My Husband was Switched - Chapter 2
After Cedric left, Isabelle cried her eyes out, but Father didn’t budge.
‘So, calling us suddenly was about the marriage.’
I listened absentmindedly to their conversation, tense and distracted.
In truth, I couldn’t even hear their conversation. That’s understandable, considering I ran away like a madwoman after encountering him.
Thinking back, it was so embarrassing.
‘Please, just get married.’
I clasped my hands together and prayed.
How wonderful it would be if that happened. According to the novel, she would surely defy the Emperor, refusing the marriage.
When I glanced at Isabelle, I saw her gripping the hem of her dress tightly.
Preparing myself, I listened to her voice, but what I heard was unexpected. I widened my eyes and looked at the two of them.
“Alright. If Father says so, I’ll accept it.”
Despite her tears, her voice was unwavering.
I finally let out a sigh of relief.
“But Father, isn’t it time for Claire to get married too?”
“…Claire’s marriage will take some time.”
Hearing my name suddenly called, I snapped out of my daze.
Of course, it wouldn’t pass just like that.
“I’ll work on it. I want my sister to go to a good place.”
“I’m fine, really…”
Isabelle grabbed my hand and smiled.
“I’m worried. What if weird guys cling to you because they think you’re an easy target?”
“No, I can handle…”
“You have a kind heart. Alright, I’ll leave it to you.”
I gaped at Father’s words.
Why were they suddenly so concerned about my marriage when they had always treated me like a burden?
It was strange that they were suddenly paying attention to my marriage.
❖ ❖ ❖
How many days passed?
Isabelle came running to me with an excited face, handing me a note.
It was a profile of a man.
When I tried to read it, Isabelle snatched it from my hand and locked eyes with me.
Her intense gaze left me bewildered, unable to even look at the profile.
“Sister, this man is handsome, young, and rich.”
“…Oh, really.”
“He doesn’t mind who he marries. Just like you.”
That’s similar to me. But I haven’t even checked yet.
Without waiting for my response, Isabelle continued.
“Sister, I overheard Father. He’s planning to push for a marriage with Count Gerbon soon.”
“…Gerbon?”
The fat old man?
I looked disgusted, unable to believe it.
Sending me to such an old man was too much.
‘Even though he said he’d leave it to Isabelle, suddenly this!’
Contrary to what I knew, the Emperor’s promises seemed incredibly light.
“There’s not much time.”
Isabelle’s urgent words swayed me.
“Later, you can do as you please once you divert Father’s attention.”
“Well… that’s true.”
“It’s uncomfortable staying here, isn’t it?”
Nodding at Isabelle’s endless words, I agreed.
Indeed, as long as it wasn’t Cedric, I didn’t care who it was. I planned to maintain the marriage briefly and then divorce.
“Sure, why not. It doesn’t matter who it is.”
“Father will make a fuss if he finds out. So, let’s proceed quietly for now.”
And that’s how I ended up in a secret marriage without a wedding ceremony.
❖ ❖ ❖
And now, this was my second meeting with him.
Excluding the first night when I didn’t see his face.
Forget what I said about taking him if I was given; that was if I were Isabelle. I didn’t mean to take him like this.
Back to the present, I moved my spoon with a blank expression. I didn’t even know if the food was going into my mouth or my nose, just mechanically moving the spoon back and forth.
“Do you have no appetite?”
“Huh? Oh… I’m just a bit tired.”
“How about a walk after eating?”
I nodded.
The food was quite to my taste, but ever since realizing Cedric was sitting in front of me, my mind was too cluttered to enjoy it.
‘I need to send a letter to Isabelle.’
Not that questioning her would change anything.
Glancing at Cedric, I saw him cutting his meat with a blank face.
His broad shoulders, flowing black hair, and eyes as clear as a cloudless blue sky.
I asked as I stared at him, his posture straight and unyielding.
“So, you knew from the beginning that I would marry Your Highness?”
Cedric nodded lightly.
He didn’t ask any questions, even though he could have.
“Why are you staying silent when it’s different from what the Emperor promised? As you know, I am an illegitimate child.”
“What does that matter?”
“It matters! Despite your great achievements, you kept being sent to war because of the promise to marry Isabelle.”
He had a rightful claim.
He could have demanded his marriage partner, but he didn’t.
Because of that, I ended up suffering.
I clenched my fist.
“This marriage is not right.”
“Not right?”
“Yes, to be honest, I was supposed to marry a Count from the frontier, not Your Highness.”
“Do you know his name?”
“Cader Taylor…”
I don’t know if a man with that name exists, but Isabelle said the Count from the frontier was named Cader Taylor.
I lowered my head like a dejected puppy.
I avoided his gaze, predicting what kind of expression he would have.
He must think I’m talking nonsense. I know I seem strange.
But I don’t want to live with a cheating husband!
“I don’t know who that is, but one thing is clear, you don’t seem to like me.”
“That’s not it.”
“Then why do you keep using formal language with me? It feels distant.”
“…Wouldn’t some distance be good for a married couple?”
“If that’s what you prefer, I’ll use formal language too. Though I don’t favor it.”
There was no need for him to follow my lead. Cedric himself was difficult for me, so it was hard to speak informally.
That’s why I kept using formal language, but he seemed to interpret it differently.
I reluctantly nodded. Yet, he seemed to notice my unchanged expression and asked seriously.
“Is it my face that you don’t like?”
“No.”
“Then is it my body that you don’t like? But you seem to like this kind of body.”
“…Pardon?”
What did I just hear? I stared at him, thinking I misheard. Cedric looked at me without changing his expression.
“I just thought so. If it’s not my body, is it the Grand Duke’s residence that you don’t like?”
“No! The Grand Duke’s residence is wonderful. The breathtaking view of the snow and the warm sunlight coming through the windows are amazing.”
It was much bigger and prettier than my room. Even the trees in the garden, the North was not only cold but also warm.
My honest answer seemed to make Cedric’s eyebrow twitch. I wasn’t good at lying, so I answered truthfully.
He wiped his mouth with a napkin, looking quite thoughtful.
I swallowed dryly, watching his reaction.
What if he thinks I’m joking and gets angry? He might bury me in the snowy fields of the North.
There were rumors that he was as harsh as he was indifferent to others.
Though they were just rumors, they weren’t entirely baseless.
Look at those sturdy arms. Aren’t they strong enough to throw a person?
But contrary to my worries, his next words were unexpected.
“Were you dissatisfied with our night together?”
“…Pardon?”
I blinked slowly.
What on earth is this man talking about?
It felt like I was being interrogated, but seeing his serious expression, he seemed to be genuinely concerned.
Undoubtedly, anyone who slept with him would be ecstatic.
But I kept my mouth shut.
How could I say something so shameless?
Just him looking at me with those burning eyes made my face flush red.
“I must have been lacking. I should have realized when you said you liked being blindfolded and having your hands tied…”
“What are you talking about!”
His sudden change of topic snapped me out of my daze.
When did I ever say I liked that!
Cedric’s eyes narrowed as he watched my widened eyes.
“I’ll ask again.”
He stood up and walked over to where I was sitting, leaning down.
Then he locked eyes with me and asked,
“Were you disappointed with our night together?”
“…No, that’s not it.”
I shook my head.
He didn’t know why I was acting this way, but I was feeling utterly hopeless.
If he seduced me with all these words only to have an affair with Isabelle… how miserable would that be. So, I shouldn’t give him my heart.
I’ll at least keep my distance, and once I’m sure he won’t fall for Isabelle, then I can enjoy it.
As I subtly avoided Cedric’s gaze, he cupped my face with both hands, holding it steady.
“Claire, when someone is speaking.”
Gulp.
His blue eyes shimmered with a strange light.
The intense glare, like a raging storm, made my palms sweat.
“You should look them in the eyes.”
“I-I wasn’t disappointed!”
I answered to save myself.
“Good to know you weren’t disappointed. Since we are now married, if there’s anything uncomfortable, please tell me anytime.”
I quickly nodded, trying to escape his grasp,
“If you were disappointed, I was going to suggest we spend several days and nights until you’re satisfied.”
His large hand gently stroked my face before letting go.
Frozen in place, I watched Cedric’s back as he returned to his seat.
‘…Several days and nights.’
His words echoed in my ears.
❖ ❖ ❖
Translator
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his attitude’s so refreshing lmao. straight up asking her like that 🤣🤣🤣 im liking this story so far!!!