The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 50

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Chapter 50

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The former Duchess, known for her icy demeanor, the woman whose unyielding expression had made countless noblewomen tremble, Minerva, now had only one thought as she looked at Ailee: ‘A fairy… a fairy has entered our family.’

Minerva wholeheartedly agreed with her son’s description of his bride as a fairy. The newest member of the Grand Duchy was precisely that—a fairy. No other description seemed more fitting.

Minerva chuckled inwardly, watching Ailee’s bewildered expression. Her flustered face was so endearing that Minerva wanted to hide her away in the mansion, safe from the world. This dear girl, not only did she possess the ability to save her foolish son, but she was also humble, kind, and ethereal.

‘I thought I had no luck with children, but a gold nugget has rolled right in.’

Minerva was aware of the strange rumors surrounding Ailee. But now she saw them for what they were—the senseless whispers of fools who couldn’t recognize a jewel right in front of them.

‘My son does have a discerning eye, just like me.’ She thought of her late husband, his frail body but bright, clear eyes. Though their faces held no resemblance, Ailee somehow reminded her of him. They both possessed a certain purity.

Minerva had fallen head over heels for her daughter-in-law at first sight. Knowing Ailee was her son’s savior had sparked her affection, but seeing those sweet, innocent eyes sealed the deal. Now, it was time to bind this precious fairy to their family, forever. Clearing her throat, Minerva spoke as kindly as she could manage. Those who didn’t know her, and even those who did, described her as sharp, like a drawn sword, the emotionless ruler of the Grand Duchy. To avoid frightening her dear daughter-in-law, she had to soften her approach.

“Is there anything you particularly like? Or perhaps something you desire?”

However, despite her efforts, Minerva’s carefully modulated, gentle voice struck Ayli with an unexpected chill. ‘Is… is she testing me?’

This had happened before. Her grandfather would lay out objects before her and ask which she preferred. Ailee, unsure of the “correct” answer, would hesitantly choose a book, only to be met with, “You should have chosen nothing! Haven’t I told you countless times?

‘Obedience is a virtue.’ ‘Those born with nothing can possess nothing.’”

Recalling this memory, Ailee was convinced this was a test of character. She bit her lip, unseen by Minerva. “I’m fine.”

Minerva’s eyebrows shot up at Ailee’s response. Not “I like everything,” not “I like this the most,” but simply “fine.” This was entirely unexpected. Didn’t “fine” imply she wanted nothing? That couldn’t be right.

This fairy-like young lady was not only unassuming but also modest. Too perfect. So perfect, in fact, that there were no cracks in her armor. This wouldn’t do. ‘If I want to ensure she stays with my good-for-nothing son, who has nothing but his looks, his title, and his wealth, a lavish display is the only way.’

Most would say that was more than enough, but Minerva couldn’t be certain. Why would this perfect young lady marry someone like her son?

She needed something, something substantial, to secure Ailee’s place in their family. Minerva decided to try again. Perhaps “fine” meant she liked everything and wanted it all. Minerva knew this wasn’t the case, but she asked anyway.

“By ‘fine,’ do you mean you’d like everything?”

“I… I’m fine with nothing.”

Unbelievable. Minerva’s eyebrows dipped almost imperceptibly. Her expression was so unchanging that most wouldn’t notice, but Ailee, accustomed to scrutinizing every nuance, caught the shift.

“Is that so….”

Minerva’s apparent disappointment flustered Ailee. ‘Why is she disappointed? What did I do wrong?’

She had reminded herself that the marriage was temporary, that they would soon part ways, but a lingering unease remained. Ailee didn’t want to be disliked, not anymore. ‘She must despise me. Gloomy, clueless, and awkward.’ Just moments ago, she had called me a fairy, and now I’ve squandered her favor. Why did I always ruin things?

Ailee’s inner critic began to claw at her, threatening to reopen old wounds. Just as it reached its deepest, most painful point, Minerva spoke again, refusing to give up. Feigning composure, she offered a suggestion with a forced smile, “You say you’re fine with nothing. How modest and unassuming. But I truly want to give you something. Let’s go shopping together sometime. You might find something you desire along the way….”

But her voice lacked conviction. Despite her reputation as the ice queen, the sight of the delicate fairy before her filled her with hesitation. “Of course, you’d probably prefer to spend time with my son, but I want to do something for you…. Oh dear, am I being that dreaded, overbearing mother-in-law?”

“P-pardon?” Minerva’s voice trailed off.

Ailee, thoroughly confused, studied Minerva’s face. Anyone could see the dejection etched there.

“Perhaps I was presumptuous. Tell me if you’d rather not.”

Anyone could see the unspoken plea in her eyes, the hope for a positive response. The difference was subtle—a slight lift of the eyebrows, a barely perceptible brightening of the eyes—but for Ailee, who had spent her life reading between the lines, Minerva’s desire was clear. To Ailee, it was a blatant plea.