Not Even a Lover for a Single Day

After being injured, a Duke came to a rural village to recuperate.
Estelle was his caregiver, his healer, and his one and only lover.
Her devotion was rewarded with the sweet promise of an engagement to the Duke.
However, he became engaged not to Estelle, but to another woman.
Her twin sister.

“The child resembles me quite a lot.”

Five years had passed since she had run away, given birth, and lived in hiding.
One day, the Duke discovered the existence of both her and the child.
Now, the man who had returned as the perfect Duke, celebrated as the hero of victory, claimed ownership of a child whose existence he hadn’t even known.

“……He’s the child of my late husband. There’s no way he resembles you, Duke.”
“That’s unfortunate. I don’t recall ever dying.”

There was certainty in his gaze.

“The child seems to be ill. The Duchy will take responsibility.”
“That’s……!”
“Let’s set aside any tedious arguments about not wanting to lose him.”

With a deep, intense look, he whispered in her ear.

“If you wish to protect the child, you must come to the mansion as well. Estelle Muhamot.”

Knowing full well it was the most dangerous invitation,
Estelle could not refuse the Duke’s request.