The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 121

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Hesitation flickered across Illina’s face. Lane furrowed his brow slightly before smoothing it again. As if he couldn’t trust his own mother, he added a condition.

“And don’t say anything useless. For example, don’t tell her the past is partly her fault, or scream at her, or anything like that. Ah, but it would be even better if you cried and apologized instead.”

If we’re talking about persuasion, I can’t exactly say what I did today was perfect, either.

As he’d said earlier, the first button didn’t matter. Ailee would probably be happy even if he’d used a bead instead of a button.

Illina had no confidence she could do as Lane asked. Would she even listen to me? Divorce isn’t something one person can just decide, and he’s a Grand Duke. I can’t even meet him, so how could I possibly persuade him with just a few words? That girl might be simple and soft-hearted, so it might work on her. But the Grand Duke would surely try to protect her.

“But the Grand Duke is the one ruining Lizziana right now. Do you really think he’ll be persuaded so easily?”

Lane failed to control his expression, his face twisting into a sharp scowl. He ground his teeth and muttered darkly.

“If you hadn’t insisted on using that strange medicine, none of this would be happening. So stop whining. It’s annoying.”

…Medicine? How did he… How, right now, could he…

At the unexpected words, Illina froze, her body going rigid. He couldn’t possibly know. How on earth did this child…

Lane sighed, making no effort to hide his exhaustion. He had been writhing in constant pain, unable to sleep properly. He had only just found some relief, and this was dragging things out unnecessarily.

He rubbed his temples roughly.

“I’m doing this to save you, you know. If you really can’t convince her, I’ll abandon everything and just save myself. So do it right. Oh, and of course, don’t say anything to Lizzy for now. Otherwise, I’ll flip this whole table, persuasion and all.”

He, who bore a strange resemblance to Illina, gave a crooked smile. She had known since he was young that he didn’t blend well with others, but she never imagined it was to this extent… A chill ran down her spine at Lane’s unnatural smile, and she pulled her arms tightly against her body.

“You have to promise, Mother. That you’ll do it.”

“…I will.”

“Good.”

Lane rose leisurely from his seat. A body free of pain was, unsurprisingly, wonderful.

Illina remained seated, watching Lane’s movements from a distance. She couldn’t say a word until he had left. She herself was mad, but her son wasn’t sane either. Was this a case of ‘like mother, like son,’ or had she given birth to something even worse?

She shuddered, but he was, in the end, her son. Someone she had to embrace.

The moment he stepped out, Lane watched his twin sister, Lizzy, come rushing over.

Such boring, predictable behavior.

She never did anything to defy his expectations. How dull.

Lizzy glared up at Lane venomously. Lane, unbothered, wished her a good night.

“Good night. A bit late, but still.”

“…”

Lizzy didn’t return his greeting. Instead, she pressed her lips together tightly and shoved past his shoulder. Lane shrugged, noting it was a rather aggressive greeting.

“Mother! What did he say? I saw him come in from outside! Ugh, what did he say!”

Tsk. She must have been in a real hurry, not even closing the door properly.

Lane glanced back through the crack in the door. He didn’t need to get any closer to see the whole situation. Just then, his eyes met his mother’s. Lane smiled silently. Lizzy, her back to the door, didn’t notice his gaze. Illina frantically avoided Lane’s eyes.

“He just said… he was worried about my health…”

“Is that really all he said? No way! Then why would he go outside when he’s supposed to be so sick?”

“I really don’t know if he went out, so I can’t say. Lane just said he came because he was worried about me, that’s all.”

“There’s no way that’s true. Really?”

“Why would I lie to you?”

Lane nodded slowly and turned away. Deep night enveloped the Count’s estate. The day would be over soon. He rolled his stiff shoulders and headed for his room.

***

Realizing there was nothing more to get from Illina, Lizzy immediately leaned against her mother’s shoulder. Illina let out a long breath and wrapped an arm around Lizzy.

“I feel sick. I think it’s worse than yesterday. The medicine isn’t working, Mother. I’m scared.”

“You know that’s the only medicine that has even a small effect on the… rampages. Mother is looking. Don’t be scared, all right?”

Illina patted Lizzy’s shoulder, then stopped, clenching and unclenching her own fist. Her mind was swarming with worry for Lizzy and countless questions about Lane. How did he… No, since when did he know?

Lane couldn’t possibly have known.

How did he find out? When? He never showed any sign.

Everything was perfect!

Everything had been perfect. If only someone hadn’t ruined her plans like this. Rage boiled up inside her. This was all Ailee’s fault. That b***h. If only she had never been born! No, if she had at least been born normal, this never would have happened! If her ability was going to manifest, why couldn’t she have shown more proof, why couldn’t it have been before the wedding? But no, of all times, she had to manifest some ability after marrying into the Grand Duke’s family, tormenting Illina to the very end!