I May Be A Villainess, But I Won't Live My Life That Way - Chapter 105

Chapter 105

“That’s wonderful news.”

Ricardo’s response to hearing that Maria had gotten a job at the Sprendo Orphanage was rather brief. To be honest, it didn’t seem like he was particularly interested.

“Aren’t you a sponsor there? Shouldn’t you be a bit more concerned about how your money is being spent?”

“The director will handle things well enough; I don’t need to worry about every detail. If she’s hired Maria, then it’s because she needs her there.”

Seeing Ricardo echo my own sentiments made me smile for some reason. We used to be like opposite poles of a magnet, but now we were discovering common ground, which was quite enjoyable.

“What’s funny?”

Ricardo asked, puzzled by my laughter.

“Just something.”

I wanted to keep the joy of finding similarities with him to myself. Ricardo simply chuckled at my silence.

He then returned to reading the papers in front of him.

What he was looking at was the list of people to invite to our wedding. From the rapid movement of his eyes, it was clear he was skimming through it without much thought, but I didn’t comment on it.

Ricardo was always somewhat indifferent to such matters, and I was much better at handling them. It made sense for each of us to manage what we were good at for efficiency.

“Hey, Ricardo?”

“Yeah?”

“I actually have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“……”

Ricardo looked at me expectantly, waiting for me to speak, but the words wouldn’t come easily.

“Bianca, is something wrong?”

Noticing my hesitation, Ricardo put the papers he was holding down on the table, a hint of concern crossing his face.

“It’s about Lara.”

“Lara? You mean Lara from the Srendo Orphanage?”

“I’m worried about that child. I know the director takes good care of the kids and that Lara is doing well there, but… but I can’t help but worry about her.”

It was the first time I felt such a deep affection for a child.

Lara had been a source of courage for me during my difficult times. She truly was a special child.

Without her, I could never have overcome everything that had happened to me.

“So, I was thinking… What if we adopted her after we got married? Of course, only if you agree.”

“Oh my God, Bianca!”

Before I could finish my thought, Ricardo let out a loud exclamation. I clenched my fists, startled by his reaction.

Could it really be such a difficult matter, even for Ricardo?

Adopting an orphan child into the prominent Winkaiser family was certainly no easy feat.

But if he opposed it, it would be impossible. After all, she would be our child.

“Why would you think I would oppose it? Of course, I agree.”

“You agree?”

“Yes. Lara isn’t just special to you; she’s special to me as well.”

“Then about Lara becoming our child…”

“I fully support it. In fact, I’m very enthusiastic about it.”

“Thank you, Ricardo!”

“There’s no need to thank me. I should be the one thanking you for bringing me such a beautiful wife and a lovely daughter at the same time.”

Ricardo smiled and reached out to take my hand.

His hands were rough and calloused but warm and gentle.

“I feel the same way.”

I took his hand in mine.

“I’m gaining a wonderful husband and a cute daughter all at once.”

Upon hearing my response, Ricardo grinned and squeezed my hand tighter. His warm smile made me smile in return.

“We’re going to be a happy family.”

He leaned forward as he spoke.

“I believe so too.”

I leaned slightly forward as well.

Our eyes met, and we laughed again. It was unspoken but clear—we were on the same page.

Ricardo leaned on the table between us and moved closer. I slowly closed my eyes.

Our lips met, as warm as his hands.

***

“Long time no see, Princess! And Ricardo!”

As always, Lara ran toward me from afar.

Seeing her run so fast, panting yet smiling brightly as she greeted us made me want to hug her immediately.

But today, I had something more important to address.

“Oh, hello, Lara.”

Oh my gosh.

Did I just stutter? Me? Bianca, stuttering?

“Yes, Princess!”

Lara didn’t seem to notice my stammer as she stood on her tiptoes and replied cheerfully.

Looking at her bright smile made my nerves flare up again.

Goodness!

I didn’t feel this nervous even when I told Ricardo I loved him!

“Bianca.”

As if sensing my feelings, Ricardo quietly called my name and placed his hand on my waist, as if to encourage me.

Okay. I can do this.

“Lara.”

“Yes, yes! Princess!”

“I don’t know if you’ve heard, but Ricardo and I are getting married soon.”

“Wow! Really?”

Even though it was already a buzzing rumor throughout the country, Lara’s eyes sparkled with excitement, and she asked again, seemingly not having heard it until now.

“Then is Ricardo going to become a prince now?”

“Why would I become a prince?” Ricardo asked, clearly perplexed.

“Well, because princesses marry princes, don’t they?” Lara responded, as if she was stating something obvious.

“While that is a common story, not all princesses marry princes.”

“Oh! I’ve also heard stories about princesses who marry brave knights who saved them!”

“Exactly. Princess Bianca is going to marry the brave knight Ricardo,” Ricardo said, emphasizing the word “brave” with a bit of pride in his voice. It was a little endearing.

“Wow, so cool! Brave Knight Ricardo!” Lara’s eyes sparkled with admiration, and Ricardo beamed, looking somewhat pleased with himself.

Hmm… Is it just me, or does that make him even cuter? Maybe it’s just the rose-colored glasses Lara’s words are giving me.

Conversations with Lara had a way of making you feel like you were the most incredible person in the world.

“So, we’d like to invite you to our wedding, Lara. Will you come?”

“Yes, yes! I’d love to go!” Lara answered enthusiastically.

One hurdle down.

“And we’d also like to ask if you could be the flower girl. Would you do that for us?”

“What’s a flower girl?” Lara tilted her head curiously.

“A very cute child who sprinkles flower petals when the bride and groom walk in.”

“Huh? Am I cute?”

“Of course! You’re the cutest in the whole world!”

“Eek! I’ll do it! I’ll do it! The cute Lara will be the flower girl!” Lara started hopping in place, excitedly agreeing to take on the role.

Great. Second hurdle cleared.

“And, Lara, I have one more favor to ask.”

This was the most important one. My throat went dry as I tried to find the right words. I wished the words would come as naturally as before, but my mouth felt parched.

Noticing my change in demeanor, the bright smile on Lara’s face slowly faded into a more serious expression. She looked at me, slightly anxious.

I swallowed hard. I had to say it.

“Lara.”

“If it’s okay with you… would you… be my daughter?”

I spoke carefully, making sure to articulate the words in a way she’d understand. I had practiced this speech over and over before coming here, using simple, gentle words to make it as easy as possible for her.

“……”

Lara stood frozen, mouth slightly open as she stared at me, not blinking. My heart pounded in my chest as the silence stretched on.

My legs felt weak from the anticipation. Ricardo, sensing my nerves, reached out and held my hand tightly, steadying me.

Thanks to him, I didn’t collapse under the weight of the moment.

“It’s okay, Lara. You don’t have to say yes if you don’t want to.”

Ricardo’s touch gave me the strength to continue with the next part of my rehearsed speech.

I was an adult, and I could handle rejection. What mattered was that Lara made the choice she felt was best for her.

“If you like it here, you can stay. You have the director, Nicole, and Peter. You love them, don’t you? So if you’d rather stay here, you have every right to say no. You can—Lara!”

Suddenly, tears welled up in Lara’s eyes and fell, large drops splashing onto the ground.

“It’s okay, Lara. You don’t have to—”

“N-No, that’s not why I’m crying.” Lara shook her head vigorously, grabbing onto the hem of my dress.

“It’s weird. I’m happy, so happy right now, but I don’t know why I’m crying.” She spoke through her tears and then let out a loud wail.

“Is it true? Will you really be my mom? Will I be your daughter?” 

Clutching my skirt with her small hands, Lara repeated the same questions over and over, sobbing. She looked so incredibly adorable!

“Oh, Lara.”

Ricardo must have been thinking the same thing as he knelt down in front of her, smiling.

“Do you think the princess would ever lie to you?”

His gentle hands, the same ones that had reassured me moments ago, now wiped the tears from Lara’s face.

Compared to her small face, Ricardo’s hands looked so large, but with a few careful swipes, her tears were all gone.

“You’re right. The princess doesn’t tell lies,” Lara still stared at me, as if she didn’t believe me.

“You’re a princess now, are you?” I said with a smile, kneeling beside Ricardo, now face-to-face with Lara.

“T-Then…”

Lara hesitated for just a moment before the words burst out.

“Mom!”

My daughter leaped into my arms, and soon enough, my husband wrapped both of us in his warm embrace.