand why.

Caelius sighed and bit his lip, expressing his exhaustion and frustration.

He explained, “That’s just who I am.”

Aria’s words were clear and direct, leaving him stunned. Although she felt like a stranger, he was inexplicably drawn to her.

She said, “You’re so steeped in deception that even your expressions of love are laced with lies.”

She laughed at herself.

“I don’t want it to happen again.”

He wanted to ask a question, but his throat felt tight, and he couldn’t speak.

“Once is enough for you to take advantage of me.”

The golden eyes that spoke in silence seemed cold and gloomy. Caelius was bewildered as he tried to question Aria, but his mouth strangely wouldn’t open.

“Please, just let me go,” Aria murmured weakly. Her thin fingers clutched the blanket tightly, trembling.

“Lily, I’m not sure what you’re referring to.”

“It’s about treason. Treason and obeying the empire,” she cut in, her expression unchanged.

“That’s why you’ve brought me here.”

For a moment, Caelius furrowed his brow and narrowed his eyes. He agreed with Aria’s observation based on their first encounter.

“Think about it. If your treason failed because of me,” she paused, waiting for a response that didn’t come.

“Would you still say those words to me? Would you look at me the same way?”

Caelius stayed quiet. His expression turned dark. “The only thing that matters to me right now is not the throne or treason.”

He felt a pang of resentment towards Aria for not understanding that. But despite it all, she remained beautiful in his eyes, impossible to blame.

“If… if you truly loved me…”

“If you loved me,” Aria corrected, unaware of the shift in tense.

“I wouldn’t be able to forget everything like I can now.”

“Memories?”

Caelius paused at the out-of-nowhere words. His jet-black eyes stared at her with confusion. Aria was still watching him warily, like a hedgehog with its spikes still raised.

“Dad.”

“…….”

“If you agree to release me…”

Aria touched Caelius’s cheek and kissed him softly on the lips. Their mouths met and separated with a gentle sound.

“I’ll obey your commands while I’m here,” she said.

Caelius tensed at her next words.

“I’ll pretend you’re the only person I know, and I’ll laugh and ask for hugs like I did before.”

The hand that had been caressing his cheek moved slowly down to rest on a man’s thigh.

“You eat well, Daddy, and you’re not slowing down.”

The small hand lazily slid up Caelius’s leg, groping towards the center.

“I can spread my legs for you if you want.”

“Are you ready now?”

“So come on, Dad.”

Aria had a cold expression on her face, but she turned to him and smiled bashfully as if they were back to their old ways. Caelius felt his heart sink as he saw her smile for the first time in a long while.

“Promise me you’ll set me free. Can you?”

Her voice was sweet but it felt like a cruel whisper. It was hard to see the face of the woman he had missed so much, smiling so innocently, while asking to be let go.

Caelius was burdened by unseen thorns. He clenched his hands and moved quickly toward the doorway. It is unclear whether he is trying to escape.

Aria hurried out of bed as he got up, hoping to catch him before he left the room. He didn’t take more than a few steps.

“Ah…”

Aria groaned. Her vision was blurred. Her body swayed and tilted to one side.

“Lily!”

Caelius was shocked and rushed to her, wrapping his arms around her waist. It was a quick reflex, done without even looking, just instinctively.

Caelius held Aria in his arms. He recognized her familiar scent and felt the softness of her body against his. 

Caelius held Aria tightly. He wrapped his arms around her. Aria was surprised by his sudden weakness. She made a playful expression.

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah…” he trailed off.

“Got to be careful, right?”

– “I need to be careful, don’t want her to see any blood, right?”

Aria remembered something Caelius had said before, holding her close with a low and concerned voice.

“You’re the worst.”

She felt a cold sensation in her stomach. She fought back tears and pushed him away. He obediently stepped back.

“You’re still weak and confined to bed, and your body…”

“Dad,” concern spilled from his lips, but Aria abruptly interrupted him, as if she didn’t want to hear it.

“Please.”

Silence hung between them.

“Promise me.”

Caelius sighed, understanding that he could never fulfill her request.

“Please let me go.”

More silence.

“Dad, is this behavior unusual for you? Why are you doing this to me now?”

Her desperation seeped into her voice, and he hated her for it, for begging him with such vulnerability written on her face.

Despite her slim figure, her golden eyes shone brightly, reminding him of his youthful sparkle.

“Lily.”

Caelius leaned in and lowered his eyes to meet Aria’s. He caressed her soft cheek with a large hand. Aria still longed for freedom, despite his gesture.

She appeared distant, unlike before. Her eyes lacked warmth, making him feel uncomfortable and afraid.

“I can’t promise.”

“…….”