The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 115

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Sensing the warm atmosphere between us, people gradually began to approach, sizing us up. They wanted to forge connections, but Daykin, rumored to be a monster, was intimidating. I, on the other hand, must have seemed a little more approachable, and I could see they intended to target me.

I was frightened of these strangers, but I tried not to shy away, as this was the very situation I had intended to create. Just then, a woman stepped up beside me. She had red hair and captivating, lively eyes.

“You seem to enjoy the salmon,” she said. “It’s a bit embarrassing to boast, but salmon is the specialty of my family’s territory. We have the absolute best. Would you like me to send you some?”

There was no introduction revealing who she was. That was only natural, of course. This was a masquerade. Even if everyone knew who was who, the rule here was not to state names openly.

A territorial specialty… surely more than one place was famous for salmon. Her comment might narrow it down to a few families, but since she hadn’t revealed her name, it wasn’t technically against the rules.

Spurred by her example, others swarmed in, each beginning to boast about what delicacies or marvels their own lands produced. Daykin radiated a fierce energy, ready to chase them all away. I stopped him, smiling innocently.

I whispered in his ear.

“It’s such a lovely evening. Just let them be.”

“If you humor people like that, there’ll be no end to it.”

“Still, they don’t seem like bad people…”

Even as I said it, I knew how naive I sounded. Daykin seemed to be holding back a sigh. In the end, he did nothing to stop them, aside from glaring. The people who met his gaze flinched and subtly retreated, though they remained nearby.

While Daykin was getting some food, I discreetly located the washroom. It was tucked away in a corner. I leaned in and whispered again, just loudly enough for him to hear.

“Daykin, I’m just going to wash my hands. I must have gotten something on them while we were moving around.”

“What? Then I’ll go with—”

“I’ll be right back. To be honest, it’s not my hands, it’s… well, a rather urgent matter. You keep picking out food. You know what I like, right?”

I never knew I had such a talent for saying only the most frustrating things. It was a good thing I’d had a drink. Without it, I’d never have found the courage, never have been able to look at Daykin’s face and still find the resolve to leave.

I walked away quickly, lest he follow me. Everyone else seemed to believe I was dashing off for an urgent private matter, so no one pursued me. I had succeeded in pushing Daykin into the thick of the crowd. I finally let out a breath.

Would this make him reconsider, even slightly, his desire to live with someone as selfish as me? Should I have been more decisive in pushing him away? My mind was troubled.

The entrance to the washroom came into view. Just as I was about to enter and wash my hands, someone called my name.

“Ailee.”

…A familiar voice. My mind, hazy and submerged in alcohol, snapped instantly clear. I felt as if I’d been doused with cold water, yanked back to reality. My heart plummeted.

“Ah, I’ve been looking all over for you.”

How long had he been here? I’d been looking down from the second floor the whole time; how had I not spotted that face? And why on earth was he looking for me?

I couldn’t seem to breathe. Instinctively, I fumbled for the wall behind me. My back couldn’t be blocked. The door had to be right behind me. I needed a way to escape.

My hands trembled with fear. Calm down, calm down, Ailee. This isn’t the house. This is a hallway. It’s a masquerade ball, and there are plenty of people. What can he possibly do?

“Still as pathetic as ever.”

He sauntered toward me and removed his mask. “It’s been a while.” My younger brother, Lane, revealed himself before me.

It hit me then that he must have been living comfortably at the ducal house all this time. This was my original self—trembling stupidly, unable to breathe properly, incapable of meeting his gaze, already searching for an exit.

I couldn’t understand why Lane had sought me out. Of all the damnable luck, the hallway was empty.

“I never thought you’d actually show up at the party. Coming to places like this… you’re a real Duchess now, aren’t you?”

Lane’s eyes were shot with blood. He was hunched over slightly, as if bracing against some pain. It was the complete opposite of his usual posture—shoulders thrown back, gaze imperious, always looking down on me.

Why would he come to me in such a state? As he closed the distance between us, my pulse hammered wildly.

His face became clearer. His cheeks were covered in fresh scratches, as if he’d been clawed or struck. His menacing aura only intensified my fear. I had no idea what had happened to him, or why he was hunting me down like prey.

“His Grace the Duke certainly dotes on you. He wouldn’t leave your side for even a moment, would he? Such a devoted husband. Ah, but did you know your precious husband, in his terrible adoration for you, has been digging into our family? More than digging—he’s turning it upside down.”

I understood the first part, but the second made no sense. Turned our family upside down? Daykin? He was too busy with work; how could he have possibly done anything to harm the Count’s family?

I hadn’t received a single letter from the family estate. If something like that had happened, my parents would surely have sent a letter or come in person to harass me.

I floundered, unable to process the situation. All the while, Lane kept advancing. I continued to back away, but the only thing at the end of this path was the door leading to the terrace.