The Full Story of an Incomplete Divorce - Chapter 9

Perhaps because the surroundings had grown quiet, his low voice seemed to fill the vast space, carried on the cool night air. Charlotte stared up at Lucius in a daze. For some reason, it felt unreal, like she was dreaming.

Lucius was standing between the seats, blocking the view of Lord Clayden behind him. The noise that had been grating on her ears all evening and the countless faces that had blurred her vision all faded away, leaving only the presence of the one person standing clearly before her.

“……Lucius.”

The name that lingered on her tongue suddenly felt unfamiliar. Even though it was a name she had called out until she was sick and tired of it.

“Let’s go home now.”

Lucius helped Charlotte to her feet. He didn’t even properly say goodbye to the people present, merely giving a slight nod before calmly leading Charlotte away.

***

They left the banquet hall immediately, took the carriage, and returned straight to the mansion.

“It’s dangerous, Charlotte.”

“It’s fine. I’m not that drunk.”

Perhaps the relief of being home loosened her tension, making her feel the belated effects of the alcohol, but Charlotte pretended to be fine and shook off Lucius’s support.

“What brings you out to fetch me? Was it written in that booklet to do so, perhaps?”

The moment she turned her head to climb the stairs again, Charlotte’s body swayed heavily. Fortunately, Lucius, who was right behind her, caught her, preventing her from tumbling down the stairs. In the end, Charlotte was practically carried in Lucius’s arms to her bedroom.

“Attending a gathering you haven’t been to in a while… and I didn’t think you were one to enjoy drinking much.”

“I felt stifled. I’ve had many reasons lately.”

No answer came.

Her body was heated from the alcohol, making the air in the room feel particularly stuffy. Charlotte tried to open the closed window, but her hands were weak, and the latch kept slipping. Lucius sat her on the bed and opened the window halfway.

The cool breeze against her hot cheeks seemed to sober her dazed mind a little. As her blurred vision focused, she felt the gaze that had been fixed on her all along. Lucius, who had been standing by the window, approached closer.

“Did you enjoy the gathering? I saw you with Lord Clayden.”

Amused that he was asking as if he cared, Charlotte let out a short, derisive laugh.

“Yes, I enjoyed it. He asked me for advice on a happy married life.”

Lucius’s eyes wavered. Seeing that, something twisted in her chest.

“Isn’t it ridiculous? If he knew we were getting divorced in a month, he wouldn’t have asked such a thing.”

In the accumulating silence, Lucius’s face hardened. After moving several times, his lips finally parted.

“…What do you plan to do after you divorce me?”

His voice was strained, as if even saying the word ‘divorce’ was painful.

“Well, I haven’t thought that far in detail yet, but I’ll probably remarry someone else.”

“…….”

“Even as a divorcee, I am still a Rosewood. If I look carefully, I should be able to find a decent match. With luck, I might even find a husband I can connect with this time. At the very least, it should be less lonely than being with you now.”

It must be the alcohol affecting her head. Normally, out of pride, she would never say such things, yet here they were, pouring out one after another.

She knew she would regret it later, as clearly as seeing fire, but she wanted to shake him up that much. She wanted to see that noble face crumble into disarray because of her, just once. She wanted to utterly destroy the composure that armored him so thoroughly, even if just for one moment. So, she deliberately acted spiteful and provoked him.

“Charlotte.”

A crack appeared in his beautifully drawn face.

“What, you don’t like the idea of a woman who was once your wife marrying another man?”

“…….”

“Even though you couldn’t even lay a finger on my body.”

The tension, stretched to its limit, snapped abruptly, and the look in Lucius’s eyes transformed completely. A hot tongue instantly forced its way into Charlotte’s mouth.