Chapter 98
Side Story 2. The Heart
“You were always such a thoughtful child. That’s why I’ve always felt sorry. I knew there was so much more I could have done for such a clever girl, yet I couldn’t. So when I look at you now, I find myself overwhelmed with all sorts of emotions.”
“Auntie.”
“Still, it’s true that you look well these days.”
Marie fell into thought as she looked at her aunt’s gentle smile.
A comfortable life really did change a person’s face.
Seeing her aunt, who had always been burdened with worries, looking healthier and brighter, and seeing Freya, who had once carried a subtle darkness within her, become even more cheerful, brought Marie immense joy.
Even if Freya was still a foster daughter in another household, and even if Marie could no longer see her aunt every single day as before.
“But, Marie, are you truly happy? Of course, I’m deeply grateful that we’ve been able to pay off all our debts and live such a stable life now.”
The middle-aged woman’s face was full of concern.
Marie smiled softly.
Had she been asked that question a few months ago, she would never have been able to smile so brightly. Nor could she have answered with confidence. But things were different now.
“Please don’t say that, Auntie. We’ve always worked hard together, haven’t we? I’m happy.”
“And that’s precisely what frightens me. I’m afraid that perhaps you aren’t truly happy. I have ears too, you know. I’ve heard, at least roughly, about what happened. With His Highness the Crown Prince… things weren’t good between you from the beginning, were they?”
“…”
“His status is far too different from ours. He was born into a life where others have always shown consideration for him. As is often the case with royalty, he may not realize when the feelings of those beneath him are hurt. I’m talking about your feelings, Marie.”
Marie awkwardly rubbed her cheek.
“Hmm, do I look unhappy, Auntie?”
“When I first came here, you were unusually depressed, weren’t you?”
“Ah.”
“Try fooling someone else. I’m your aunt.”
Now that Marie had entered her third month of pregnancy, noticeable changes had begun to appear in her body.
More than her belly, which had yet to swell very much, it was the sudden bouts of melancholy that affected her the most.
When the dark of night came, thoughts would flood her mind like rising waters. Neither her comfortable life, delicious meals, beautiful dresses, nor even the smile of her lover, with whom she had finally begun to build deep trust, could dispel them.
A child.
A healthy baby.
Can I really become a good mother?
That had been where it all started.
‘My stomach doesn’t seem to be getting much bigger.’
‘Please don’t worry, Lady Marie. For many expectant mothers, it’s quite common for their belly not to grow noticeably until around the fifth month.’
‘But my child is a trait-bearer.’
‘This baby has a healthy dominant Omega mother and an exceptionally dominant Alpha father. Please don’t worry. Everything will be fine.’
Even those conversations with the head maid, with whom she had recently grown much closer, failed to comfort her.
Her anxiety took root and steadily grew.
They say that by the third month, especially for mothers who are trait-bearers, the belly usually becomes noticeably larger. Then why is the baby still so small?
Could it be because she ran away from Russell during the early stages of her pregnancy? Because she couldn’t absorb his pheromones? Did that affect the baby’s development?
Those were the kinds of fears that plagued her.
And then, one day.
Her lover, who could read her heart completely, spoke as though he had made up his mind.
‘Marie. If you wish, I can arrange a suite in the royal quarters. What do you think about inviting your aunt to stay at the palace?’
‘My aunt?’
‘You’ve been anxious. Surely having your family close would be a great comfort to you. You could also ask for advice for the sake of the child. What do you think?’
‘Ah.’
Her lover was the dignified Crown Prince. Raised to conceal his emotions, he always acted as though nothing was wrong. But lately, Marie had begun to read the feelings hidden beneath that rigid, expressionless face.
He was worried.
Perhaps there had even been a trace of bitterness in his eyes.
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