Chapter 11.6

Things hadn’t turned out as expected, but Liam could finally see his son openly after a few days. Looking at the small baby breathing heavily in Yvonne’s arms, he turned to the doctor and asked.

“What disease did you say it was exactly?”

“It’s jaundice. It’s a common illness in premature babies. Temporarily, the face and the whites of the eyes turn yellow. It usually heals naturally over time, so I thought this baby would too…”

“But he hasn’t?”

“Yes. It’s not a good sign that it’s persisted for weeks. And the yellowing is spreading. It means he’s not getting better at all. Madam, please show your husband the baby’s belly.”

At those words, Yvonne carefully lifted the baby’s clothes to show his belly. In fact, Liam hadn’t particularly noticed Claude’s skin being yellow. He wasn’t used to seeing babies, so he couldn’t see the difference.

But seeing his belly, he could definitely tell. The upper part of the baby’s plump belly was a deep yellow compared to the lower part.

“In such cases, many babies have died. Fortunately, a treatment has recently been developed. It’s rare, so research has always been delayed. However, it’s still in the clinical stage, and the treatment is…”

“Monopolized by a particular family, I heard. Is that correct?”

“Yes, yes. That’s correct.”

“Which family is it?”

“I believe it’s the Earl of Rozier Family. They’re a prestigious central noble family known for their medical expertise.”

“Rozier…?”

Liam furrowed his brow slightly. As the doctor explained, the Earl of Rozier Family was well-known, so he naturally knew of them. But what bothered him was the unease he felt upon hearing the family name ‘Rozier.’

‘There was something, I think.’

It was ominous. In such cases, there was a high chance he had been involved with them unfavorably.

But he couldn’t show it in front of Yvonne. Liam thought he should ask Gabriel later and focused on checking Claude’s condition for now.

That afternoon, Liam first went to Gabriel and explained the situation.

“I understand the situation. So you’re leaving tomorrow?”

“Yes, I have to. It’s urgent.”

Fortunately, it was quick to reach the capital from Valence Village by train. Although Priva, in the northeast, was geographically much farther than Verno, there were many direct trains to Priva, the capital, unlike the train to Verno, which took eight days, stopping at various stations. It was a relief that it only took three days.

“Then I should return tomorrow too. I need to explain your situation and ask for understanding.”

“Please do.”

Gabriel shrugged, indicating not to worry. Before the conversation ended, Liam asked something he was curious about.

“And about the Earl of Rozier Family.”

“Hmm? Why them?”

“Did I have any dealings with them? Anything bad?”

“You don’t remember?”

“…?”

“Judging by your expression, you really don’t remember.”

No wonder he felt uneasy when he first heard about the Rozier Family. It seemed there was indeed something.

“You were involved with them unfavorably. The Earl of Rozier Family is the one, isn’t it? The one bent on getting back at you.”

“Explain so I can understand.”

“Do you remember getting slapped by Mademoiselle Rozier?”

“That happened more than once, oh.”

Liam stopped mid-sentence, swallowing the curse rising to his throat. It wasn’t the first time he’d been slapped by a woman, but it shouldn’t have been that particular woman from the Rozier Family. Claude’s life depended on the Rozier Family.

“D*mn, of all things…”

There were many times when his reckless past ended badly, but there were also times when it ended well.

So it was unfortunate that among many families, it was the one with which he had a bad relationship. Or maybe it was truly paying for the sins of his past.

“But it’s a personal matter with Mademoiselle, so it should be fine, right? Personal feelings shouldn’t mix with business.”

“I’d like to give you hope, but as far as I know, the Earl of Rozier is a doting father.”

Just like you’re a fool in love with your wife.

Gabriel swallowed the last words. He hurriedly focused on changing the subject and didn’t notice Liam’s disappointed face.

“But why the Rozier Family?”

“They’re the family monopolizing Claude’s treatment.”

“Ah…”

A long silence followed.

* * *

Yvonne carefully brushed her curly, long brown hair. After applying fragrant oil to add shine, she donned an outer robe and left the room with a lantern.

Her decision was influenced by a conversation she had with Gabriel earlier while taking a light stroll.

“Good evening, Madame. Ah, I’m sorry. It’s a habit, so I keep being rude.”

“What do you mean, rude?”

“You’re no longer married. You never truly were, but the name of your cousin you borrowed is no longer associated with the Arthus Family.”

“Could you explain? I don’t understand what you mean by no longer associated.”

“You may not know, but your cousin returned to the Debroge Family. So, everything became known, and the marriage was annulled by the church.”

“I see…”

The real Jeanne had returned.

Yvonne sighed at the unexpected news. She was then briefly informed of the situation.

While hearing about how situations were resolved more smoothly than expected, she felt relieved but also increasingly anxious. It was because of the news that Liam eventually annulled the marriage. Unlike before, even if Liam wanted the annulment, there was nothing to regret. Emma was no longer in the world, and Marceau’s help was no longer needed.

Above all, now that she knew the truth, she could not love him as she once did, so it was not a significant blow. She would have just accepted it as it was. If Claude were not sick and did not need Liam’s help.

When she didn’t know that the real Jeanne had returned and the marriage was annulled, Yvonne thought it was natural for Liam to help her. After all, they were a couple, and Claude was her child, but also Liam’s.

However, if the marriage was annulled, the man’s help was not a given. Yvonne clearly remembered the abusive words Liam hurled at her in the past and his treatment of Claude.

“You only have two choices. Take medicine. Or lie beneath me. Choose. I don’t care either way. It’s not hard to keep going until the child is gone.”

Unlike her, Liam seemed to have little attachment to Claude. The feelings he had when he said those words in the past likely remained unchanged.

For now, like any ordinary noble, he was only interested because Claude was his only son and heir.

‘Who knows when his mind might change.’

Therefore, Yvonne needed to be in Liam’s good graces. At least until Claude’s treatment was safely completed.

Fortunately, she knew well what Liam wanted. She hoped it was still valid… She just hoped he still desired it.

The thought of being intimate again was horrifying, but Claude’s illness was entirely her fault. According to the doctor, it was because the baby came into the world early.

Of course, the doctor said that even babies born at full term sometimes get sick, but Yvonne did not hear it. It seemed entirely her fault. Simply because she couldn’t stand Liam and handled her body roughly. Even at the time of childbirth, she didn’t prepare in a proper environment but gave birth suddenly.

This was a task she had to accept. Claude was innocent.

Thus, at the late hour when most were asleep, Yvonne found Liam’s room and knocked on the door. Though she knocked lightly, the sound echoed loudly in the quiet corridor. She waited nervously. Inside, there was a sound of movement, and then the door swung open.

“Who… Jeanne? Ah, it’s just a habit.”

“It’s okay. Can I come in?”

“Speak here.”

Yvonne’s words seemed to ask for permission, but her feet were already halfway over the threshold. Liam, flustered, blocked her with his body and added,

“If it’s not urgent, speak tomorrow.”

“I didn’t come to talk.”

“Then?”

“To fulfill my duty.”

Duty?

Liam did not understand what Yvonne meant for a moment until she untied her robe.

She was wearing a nightgown inside, but the deeply cut neckline boldly revealed her ample cleavage. As Liam instinctively sought God, Yvonne asked,

“Should I take off more here?”

“Crazy, no, wait, wait. Come in. Quickly.”

Liam grabbed Yvonne’s wrist and pulled her inside the room. Even after locking the door tightly, Liam couldn’t suppress his pounding heart.

Only then did he understand what Yvonne meant by ‘duty.’ She was referring to the duty, the relationship of a couple.

‘But so suddenly?’

Why? There hadn’t been any sign. Could she have missed me secretly?

Maybe. Yvonne was well-suited to me physically, so she might have missed me during our separation…

But is it okay? It’s been almost a month since she gave birth. Her body might not be fully recovered yet.

“Liam.”

“Uh, yes?”

“Do you not want to?”

Yvonne asked cautiously. Even after she placed the lantern on the table, Liam remained glued to the door, not looking at her. Seeing the broad back of the man made her feel uneasy.

“Huh? Of course not.”

The immediate response reassured Yvonne a little.

“Then why aren’t you turning around?”

“Well, it’s just…”

After rambling for a while, Liam finally closed his eyes tightly and then opened them.

Ah, whatever.

He turned around in resignation and took in the sight of Yvonne. At the same time, Liam inhaled deeply. She was wearing only underwear, having already removed her robe and nightgown.

Her softly cascading brown hair covered her delicate shoulder line, and below that, her br*asts were so full that they couldn’t be hidden even by underwear.

Liam felt his manhood grow even more tense. It had already risen before bringing Yvonne inside, but now it seemed to swell further.

He wanted to lay her on the bed and indulge her immediately, but he suppressed his desires.

“Are you okay…?”

Yvonne didn’t answer. Instead, she approached him, placed her hand on his shoulder, and pressed her chest against him. Her br*asts, soft and overflowing over her underwear, pressed warmly against Liam.

They were surely as soft as they appeared. Liam hesitated, unable to hide his bewilderment. He was going crazy with desire.

‘Where did she learn such skills?’

She was certainly his wife, but she seemed different. As if he had met a seductress wearing his wife’s guise. The Yvonne he knew was always shy and fled, never approaching first.

“You, really… Why suddenly…”

“Do you dislike it?”

“No, I mean, ha. D*mn.”

Liam muttered a curse softly and added while supporting Yvonne’s bare waist.

“You provoked me first. Got it?”