I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 37

Chapter 37

“It doesn’t matter how bad your handwriting is in the first place, Jade gets it at work, right?”

“…”

The Duke’s handwriting problem was not something that could be resolved in a day or two.

He had been advised to use a scribe from the beginning, and efforts had been made to correct it, but there hadn’t been much success. Even if he could manage short sentences somehow, it was only temporary. If he had to write long letters like a letter, the handwriting naturally turned into a mess.

“Last time and this time as well, whenever I get angry, I always think he’ll hurt himself. I’ve been having that thought for a while now.”

“Poor thing.”

Rashita offered a comfort that didn’t seem sincere. Unlike the Duke who had eliminated all his siblings and ascended to the position of Duke, it was inevitable that even lovers would fear him.

“I firmly believe that he wrote self-deprecating words.”

“Probably because he lacks popularity. He should’ve been good at it.”

Moreover, unlike the Duke, who had nailed down the position of the next Duchess from the beginning, Freesia seemed eager to return home by rolling her eyes diligently. So much so that one might suspect that this wasn’t a show window life, but the Duke’s attitude was so severe that it was close to being serious.

Freesia herself seemed unaware of it, but the Crowford Mansion was already revolving around her, as it was openly considered that the lady’s mood determined the day’s events among the employees.

“Well, we’ll handle those issues on our side.”

“Will you really do that?”

Turning the conversation subtly meant that there was something to hide.

Just as the suspicions were growing, Freesia, who had gone for a walk, waved her hand when she saw two people.

“I didn’t know you two were here.”

“Sharp weapons need to be maintained. So, is this kid the heir of the Bailey family?”

“I’m Luca Bailey.”

Though still clumsy, he managed to greet them properly, and Freesia nodded vigorously with a face already filled with gratitude.

“You did very well. Once your body gets a little more used to it, your posture will be even better.”

As lavish praise poured out, the shy boy’s cheeks flushed red, along with his bewildered eyes.

Seeing the Duke, who seemed resentful, Rashita subtly joined the conversation.

“It seems like our mistress really likes the little heir.”

“We were only three sisters. I always wondered how it would be if I had an older brother or a younger brother.”

Compared to the always obedient Lily, Freesia didn’t hesitate to shower praise on Luca.

“Come to think of it, it’s almost dinner time.”

“Since we have a new guest today, the Buffet Bourguignon with Ganache Cake for dessert was requested. Luca, do you like it?”

The boy, who couldn’t grasp what kind of dish it was, desperately rolled his eyes, trying to figure out how to avoid this situation.

“It’s delicious because it has plenty of beef. It’s also a favorite dish for all kids.”

“Um, I like it too.”

“Being a rich young master, I’m not sure if it suits your taste, but Buff Bourguignon made by Crowford’s chef is definitely worth trying at least once in your life.”

As the boy swallowed his saliva, both Rashita and Freesia couldn’t help but smile with maternal affection.

Although he heard that he was a noble young master, he seemed so innocent and cute. Watching him, the Duke, with an unpleasant expression, deliberately picked a fight.

“…I prefer fish.”

“You’ve probably already prepared everything, why suddenly change the main course?”

Although it was a subtle request to have a unified menu, the Duke, who started to be openly stubborn, refused Freesia’s suggestion with a stiff expression.

“I want to take it easy after dinner. I have a headache and feel feverish.”

“Really?”

That’s a clear signal that he wants to be left alone.

While Freesia worriedly checked on Wilfred’s condition, Rashita gladly took Luca’s hand and headed to the dining room.

“Let’s leave those guys alone and enjoy the delicious food together, sweetheart.”

“Are you sure it’s okay?”

Seeing the Duke suddenly looking like he might collapse, Luca also felt concerned.

“It’s okay. He’s just being stubborn for attention.”

To go to such lengths just to attract the attention of his wife.

Love truly changes people.

Rashita pretended not to see it, and walked away with the saboteur.

***

To cut to the chase, she was deceived.

And not just a little, but completely, thoroughly deceived.

“Ugh!”

As she accepted the lips that came frighteningly close as they entered the bedroom, Freesia realized one painful truth:

Her husband was a huge liar.

“If you’re tired and feeling unwell, oh, come on, just sleep for a moment!”

“If you don’t want it, push me away. It’s fine if you kick me too.”

Embracing affectionately and continuing with a deep kiss, Freesia could only cling tightly to his garment without much response.

‘How does he even kiss so well.’

If she truly disliked it, she could push him away, but his skills were too mesmerizing to resist.

At some point, accepting him without awkwardness, Freesia carefully observed her tired husband’s appearance exerting influence.

“Are you done with your busy work?”

“More or less. I’ll be busy again tomorrow.”

Again today, he demanded a lap pillow.When kissing passionately, he completely relaxed, holding Freesia’s waist and closing his eyes.

“Do you really want to sleep?”

Pressing his cheek firmly, there was no response or movement, just the sound of steady breathing filling the room. Suddenly, with the presence of Luca, who was brought in unexpectedly, and despite having many questions, there was no answer no matter how much she asked.

“Earlier, you asked for this too, right?”

Was it because of the inconvenient question or because he really fell asleep?

Suddenly, Rashita’s axe throwing made her heart race. Seeing the Duke casually blocking it in time, and seeing his nonchalant demeanor without even flinching, Freesia felt a considerable sense of betrayal.

“Are you trying to kill me on purpose?”

“Why would I think of doing that?”

“As expected, you’re not sleeping.”

“….”

With the Duke exercising his right to remain silent in response to uncomfortable questions, Freesia poured out her questions.

“Is Luca a noble?”

“There are circumstances. I owe something to the mistress, so I was brought here and entrusted with him.”

“Lies.”

Even though it was clear that he was brought here because of security.

With the unexpected appearance of the Bailey family’s nobleman, Freesia couldn’t hide her awkward expression.

“Was there no other child?”

“Do you not like that child?”

According to the original storyline, around this time, the protagonist was supposed to have already secured a position somewhere in the Crawford family and taken on relatively important duties.

It’s hard to confirm exactly what it was since it wasn’t mentioned in the content. Feeling a sense of obligation to find the protagonist for the future, her heart felt heavy for no reason.

“If it’s not to your liking, I can change it anytime.”

“It’s not like that! I just…”

“I really can’t understand what you’re thinking.”

To those eyes that didn’t know the circumstances, she might just appear as a strange woman suffering from vague anxiety, but there’s nothing she can do about it.

“That child is still young. It’s an age that requires protection and attention.”

“Sweet Freesia. How could I not know your heart?”

With a mocking whisper, venom seeped into his words.

The Duke covered Freesia’s frozen lips with a chilling smile.

“You have no hesitation in sacrificing yourself. That’s why you came to me.”

His gaze, staring sharply, was quite fierce.

“…Are you afraid that I might destroy the world?”

Suddenly, as if piercing through her heart, the wind blew.

“When did I ever do that?”

“It’s just a joke, so calm down. If you react like that, people might really think you’re someone who thinks that way.”

She had been caught red-handed with her inner thoughts. In front of the bewildered Freesia, the Duke suddenly flashed a playful smile.

“I can do anything. If anyone ever harbors a grudge against you, I’ll be damned if I’m going to stand idly by.”

“Who in the world is such a fool?”

“Did you just call me a fool?”

“You’re telling me that you’re harboring a black heart in front of me.

He was brazenly hinting at his dark intentions right in front of her.

With an intense gaze as if ready to devour her at any moment, he stared into Freesia’s eyes.

“I’ve never thought that I lacked charm as a man. I’ll have to try harder.”

As he unbuttoned his shirt, Freesia unconsciously swallowed hard.

“I don’t even know what I might do. So, please, put on some clothes.”

“I have high expectations for what you might do.”

Facing the Duke who was practically inviting her to devour him and even closing his eyes, Freesia’s mind was filled with turmoil.

“We should have dinner. Everyone must be waiting.”

“But I have something else I want to eat.”

“This man, really!”

Trying to push him away with a cushion, but it wasn’t easy to stop him. After a moment of struggle, he held Freesia tightly in his arms, who was now in a defensive stance, and whispered quietly.

“I should have realized you’re a woman after all.”

“Are you jealous of Luca now?”

“No. I’d rather be a man.”

Clearly recalling Lily’s behavior of constantly seeking attention from their sister, Freesia looked at him shivering openly and struggled to suppress her laughter.

The least she could do was tell him why she was going to the palace, since she didn’t want him to get jealous again without knowing.

“In fact, there’s a book I really want to have.”

“I’ll get it for you with the power of Crawford.”

“It’s a special book with a story behind it, so I don’t want to obtain it that way.”

If he puts his mind to it, Crowford’s informants will soon realize that Viscount Ravalny has the book.

“It’s a precious book,” she says, “one that was stolen in deliberations a long time ago.”

“Are you talking about ‘Lady Margaret’?”

“Smile Love”