Chapter 116. A Fragile Dream

The sunset’s glow stretched across the hallway floor, spilling through the window panes.

Enoch walked at a steady pace, neither too fast nor too slow, as he mulled over what the physician had told him.

‘Her internal organs were in a considerably weakened state. I asked if she had been coughing up blood, but she said that wasn’t the case…’

‘Her condition improved about two weeks ago… Until then, she couldn’t eat properly, and even a small amount of food caused indigestion or abdominal pain. She also had headaches and a mild fever. She exhibited various symptoms that occur when the body is weakened…’

‘But, please don’t worry too much. She is fine now! She just has a small appetite, which is why she eats less. Her digestive system is fine. The other symptoms have also improved…!’

After responding to the physician’s unconvincing explanation with a simple acknowledgment, Enoch added that any future health issues with Ellen should be reported to him immediately, no matter the circumstances.

Having finished his conversation with the physician, Enoch was now on his way back to Ellen’s room.

He knew she wouldn’t appreciate discussing her health, but he needed to clarify the issue for the future.

“Ellen, it’s me. I’m coming in.”

Without waiting for a response, Enoch opened the door and entered the room. Ellen, who was sitting by the window with her embroidery kit, looked up at him with wide eyes, seemingly wondering why he had returned so soon.

“Enoch? What about the celebration?”

“Forget the celebration. They’ll manage without me. I came to talk about something else.”

Sensing something serious from Enoch’s demeanor, Ellen set down her embroidery kit and slowly stood up, looking slightly flustered.

Noticing her hesitation, Enoch sighed and pulled her into his embrace. Her small body fit snugly against his, radiating warmth.

“…I spoke with the physician.”

Ellen flinched at his sudden words. Her body trembled slightly, as if anticipating the topic of conversation.

“…I heard your health wasn’t good.”

“…Yes.”

“Why didn’t you tell me?”

“There was no need to.”

“What do you mean, no need? It’s your health we’re talking about.”

“You have a lot on your plate. It’s better than worrying about me unnecessarily.”

“What kind of logic is that? No matter how busy I am, you’re my wife. Shouldn’t I know if my wife is unwell?”

“…It wasn’t serious, and I got better quickly. There’s no need to report every minor issue to you—”

“It’s not a minor issue, Ellen. It’s your health. It’s more important to me than anything.”

Ellen’s eyelashes fluttered as she hesitated. Her eyes, as fragile as a candle in the wind, reached out to him. She then spoke in a subdued voice.

“…Enoch, don’t be mistaken.”

“What?”

“Your feelings aren’t real. They’re artificial, created by magic. They’ll disappear in a few months. Me being your wife is only temporary.”

Her demeanor was uncharacteristically cold and melancholic. Enoch, momentarily at a loss for words, impulsively asked one of the questions cluttering his mind.

“Why did your health deteriorate?”

“……”

“The physician said he didn’t know the cause. He suggested it might be because you’re naturally weak. Does that make sense? Ellen, are you hiding something from me?”

Enoch’s instincts were usually accurate, and he believed his suspicions were valid this time too. Ellen was definitely hiding something. He just didn’t know what.

When Ellen tried to slip out of his embrace, Enoch held her tighter, preventing her escape.

Ellen looked up at him in distress. Enoch met her troubled gaze steadily, silently urging her to speak the truth.

“……”

Ellen, biting her lower lip, finally dropped her head. In a resigned voice, she muttered.

“…It’s the contraceptives.”

Unable to tell the whole truth, she opted for a partial one. She had indeed been taking contraceptives.

“…What?”

Enoch blinked slowly and asked again. Ellen elaborated.

“The contraceptives. I’ve been taking them daily. My health issues were side effects.”

“……”

Enoch stared at her blankly for a moment.

As his mind slowly processed the information, thoughts began to surface. Contraceptives, she had been taking them all this time… probably since they got married…

Taking a deep breath, Enoch clenched his fists. His heart pounded. He felt a burning anger. Contraceptives, and she hadn’t said a word to him—

“You should have told me first.”

“……”

“Those pills… they’re not good for your body.”

Ellen cautiously pushed away his trembling body. Enoch, who had been holding her tightly, reluctantly let her go and watched as she slowly retreated. Her face was pale, devoid of life.

“Ellen—”

“I.”

Ellen’s eyes were moist, as if she were about to cry.

“I can’t have your child.”

“……”

“We’re not a real family.”

“……”

Enoch clenched his teeth silently.

He knew. He knew his anger wasn’t justified.

She was right. They weren’t a real couple or family. Their relationship was formed out of necessity. Even their emotions were fake. Their bond would dissolve once the time was up.

Yes, but I—

He took a step toward her. She took a step back.

“I told you, I have no intention of letting you go.”

“…No, you will let me go.”

“Stop taking the contraceptives. There’s no need. I’ll handle the birth control. Or… just have my child. Regardless of how it started, we’re already married. If it’s our child, we can raise it well.”

“Don’t say such ridiculous things.”

Ellen was nearly panting. She kept retreating, and he kept advancing, ignoring her protests.

“Never forget, Your Highness. That our relationship is purely contractual.”

“Stop calling me ‘Your Highness.’ Contract or not, stay by my side as my wife. That’s what I want from you.”

He demanded arrogantly and selfishly. Even if the magic wore off and I no longer love you, it doesn’t matter. Regardless of emotions, I want you by my side forever.

So, you can’t escape from me. Ever. Not even in death.

“I am nothing to you.”

“……”

“To you, this is all just a play, a game. Loving me… it’s all just a house of cards.”

“…Yes, you know it well.”

“And you’re okay with that? Considering that?”

“Yes, I’m okay with it.”

“Even when my foresight magic fades, and I become useless to you, you still want me by your side? Even bearing your child?”

“That must be a lie. That your foresight magic has limits. It’s just an excuse. Am I wrong?”

“It’s not a lie!”

Ellen shouted and staggered. Enoch barely caught her as she nearly collapsed, and she struggled fiercely in his arms.

“Let go…!”

“Stay still. Are you trying to collapse again?”

“Let go…!”

Ellen, now crying, shed big, heavy tears. Enoch, who had carried her to the bed, wrapped her in the blanket to restrain her. Holding her tightly, he kissed her tear-streaked face repeatedly.

“Calm down, Ellen.”

“Bastard…”

“Now you’re even cursing at me.”

“You know nothing. That magic…”

“Fine, tell me. What don’t I know?”

“That magic, the love magic my mother gave me…!”

Was a terrible trap.

Ellen thought. Why did my mother leave me that magic? Did she want me to be unhappy? Just like her, who couldn’t end up with her first love… someone who looks like the woman her first love loved…

It was painful.

So painful it was suffocating.

The man’s gentle touch as he caressed her tear-streaked cheek and comforted her.

She felt like she was going mad with resentment towards him.

Why are you so kind, so selfish, so arrogant…

“When that magic fades… you will…”

She heard the sound of something collapsing inside her.

“…end up hating me.”

“…What nonsense is that?”

“That’s the backlash of the magic.”

Finally, the truth came out.

Confusion clouded Enoch’s eyes.

Ellen was terrified of that confusion. The change it might bring.

And what you will think after hearing this… How this precarious relationship, like a sandcastle, will change.

Did I want to stay in this false, kind dream?

Ellen smiled bitterly. It felt like she had finally woken up from a sweet dream.