Chapter 177
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
“Did Miss Leah get pregnant?”
“I heard so.”
“You speak of it like it’s someone else’s business.”
“What does it have to do with me?”
If they were from Bartsch, they would think of him when they read the article.
Emilia straightened her back from the bow, raising her gaze to meet his. His eyes remained steady, not a hint of wavering, as though he truly believed it had nothing to do with him.
“Do you really think I slept with her?”
“…Isn’t it possible? Given your past actions.”
“Exactly. You think of me like a dog, so maybe you believe that. Dogs, when they’re in heat, apparently just mate with anyone.”
Emilia slowly blinked at his mocking words.
It occurred to her that perhaps it was best to listen quietly to what he said, so she closed her mouth.
“So, you think I slept around?”
Emilia shook her head. His actions had been the worst, but that was only in relation to what he had done to her.
Mikhail had no boundaries when it came to her, likely because he’d lost his sense of objectivity due to his anger.
It was clear that Mikhail didn’t seem to care about anyone else. At least, that much Emilia could be certain of.
What she was truly curious about was his thoughts on the child.
“If Miss Leah really is pregnant, what will you do? You wanted a child, didn’t you?”
“I wanted a child, yes. But not just any child. I wanted my child, the one you carry.”
“Back then, wasn’t that about plunging me into despair, based on the fact that I hated you?”
“Yes.”
“…And now? Do you still feel the same way?”
Unlike before, when Emilia had known nothing, she now knew all the truths.
So, there was no way he didn’t notice when she started looking at him with something other than hatred.
“Why would it change? The fact that your parents killed my family hasn’t changed.”
“Your Grace, I didn’t know that either. Aren’t we both victims?”
“I told you. I told you to abandon your family.”
“That’s an excuse.”
“You’ll be doing that soon enough.”
“…What do you mean by that?”
His words felt unsettling.
As Emilia was about to ask again, a hurried knock echoed from the door.
“Your Grace, it’s Byne!”
Both Mikhail and Emilia turned toward the door at the same time, noticing the agitation in Byne’s voice.
Mikhail stood and opened the door. The two of them exchanged hushed words.
Emilia watched as Mikhail, who had been leaning against the doorframe, suddenly stepped fully outside.
His handsome face twisted, and for a split second, his gaze lingered on her.
‘Was it about me?’
Emilia’s heart was pounding loudly.
Could it be that he found out about the pregnancy?
To hide her anxiousness, she clasped her hands tightly together.
How many minutes passed? He finally returned to the office.
“I think we’ll have to continue this conversation another time.”
“Has something happened?”
“Go back to your room.”
His face looked a little darker, complicated, and somewhat uncomfortable.
“No, I want you to tell me what happened.”
For a brief moment, he hesitated—so briefly that Emilia almost didn’t notice.
“Your mother has passed away.”
“…What… what do you mean?”
“You understood.”
He said it with an expressionless face.
‘Ah…’
It was good news for him. His enemy was dead, so it was only natural for him to be happy.
…But what about her?
Emilia’s eyes reddened. She was struck by the magnitude of his anger once more.
She didn’t want to believe it. She thought there was still some time left. She thought he hadn’t told her yet.
“Did my mother really pass away? No, right? If you’re saying this to hurt me, it’s already enough. Please just tell me it’s a lie.”
“…”
He remained silent. It seemed he had no intention of saying anything to her.
Emilia stood up and grabbed the collar of his coat.
“It’s a lie, right? You said she was in critical condition, but so soon… No, you’re trying to drag me into hell, aren’t you? Right?”
He must be trying to create a reason for her to abandon her family because she couldn’t.
“My mother, my mother…”
She couldn’t believe it until she saw it with her own eyes. Letting go of his collar, she wiped away the tears.
“Where is she? I need to go to the Loren estate right now.”
He stared at her with an indifferent expression.
“Byne.”
At Mikhail’s call, Byne entered the room.
“How can I serve you?”
“Escort the Duchess to her room.”
“…What is this about?”
“Take her to her room, and then follow me immediately.”
“Understood.”
Emilia desperately grabbed Mikhail’s hand as he was leaving the office without hesitation.
“I asked you what is this about?”
“You can’t leave here. Stay here until I return.”
“…Didn’t you hear me? My mother passed away. I’m her only child.”
Emilia’s voice trembled. Her mind was a chaotic mess unable to process what was happening.
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