My Husband was Switched - Chapter 28

The words coming out of Isabelle’s mouth were anything but normal. How had she hidden this personality for so long? Maybe I was supposed to be in Isabelle’s position, but the original story changed, causing both of our personalities to flip.

“Do not overstep your bounds, Your Highness.”

Cedric stood up, his expression hardening. His face clearly showed that he could no longer tolerate this.

Knock, knock, knock.

The sound of knocking came at just the right time.

“Your Highness the Grand Duchess. I’ve brought tea.”

“Come in.”

Rien entered cautiously and immediately poured tea into my cup. I picked up the cup nonchalantly, despite the icy atmosphere.

As the fragrant aroma rose, I dramatically gagged.

“Ugh.”

“……Wife?”

Cedric’s eyes widened, and Isabelle and Father’s faces darkened. I covered my mouth with my hand, blinking as if surprised.

“It seems it will be hard to annul the marriage. I wasn’t sure, so I couldn’t say anything, but…… I think I’m pregnant.”

“That’s impossible.”

“Ugh!”

I reinforced my claim with another gag. Rien hurriedly handed me a handkerchief.

“Why is it impossible? We’ve been so passionate every day, hardly ever apart.”

I said as I wiped my mouth.

I didn’t forget to glance at the clock, tilting my head slightly.

This should buy us some time.

“Are you really with child?”

“Does it matter? Once the physician arrives, everyone will know. They’ll say the Grand Duchess is carrying the heir. It wouldn’t make sense for me to go to another country pregnant with another man’s child, so Isabelle will have to go.”

I slowly rubbed my belly. Isabelle glared at me, horrified. But she would soon leave with Father, so I didn’t care.

“Y-Your Majesty! The divine beast has appeared!”

A knight burst in urgently, causing Father to jump to his feet.

‘Perfect timing.’

I took a leisurely sip of tea, smiling.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. The priest urgently contacted us, saying he sensed holy power.”

Father’s sharp gaze turned to Isabelle. She stood up abruptly, looking incredulous.

“That’s a lie! I definitely sensed it!”

“Enough, Isabelle.”

“Father! I’m serious……! Claire must have plotted this to send me away!”

Isabelle’s voice echoed loudly.

Supported by Cedric, I wiped my mouth with the handkerchief.

“……I understand. Isabelle, you must be scared of going to another country. But I married the same way. It was supposed to be your marriage, but I’m living well. You will too.”

“It’s all because of you!”

Isabelle, eyes bloodshot, lunged at me.

Slap.

A loud smack echoed through the air.

Isabelle’s head turned to the side.

Father’s hand had struck her cheek and then fallen away. His expression showed he could no longer tolerate her.

“This is as far as I can go. I overlooked your running away because I pitied sending you to another country, but how long do you plan to act like a child?”

She clutched her reddening cheek, tears streaming down her face.

“Y-You…… hit me.”

Isabelle lifted her head to glare at Father.

“Take Princess Isabelle to the palace immediately. Ensure she doesn’t do anything unnecessary and keep a close watch on her.”

“F-Father!”

A pale Isabelle was dragged out by the knights. Her bloodshot eyes glared at me with venom.

“Isabelle, live happily.”

Hoping this would be my last farewell to Isabelle, I waved my fingers vigorously.

It was unpleasant meeting you, and let’s never see each other again.

❖ ❖ ❖

Father left the Grand Duke’s residence with the knights.

It seemed my plan with Zeno had worked. Only after the imperial knights and everyone had left did I exhale in relief.

‘Haa……. It was such a long, long day.’

But one important issue remained. That thing I did to stop this situation.

Slowly turning my head, I saw Cedric staring intently at my belly. He seemed to have a lot to say.

I awkwardly avoided his gaze and smiled.

“Wife, don’t you have something to tell me?”

“Ah……. Well, you see. Haha.”

Knock, knock, knock.

“Your Grace. His Majesty said he will send an imperial physician in a few days.”

“What?!”

I exclaimed, eyes widening. Cedric’s eyes narrowed at my frantic reaction.

“Why are you so surprised?”

Cedric asked, and I awkwardly laughed, waving the maid away. Once the door closed, I exhaled nervously, rolling my eyes.

“Did you lie?”

Cedric, realizing it, sighed in exasperation. I nodded slightly and spoke.

“……That was the only way to urgently stop it. Who would doubt us as a married couple?”

“You’re right. What do we do now?”

He rubbed his chin slowly, his eyes half-closed. I waved my hands reassuringly.

“What do you mean? Nothing will happen. Do you trust me?”

“As always, I trust you. Just don’t cause any trouble.”

Cedric sighed softly. Suddenly, his eyes sparkled mischievously as he pulled me close and whispered into my ear.

“I’ve got a good idea.”

“……What is it?”

“Let’s make one. Our child.”

“……Are you serious?”

Seeing his eyes, I pushed his chest, shaking my head.

“N-No! That look! No, I don’t think so.”

“Why not? It’s the best solution. If you’re thinking of bribing the imperial physician, forget it. It’s impossible.”

“……Why?”

“The palace staff have all been replaced with those loyal to the Emperor.”

Cedric whispered in my ear, then buried his face deeply. His breath sent shivers down my spine.

Cedric’s eyes burned with desire as he held my waist tightly. But I couldn’t ask further.

Our lips were too close for me to breathe properly.

“Hnn……”

I clung to Cedric’s collar, moaning. My desperate breaths filled the space.

He lifted me lightly by the waist and sat on the desk. Pushing aside the documents, he breathed along my body line, past my lips.

“That’s why you should only lie when you can bear the consequences, Wife.”

“C-Cedric……”

As if punishing me for deceiving him, he pressed me hard. He was rougher than usual, giving me no time to think.

“And I hate lies. So let’s make it true.”

That’s it. I realized my mistake.

Cedric was deeply offended. He didn’t like that I had deceived even him.

“I had a reason……”

“We’ll talk about that later.”

His hand slid smoothly over my leg, sending chills down my spine.

All my nerves focused on him. Warmth spread from my nape. With every move, my breath quickened.

“Y-Your Grace! No, Cedric!”

I closed my eyes tightly and shouted. I barely held back a moan from his heavy touch.

Cedric blew into my ear and kissed my shoulder. His eyes, like a growling beast, held me completely in their gaze.

We almost did it outside the bedroom.

Even after that day, Cedric approached me with burning eyes whenever we met.

“Haa…… this is really intense.”

I spent nights persuading him with words, trying to dissuade him from clinging to me. It was embarrassing to have physical conversations so soon after realizing my feelings for him.

With a haggard face, I pulled the bell cord and headed to the office after getting ready.

“We need to finish our conversation.”

We had only spent a couple of nights together since our first night. It wasn’t enough time for a child to be conceived. He must have known that too, but he pretended not to and tormented me.

If I had committed a sin, it would be for being cheeky.

Cedric’s eyes had nearly popped out when I mentioned being pregnant.

Dragging my tired body, I walked to Cedric’s office when I heard a voice calling me.

“Grrr.” (Isn’t it too much to have no contact at all?)

“Ah, Zeno.”

“Woof, woof!” (I worked so hard, but you didn’t even look for me.)

Zeno barked with resentment.

I had forgotten about Zeno because of Cedric. It had been a few days since Father returned to the capital, so it was natural for him to be angry.

“Wooow! Wooow!” (You should have called me right after the imperial family left. Do you know how hard it was to clean up after the kids?)

He howled, pouring his resentment on me. I apologized, clasping my hands together.

“I’m really sorry, something came up.”

“Woof, woof!” (You’re going to him, right?)

“Zeno, you should come too. Cedric needs to know anyway.”

Zeno tilted his head.

I awkwardly shrugged and walked side by side with Zeno to Cedric’s office.