I Become the Villain's Bride - Chapter 69

Chapter 69

“Why has the little brat suddenly become so clingy?” 

The first to notice the change were, unsurprisingly, Madam Benoit and the head maid, Ada.  

“Lady Freesia, please watch my training!”  

“Well, I suppose I have no choice. I’ll have to ask Fieldram to take care of the orphanage for now.”  

Every time Freesia tried to focus on the orphanage, Luca’s neediness would surface, making it impossible to concentrate on anything else.  

It wasn’t until everyone in the mansion had noticed that Freesia finally mustered the courage to speak to Wilfred.  

“Something feels off about Luca these days.”  

“Off? How so?”  

“He keeps doing things he normally wouldn’t. It’s not necessarily bad, but… Should I say he’s become more clingy? Like he can’t do anything without me.”  

Asking her to watch his training was one thing, but he would also ask her to cut his hair, or point out how he needed new shirts because he had grown taller again. A child who once hardly required attention was now consuming all of Freesia’s time.  

“Maybe you just didn’t pay him enough attention before. I thought this would happen when you first brought him in.”  

“This isn’t the first time I’ve seen this. My sister Lily went through the same thing.”  

It was when Lily first debuted in society.  

Rose had already been knighted even before her debutante ball, and no one had paid much attention to Freesia’s quiet entrance into society. In contrast, Lily, who was known for her beauty, drew immediate attention from the moment the news spread.  

“My sister, Lily, is the kind of girl who really stands out.”  

“In a good way or a bad way?”  

“Both.”  

As the youngest, she had been doted on excessively. Plus, her beauty was memorable enough that even those who met her only once would remember her name.  

Of course, not all attention was positive. Some ladies, envious of Lily, would flaunt their family prestige and trample on her pride.  

“One day, Lily started whining more—just like Luca now. She became much clingier, too.”  

Looking back, Freesia realized that Lily’s behavior must have been an unconscious response to a sense of crisis. But at the time, Lily’s constant crying and demands were so overwhelming that Freesia had to give up work to stay home and take care of her.  

“It was really tough back then, especially since I hadn’t found my footing yet. And to make things worse, people used that against me.”  

“How so?”  

“They sneered, saying the Devlanc family would soon collapse and wondered if Lily was delusional enough to think she could become crown princess.”  

It wasn’t easy hearing such insults, especially from members of prestigious families. The three sisters couldn’t help but grow more determined to prove everyone wrong.  

Now, with the powerful backing of the Duke of Crowford, Lily had become a strong contender in the race for the crown princess title.  

“A crown princess, huh? Your sister’s bold personality might suit a delicate prince surprisingly well.”  

“Really?”  

“The prince likes older women.”  

“Are you close to him?”  

“Not exactly.”  

Though Wilfred clearly knew something, he didn’t elaborate. The current crown prince was two years younger than Lily. Since they were on the topic, Freesia dropped a subtle hint.  

“Of course, I’m saying this because she’s my sister, but Lily is nothing like me. She’s bold, sometimes even shameless, and very good with people.”  

“That kind of personality is definitely useful for a crown princess.”  

“That’s why I didn’t understand. If I were you, I would—”  

“That’s not going to happen.”  

Before Freesia could even finish, Wilfred firmly cut her off with an annoyed expression, as if he refused to even entertain the thought.  

Without leaving her any room to argue, he rested his head on her shoulder.  

“You have a habit of underestimating me.”  

“How so?”  

“You keep comparing me to others, yet you completely overlook the fact that I’m already hopelessly in love with you.”  

Since childhood—no, since the moment her past-life memories returned—Freesia had been told similar things over and over.  

Perhaps it was her own harsh self-judgment that had caused her the most pain all along.  

“I’m sorry.”  

“That’s why Luca is acting this way. He doesn’t want to lose you to some orphan who just rolled in.”  

“That’s…”  

“He probably sensed it instinctively, even if he didn’t show it.”  

Unlike the noble-born Luca, that child had no one else to care for him.  

Freesia believed it was only right for her to take care of the orphan boy, but Wilfred saw things differently.  

“Losing someone’s love is unpleasant for anyone. And for Luca, who has had your undivided attention all this time, it must be even worse.”  

“I didn’t mean to neglect Luca or anything like that.”  

“It’s not about your intentions. It’s about how the other person feels. Think about why your sister dislikes Luca, and maybe it’ll make more sense.”  

“Ah.”  

Recalling how Lily would nitpick and quarrel with Luca from the moment they met, Freesia finally understood.  

Whenever Lily’s friends called her “sister,” she would get upset, insisting, “She’s my sister.” Even now, though she had matured a bit, her possessiveness remained unchanged.  

“It’s hunger for love. They both want your love. And of course, so do I.”  

“What could you possibly be jealous of?”  

“Well, it doesn’t matter. Even if he adores you, you’re already my wife.”  

Wilfred had a knack for saying the most infuriating things with a smile.  

“For someone who says that, you sure seem fond of Luca.”  

“He reminds me of myself when I was younger.”  

“Him? Like you?”  

Freesia flatly denied it, but Wilfred simply shrugged, unfazed.  

If the child were really Luca Bailey, things might be different. But Wilfred, knowing the truth, gave a bitter smile.  

That boy was, in reality, more pitiful than any child in the orphanage. Yet, even so, the truth was something Wilfred wouldn’t easily reveal.  

And he had no intention of doing so anytime soon.  

“You must have heard that he was sick for a long time. In the meantime, the former Earl of Bailey passed away, and now the eldest son has inherited the title.” 

“I’ve heard about it in passing.” 

“Your sisters get along well, so it might be different for you, but when a title is inherited, the siblings, whether they like it or not, are usually forced to become independent.” 

“Then…” 

“No matter how adorable the youngest son may be, to the newly appointed heir, he’s just a burden. That’s why noble families often send their younger children to other households under the pretense of fostering them.” 

It’s a form of mutual aid to ensure that the children can pave their own paths without threatening the heir’s position. But ultimately, all of this revolves around adult interests, leaving no room for the child’s wishes. As unfortunate as it is, that’s the reality. 

“He’s scared of losing love. That’s why.” 

“…Hearing that makes me feel a bit guilty.” 

“Why not feel a little guilty toward me too?” 

“No, thanks.” 

“That’s harsh.” 

Even though his tone was irritating, as if he knew everything, there was no denying the truth behind his words, so Freesia let it go without arguing further. 

He nibbled gently on her earlobe, and before she knew it, he had pulled her onto his lap, whispering sweet words into her ear. 

“I can tolerate a kid like him. But especially that Fieldram guy—if you give him even the slightest attention, he’ll assume you’re fond of him. You shouldn’t even give him a chance.” 

“For someone who’s jealous, you seem oddly tolerant of Luca.” 

“I have no intention of being petty with a child.” 

“You do know that saying that is petty, right?” 

When words ran dry, a kiss was always the answer.  

Wrapped in endless kisses, Freesia melted into his embrace, drifting into a sweet sea of affection. As she was sinking into a haze of contentment, Wilfred ran his fingers through her hair, murmuring softly. 

“It seems a messenger has arrived from Her Highness, the Princess. She’s requesting the next meeting to be held at the palace library.” 

“That’s welcome news.” 

“Apparently, the Crown Prince will attend too. She even suggested bringing Luca along, though it seems she conveniently left me out.” 

“Well, that’s probably because…” 

“Because?” 

Freesia smiled faintly, brushing his hair aside. “Because your presence makes everyone uneasy.” 

“Do you want to come along?” 

“If you need me there.” 

“I can do fine on my own.”

“…That makes me feel a bit left out, but I suppose I’ll have to live with it.” 

Though he knew all too well about the Princess’s open hostility, he had no intention of stepping aside without a fight.  

His uncharacteristic gentleness was charming today. 

It had been a while, but the palace library held a magic mirror—an artifact that could reveal the path to the future. This time, she’d be thoroughly prepared to confirm the future she wanted to secure.  

“Trust me.” 

The mirror must know where the protagonist lies. 

It was too soon to encounter a tragic ending, especially when this moment was so blissful. Leaning into his warmth, Freesia closed her eyes. 

“I didn’t want you to regret holding my hand. That’s why.” 

“…The same goes for me.” 

He wasn’t good at expressing his emotions, but the clumsiness of his confession made it all the more sincere. 

Realizing how genuine he was, Freesia found herself smiling without meaning to.  

Though his confession was awkward, it had come through clearly—enough that she thought he deserved a reward tonight. 

“You know I care about you a lot, right?” 

“I care about you more.” 

“No, I care more.” 

Under the night sky, their teasing whispers blended into a warm, affectionate atmosphere.  

Tonight, she hoped no one would intrude. 

Ignoring the slight gap in the half-drawn curtains, Freesia wrapped her arms tightly around his neck. 

—

By the time morning came, there was still no sign of Freesia getting out of bed. 

“Straighten your back.” 

“Yes, Lady Rashita.” 

“Since it seems the Duke is sleeping in today, let’s take the chance to train properly.” 

With no word from Freesia even by lunchtime, Luca was left exhausted from a full session of Spartan-style training. 

As Luca lay on the floor, gasping for breath, Rashita spoke about something that had been on her mind. 

“I know you’re fond of our lady, but you should tone it down a little.” 

“I don’t understand what you mean.” 

“There’s a limit to how much you can act spoiled. You’re a bit old for that, don’t you think?” 

The bluntness of her words stung, but Luca couldn’t find a way to refute them. 

“I just…” 

“Don’t forget why you’re here in the first place.”