The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 65

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Chapter 65

Minerva visited her husband’s room alone more than three times a day, but each time, a burning unease in her stomach prevented her from easily inviting others. Now, however, she felt she could go with this child.

“After the massage, we could have dinner together―”

She had been careful not to intrude on the Duke and Duchess’s mealtimes. The Duke was already so busy that they barely had time to see each other; if she joined their meals too, they wouldn’t have any intimate moments alone.

‘But nothing creates a sense of belonging like a family meal together.’

If the three of them dined together, the child would finally feel like a true member of the Blashur family.

Ailee had agreed readily, yet as her experiences and shared moments within the Blashur household increased, anxiety gnawed at her.

‘I’ll be punished.’

These kind people… Ailee couldn’t bring herself to tell them anything.

They were willing to care for her, yet she couldn’t bear to burden them with her secret, only to leave them heartbroken. How could she do such a thing? Perhaps it would be better if they coldly abandoned her instead.

After the massage, as they sat resting, someone abruptly threw open the door to her room without permission.

The Duke raised an eyebrow, then lowered it as he saw the two of them lying side by side.

Ailee sat gracefully on the massage bed. Her skin, smooth and glowing from the massage, enhanced her usual innocent beauty.

‘…She won’t spend time with me, but she will with Mother.’

He was about to unleash his frustration at being constantly pushed away, but the sight of her face quelled his anger.

“You’re here? Perfect timing. It’s dinner time, so let’s all eat together.”

“We’ll eat together, just the two of us.”

He was still sulking. She refused to spend any time with him, demanding a divorce every day, yet she readily entertained his mother? Who did she think she was married to?

Ailee, flustered by the Duke’s pouting face, felt like she had been caught red-handed having an affair. Unfortunately, she was more susceptible to older people than those her own age, especially those around her mother’s age. Deep down, a strong desire for approval lingered.

Watching Minerva cautiously, Ailee approached the Duke, lightly grasping his wrist and looking up at him. The difference in their height was so significant that she was almost hidden from view from behind.

Ailee hesitated for a moment, unsure whether to use formal or informal speech with her husband in front of his mother. Her quiet voice, barely audible, as she decided to keep it from her mother-in-law, struck the Duke’s heart.

“Let’s have dinner together, okay?”

The delicate woman he loved was holding his wrist, softly pleading with him. How could he refuse? He was utterly powerless against her. He finally nodded in agreement.

Minerva, highly amused by the entire scene, hummed a tune and walked out ahead of them.

“I’ll go to the dining room first. Take your time.”

Youth is youth, Minerva thought, laughing heartily as she left the room.

Ailee and the Duke were now alone.

The Duke’s momentary enchantment quickly dissipated. His expression, a mixture of anger and sadness, creased the corners of his eyes.

“You enjoy yourself with Mother, but all you tell me is that you want a divorce.”

Ailee’s heart twinged at the Duke’s words. He had a point. She had been avoiding him since their marriage, deliberately minimizing their time together. From his perspective, it was understandable that he felt neglected. Of course, Ailee had her reasons, but seeing his expression softened her resolve. She hadn’t been avoiding him out of malice.

“I almost forgot who I’m married to, wife.”

The Duke’s face darkened slightly.

Still holding his wrist, Ailee fidgeted with her fingers out of habit. Unaware that this seemingly insignificant, ticklish touch further agitated him.

“Won’t you give me some love too, wife?”

I already like you a lot.

Ailee had no answer to the Duke’s question.

The books that had been Ailee’s lifelong companions advised expressing one’s feelings promptly to avoid regrets, especially words like “I love you,” “I like you,” “I’m sorry,” and “Forgive me.” They claimed that people’s biggest regret on their deathbeds was not expressing their love more often to those closest to them.

For once, Ailee was certain those books were wrong. There was nothing more foolish than confessing her love now. Thinking about the future, it would only cause more pain for both of them.

Yet, why did she want to be utterly foolish today? His yearning gaze weighed heavily on her heart.

‘I should push him away.’