Chapter 22
“Is this related to you suffering from nightmares a few days ago as well?”
She questioned him point by point, but no answer came back. It felt like talking to herself in front of a massive wall. Weary of the frustrating repetition, Charlotte let out a sigh laden with resignation.
“And here I thought things between us had gotten better than before. It seems it was just my delusion.”
As Charlotte turned to leave, Lucius grabbed her.
“It’s nothing major, that’s why I didn’t tell you. I didn’t want to cause unnecessary worry.”
“That’s not it. You are hiding something from me.”
“…”
“Even though we decided to divorce, it might sound silly to say this now, but sometimes I wonder if you even see me as your wife.”
“…….”
“You probably won’t answer this either.”
Charlotte threw a cold glance and turned away.
***
It was only today that Charlotte learned Lucius had been suffering from insomnia, and that it was severe enough to require sleeping pills.
Slumping onto the bedroom floor, she buried her face in her knees.
Did he not even have enough trust in her to confide his troubles? Even if theirs wasn’t a deeply affectionate marital relationship, she had believed there was at least a minimal level of trust. Was even that a delusion?
Her resentment towards Lucius and guilt over not having known he was struggling tormented Charlotte even more.
According to the physician’s words she had overheard, it was highly likely the insomnia had worsened due to a sudden change in his daily life. But the only thing that had changed in Lucius’s routine recently was his relationship with her.
She had thought their relationship was clearly improving for the better, but had it actually had the opposite effect on Lucius? Could it be that he had been forcing himself to hold her, even though he didn’t want to? And if that had worsened his symptoms…?
As her thoughts spiraled in a direction she didn’t even want to imagine, a wave of nausea twisted her stomach, and a bitter taste rose in her mouth. Rushing to the bathroom, Charlotte gripped the sink and dry-heaved for a long time.
“If that’s really the case…” Charlotte muttered weakly, staring blankly at the cold water pouring from the tap.
“That would be too miserable.”
Lucius did not return to the bedroom until morning. After instructing a servant to summon a carriage, Charlotte packed her bags in her room and went outside.
Just as she was about to board the carriage waiting in front of the entrance…
“Where are you trying to go, Charlotte?”
From behind, Lucius grabbed her shoulder with a strong force. Losing her balance instantly, Charlotte stumbled heavily and fell into Lucius’s firm embrace.
“Let me go.”
Turning Charlotte to face him, Lucius froze when he saw the travel bag in her hand. His wide pupils shook with anxiety.
“I know you’re upset because of me, but please reconsider.”
It seemed he misunderstood that she was running away angry about last night’s events. Charlotte let out a faint sigh and spoke.
“I plan to stay at the villa in Bateville for a while.”
“Why are you suddenly going there?”
Not retracting his suspicious gaze, Lucius tightened his grip on Charlotte. She winced in pain, and he immediately loosened his hold, but he still showed no intention of letting her hand go.
His uncharacteristically pressing attitude flustered Charlotte inwardly. Honestly, she hadn’t expected Lucius to stop her. She thought he wouldn’t care much if she left.
“Lucius.”
Instead of engaging in a meaningless struggle, Charlotte explained her honest reason.
“I read it in a book. It said that sometimes, even couples need time apart physically. I decided it would be good to get away for a bit to sort out my thoughts.”
“How long will you stay at the villa?”
“I haven’t decided yet. Three, maybe four days?”
“…….”
Lucius fell silent. Perhaps his suspicions were allayed, as his expression seemed to soften considerably.
“……I understand.”
As if apologizing for hurting her, Lucius pressed his lips to Charlotte’s wrist. Then, he personally opened the carriage door for her.
“Take care on your journey.”
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