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A low, somber voice and a stern face—things I hadn’t seen from Roan recently. I swallowed involuntarily. Seeing Roan like this was somewhat frightening, but I couldn’t deny the joy I felt deep down. He truly doesn’t want to part from me now. In the past, he would never have reacted this way.

Roan had never shown much emotion towards Alexandra before, nor had he shown any negative reaction. But now, for the first time, he displayed something akin to hostility. No, he seemed more annoyed than hostile.

Alexandra appeared a little, no, quite surprised by Roan’s words.

“I’m surprised. I didn’t think you’d say that.”

That’s exactly what I thought. If it weren’t for this tense atmosphere, I might have smiled broadly. Roan still looked displeased, with a faint frown on his face. Alexandra continued, speaking even more softly, yet loud enough for us to hear.

“I was mistaken. You’ve changed.”

Contrary to the icy atmosphere of the dining room, Alexandra smiled as if she were painting a picture.

It was strange to feel such things in this atmosphere, but it seemed like the first genuine smile I’d seen from her. It was an odd feeling.

Even after entering my room, that smile lingered in my memory. Their relationship had never started on a typical mother-son note. Alexandra’s smile—what did it mean? Hmm. Was I overthinking a trivial matter?

I had assumed there was nothing but indifference between them, but perhaps their relationship was not as one-dimensional as I thought. Roan and Alexandra. Alexandra and Roan. As I pondered their relationship, I sensed a presence outside the door.

‘…?’

At first, I thought it was just a passing servant, but the presence continued near the door.

Someone must be there. I waited, expecting them to come in.

However, the presence lingered without entering.

“Who’s out there? Mary?”

When I called out, the presence disappeared without a response.

Who could it be? Unable to contain my curiosity, I walked to the door and slowly opened it, preparing for the possibility of bumping into someone.

“??”

Despite my cautious approach, no one was there. I was sure I had felt someone’s presence earlier.

…Could it be a ghost? A shiver ran through me at the thought. No, it can’t be… Ghosts… I tried to dismiss the servant’s ghost stories from my mind.

I couldn’t hide my sudden nervousness. As I quickly moved to close the door,

– Whoosh.

A hand I hadn’t noticed behind the door reached out.

“Kyah… Mmph.”

Startled by the sudden appearance of a hand, I almost screamed, but the sound was muffled as I was pulled into a strong chest.

And soon, I realized that the embrace had a very familiar scent.

“…….”

“…Roan? What brings you here at this hour?”

My face was still buried in Roan’s firm chest. I tried to pull away to see his face. While I liked being in his arms, my curiosity about his sudden visit was stronger.

However, Roan’s arms held me firmly, not letting go. I struggled and twisted, but he wouldn’t release me. Realizing my efforts were futile, I gave up trying to get out of his embrace.

“Can you let go first, Roan?”

Dear husband, what’s gotten into you?

“Roan?”

Even as I called his name repeatedly, like a parrot, he only tightened his grip without answering.

“…Duchess.”

Roan’s suppressed voice finally came out.

“What is it?”

“My wife.”

Yes, I am your wife.

“…Delis.”

!

I was quite surprised. Roan was calling me by my name. I never thought this day would come.

I wondered if he had ever done so before, but I was hearing it clearly for the first time now. Just as I was about to celebrate this historic moment in my heart, his husky voice reached my ears.

“Are you thinking of leaving?”

……?? What’s he talking about? I was about to ask what he meant when,

“No. Don’t say anything.”

He asked but then told me not to speak. I stayed silent, sensing the seriousness in his tone.

“It’s not like it will change anything.”

His voice was chilling.

“Don’t even think about leaving.”

A cold command. But why does it feel like…

“I won’t let you go.”

…he’s pleading with me?

“…Even if you want to.”

He spoke calmly, yet passionately. And sorrowfully.

“…….”

I didn’t know why, but I felt a lump in my throat. I rarely cried, but I fought back tears.

I slowly pulled away from him. This time, Roan released me willingly. As my emotions settled a bit, I asked him,

“Why did you think that? When did I say I was leaving?”

I’ve tried so hard to stay by your side all this time.

I spoke with the utmost certainty.

“I’m not going anywhere.”

“Then why?”

Roan’s voice wavered with a mix of confusion and determination.

“You didn’t answer then.”

“Back then?”

“…Mother’s question.”

Mother’s question? Could it be…

“Aren’t you two planning to separate anyway?”

Was that it? Oh, dear. This poor man had been holding onto that all this time.

Because I didn’t outright deny the notion of divorce back then.

“It was such a ridiculous question…! I couldn’t even respond.”

As I spoke, the absurdity of it made me take a deep breath and then I laughed softly.

By now, he should understand how much I care for him. Yet Roan always seemed to doubt my affection, acting as if he never expected to be loved.

Roan looked at me, clearly taken aback by my words.

“You fool. Did you interpret it that way?”

He must have. After all, he’s lived a life feeling that no one ever gave him their full love.

Never even considering the possibility of being loved. This man.

My husband, you are more worthy of love than anyone I know.

“I love you.”

Roan’s eyes, which had been steady, wavered significantly. Yes, if it’s not enough, I’ll keep saying it until you believe it.

“And you, Roan?”

“…I.”

Roan looked flustered by my sudden confession.

“No. Don’t say anything. Whatever it is, I will love you anyway.”

Quoting his own words back to him, I saw him bite his lip slightly, embarrassed. Ah, how adorable. I felt an overwhelming urge to kiss him.

“Chomp.”

…What? Did I actually bite him?

Giving in to impulse, I found my teeth gently nibbling his finger. Both Roan and I were shocked by my unexpected action.

I am not a dog, after all.

“Ha ha. I did it unconsciously.”

“My dear.”

Roan wrapped his large hand around mine, which had been gripping his hand tightly.

His eyes, more languid and sensual than usual, looked down at me. Then Roan’s low voice pierced through to me.

“Can I kiss you?”

This time, it was my turn to be surprised. As if seeking consent was merely a formality, Roan’s lips soon covered mine. I gasped as his breath mingled with mine.

After our breaths mingled intensely, I finally came to my senses and felt my face heating up.

Seeing my now surely red face, Roan smirked deeply and lazily, placing his hand on my cheek.

“Your cheek is warm.”

Thanks to whom? I mumbled, and Roan’s smile deepened further.

Why doesn’t Roan’s face turn red? Only mine does. It seemed terribly unfair.

“Have a good night.”

Roan kissed my forehead, opened the door, and gently ushered me into the room.

Is he just going to leave like this? Well, of course, he has to sleep, but still.

My bedroom is right here… Just saying.

“Sigh.”

It was a good night, but I felt like I wouldn’t be able to sleep.

***

The next morning.

“Your Grace, you have to get up!”

Mary’s persistent voice woke me up early. Even as I groggily told her I wanted to sleep more, she bombarded me with her formidable nagging, leaving me no choice but to get up.

‘I can’t believe this.’

Contrary to my prediction that I wouldn’t be able to sleep, I had fallen asleep immediately once I lay down.

“What day is it today?”

“Your Grace! Today is the Crown Prince’s birthday banquet.”

Oh, right. It reminded me of Sophia’s birthday banquet. The memory of nearly starving to death gave me goosebumps.

Feeling sleepy and lazy, I wondered if I really had to attend Cameron’s birthday. Surely, there would be plenty of people to celebrate without me.

But I knew if I voiced this thought, I’d face even more nagging, so I got up willingly.

Mary, you’ve changed. You never used to nag me like this. Sniff.

Though, back then, it was because you feared Delis’s nasty temper, not out of any consideration for me.

Ah, and Grace would definitely be there today, right? She came to Sophia’s birthday too. So, I might get to see some romantic interactions between the heroine and the hero? Yes, I must go. As a reader of this story, it’s my duty to witness such moments.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories