Chapter 14 – The Expiration Date of Our Marriage

“But for the first time, I’m doubting you. That man tried to kill me.”

Ian’s low voice sent chills down my spine. He was so… so close. And so… sexy.

Why did his clothes have to be so disheveled? I took a step back and lowered my head, afraid my heart wouldn’t be able to handle it if I kept looking at him.

“I’m sorry. But I don’t want to make a bigger scene here.”

“…Let’s go to the carriage.”

I followed him like a sinner.

In front of the carriage, Ian extended his hand as if to escort me. It was the first time I had taken his hand since our early days of marriage when he would escort me in front of others. Now, with no one watching, why was he doing this? Thinking it was a new kind of punishment, I took his hand and climbed into the carriage.

“To the estate.”

After giving the order to the coachman, Ian climbed in and closed the door. Even though it was Walter’s crime, it was something that happened because of me, so I felt like a criminal.

Moreover, this was the first time I’d seen Ian since his mother had reprimanded him, making me feel even more guilty. Ian leaned back, crossing his arms, and glared at me.

“Explain why I should forgive that man.”

I tried to avoid my knees touching his by sitting back on the seat and said nervously.

“Well… I’d be grateful if you did…”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve been having a hard time lately…”

Why do I always feel so small and pathetic in front of Ian Keppel? Why do I feel so pathetic and cowardly? But I didn’t have the energy to explain in detail.

Ian must have been aware of how I’ve been tormented in social circles lately. If he wanted to punish Walter, he would have to take him to court. Just imagining explaining this sordid affair in court made me feel sick. Ian, perhaps feeling some sympathy for my meek voice, let out a big sigh and said,

“Alright.”

I was so surprised that Ian agreed so easily that I looked up in shock.

“But,”

Of course, it couldn’t be that simple. What would the condition be? Divorce?

“Never meet that man again. No letters, no sponsorship, nothing.”

Huh? That’s an obvious condition… I had been certain Ian would ask for a divorce, but he said something completely different, leaving me bewildered. When I didn’t respond, Ian frowned.

“Answer me.”

“Yes, yes!”

I hurriedly answered, afraid he might change his mind. I was a bit taken aback. Even though he had nearly been killed because of me, it was hard to believe he was letting it go so easily. He must have been truly angry, even if the actual threat was minimal…

“When did you start using holy power?”

“…Since I was a child.”

“Why did you heal that bastard?”

“He’s an actor. How could he make a living with a ruined face…”

“He tried to kill me. Do I have to consider his situation too?”

I had to admit that healing him was unnecessary. I did feel pity after reading about his tragic childhood and past hardships. The guilt of using someone who clearly liked me also played a part. But explaining all this felt too exhausting, so I answered vaguely.

“…Living like that might be worse than dying.”

Ian looked like he was about to say something but held back. I glanced at his angry face, wondering if I should now explain what his mother had said to him.

But what could I say? That I didn’t intend to have children with him? That I didn’t plan to divorce him but also didn’t plan to have children, effectively ending the Keppel line?

The thought of it all made me laugh. I finally realized how lightly I had taken this marriage. Continuing this marriage would ultimately mean having Ian’s heir someday. It felt like an impossible dream.

“Why are you laughing?”

“Huh? Oh… it’s nothing.”

Compared to that, Ian’s suggestion to divorce after three years seemed incredibly realistic. It was like he had foreseen the expiration date of our marriage. Feeling a bit despondent, I muttered,

“You said that back then…”

“…”

“The day we first met.”

Ian pressed his fingers to his temples, clearly tired.

“You suggested we divorce after three years and promised to provide for me afterward.”

I forced a smile.

“How much were you planning to give me?”

Considering the wealth of the Keppel family, he’d surely be more generous than my uncle. Even if not, since he’d be at fault for the divorce, he’d likely offer a substantial alimony.

Come to think of it, I wasn’t sure how the Empire’s laws would handle this. Infidelity by a spouse would certainly be grounds for divorce, but I wasn’t sure how broadly it would be defined.

It’s not like I caught him in the act; simply parading another woman as his partner might not count as infidelity. It was common for people to bring protégés as partners, just as I had brought Walter.

Ian hadn’t fathered a child out of wedlock, so if he denied any infidelity, I might end up at a disadvantage. Worse, Walter’s attempt on Ian’s life might backfire on me, making me the guilty party. Rumors already suggested we were both having affairs.

“Why are you asking about that?”

Ian’s sudden question pulled me out of my thoughts.

“You said you’d never divorce me.”

“I was just curious.”

No matter how I looked at it, I seemed to be at a disadvantage right now. I should just hang in there a little longer. Bringing up divorce now might cause Mother to collapse again. Ian would eventually find someone else to love besides Celia. Could I endure until then?

While imagining what the end of our marriage would look like, the carriage arrived at the mansion. Jane, who had been anxiously waiting, rushed out. She had clearly been worried the whole time. Seeing her so distressed made me feel guilty, and I took her hands.

I was about to apologize when Ian spoke first.

“I’ll wash up and come to your room. We need to talk about something important.”

What? His sudden announcement left me flustered as he turned and walked away. The butler, Vanon, cleared his throat, and the servants dispersed. Jane, who had been in a daze, suddenly gasped and pulled me towards the stairs.

“My Lady, hurry up!”

She hurriedly led me to the bedroom and pushed me into the bathroom, quickly removing my accessories and clothes.

“What happened today?”

“It’s a long story…”

“Then tell me tomorrow. For now, just wash up.”

Without waiting for a response, she poured water over my head. I pushed my wet hair back and spat out water.

“Jane, the water’s cold…”

“Maybe because you came back late. But there’s no time to heat it up now.”

Never had I been treated like this as a duchess. Jane hastily washed me, wrapped me in a towel, and led me to the fireplace.

“Don’t worry. John and I have a signal for this kind of situation.”

“What signal?”

“If the master is coming to your room, he’ll cough on the stairs.”

“Why?”

“So you can be prepared.”

Prepared for what? Instead of bringing clothes, Jane was gathering makeup.

“Jane, I need clothes…”

She ignored me, applied something to my lips, and then to my cheeks.

“Say ‘ma-mum’.”

I did as she asked, then spoke.

“I need to get dressed.”

Without answering, she tweezed my eyebrows.

“Ow! Why are you plucking my eyebrows…?”

“Perfect.”

“What’s going on? Ian just said he had something to talk about.”

“My Lady, you need to do well tonight.”

“What?”

“If he just wanted to talk, he could have done it in the carriage. But he wants to talk in the bedroom, and it’s important! It’s probably because of what the Dowager Duchess said a few days ago.”

The servants were well aware of Mother urging Ian to produce an heir. But because of that, Ian and I…? That couldn’t be it.

“Take a deep breath and try to relax.”

“I’m not nervous. But Jane, please get me some clothes.”

“I’ve been preparing for this day every night, just in case.”

What’s gotten into her?

Jane brought out the nightgown I had worn only once on our wedding night. It was a pure design, but slightly sheer, making it subtly seductive. I put it on as Jane handed it to me and tried to calm my confused mind by staring at the flames in the fireplace. Jane muttered while drying my hair.

“Maybe it’s better to leave it slightly damp?”

Jane’s frantic pace left me no time to think, but watching the flames made me feel oddly sentimental. Ian’s response earlier had been strange. I had expected him to bring up divorce because of the incident with Walter, but instead, he simply told me not to see Walter anymore.

Moreover, when I asked how much he would give me if we divorced, he responded with a question, asking why I was asking. That wasn’t like Ian. His comment about doubting my love for him for the first time today was also odd. My face suddenly grew hot, and I pressed my cool hand against my cheek.

“Why not just end it with me? Don’t make many people miserable.”

“Do you think you’re the only couple married without love?”

As my words and Mother’s words replayed in my mind, I began to think Ian might have resigned himself to staying married and having a child with me.

Just then, I heard a cough outside. The forced coughs continued, making my heart pound.