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Chapter 81

Lucas had no thought for his mother's instructions.

The Duke was worried about Emilia's old flame?

Lucas frowned, recalling the name he'd uncovered through his contacts.

So the Duke of Valen knows about that bastard Cedric too.

But why would he care?

He couldn't tell what the Duke thought of Emilia.

Was it just to keep up the appearance of their sham marriage?

Or...

Lucas forced a smile and said lightly.

"Apologies for that embarrassing display. My father is just so devoted to my mother."

"Not at all. It's good to see."

"Is that so."

Lucas tilted his head, then offered a meaningful remark.

"Since it's just the two of us now, perhaps we could speak of other matters, Your Grace."

Kayden raised an eyebrow.

"We both know each other's situations, after all."

"Situations, you say..."

"Your Grace knows what Her Highness the Princess did, and I know that Your Grace entered a sham marriage."

Lucas shrugged as if to say am I wrong?

"Ah, did you not hear from the Duchess about our connection?"

"I heard, but was it anything special?"

At Kayden's doubtful response, Lucas's jaw tightened.

It stung—especially since he'd confessed and been brushed off with a don't joke around.

"Haha, still, I'd say I'm fairly close to Emilia."

The casual way he said her name made Kayden's gaze darken.

"...Is that so."

"So let me say this—since this marriage will end soon anyway, perhaps you could be a little more considerate of Emilia."

"Considerate?"

"Yes. Otherwise, she might have trouble when she meets other men later."

Kayden's lips curled into a sneer.

"Is that truly concern for my wife?"

"...Of course."

"It certainly doesn't seem that way."

Kayden's voice sharpened.

"You seem to have other intentions toward my wife."

"And why would that bother you?"

"What do you mean? A man showing interest in my wife—it's only natural for a husband to be displeased."

Kayden looked at Lucas with genuine annoyance.

Lucas clenched his fist.

Those words could only come from someone who truly felt something for Emilia.

No wonder the Duke's gaze had been cold from the moment he entered.

Come to think of it, with all the people in the ducal residence, he hadn't needed to ask Emilia specifically for a sham marriage.

Though Emilia herself seemed unaware of the Duke's true feelings.

I suppose I should be grateful for that at least.

Emilia had clearly said she'd divorce him once this matter was resolved.

But seeing that possessive look in the Duke's eyes made him anxious.

Lucas forced a cheerful laugh and picked up the wine bottle beside him.

"Haha, I was just worried—please don't mind me."

He poured the wine without hesitation.

"Would you care for a glass? My mother did ask me to attend to you properly."

It was proper etiquette to ask the guest before offering wine—

But now that he knew the Duke had feelings for Emilia, petty as it might be, he didn't want to send him back to the ducal residence tonight.

"Surely this much is fine?"

Kayden stared at the full glass, then looked at Lucas.

He recalled what Emilia had said about him.

"In a way, he's on our side."

On our side?

Kayden raised an eyebrow and lifted the glass without hesitation.

Well, one thing was certain—Lucas was certainly not on his side.

---

Kayden... still not back.

The rain continued to pour heavily even past midnight.

And despite the late hour, Kayden had not yet returned.

Emilia began to worry.

She knew the ducal carriage was incredibly sturdy, but...

What if it skidded on the wet road?

Kayden had never been this late before, so she couldn't help but think the worst.

She tore her gaze from the window and continued reading.

Then she heard a sound from outside.

He's back!

Emilia shot up from her seat.

She grabbed a coat and moved to leave—then stopped.

Wait. Isn't this strange?

She wasn't really his wife—why should she rush down just because he was back?

Her hand on the doorknob, she hesitated.

I'm... just checking that he got back safely.

Having made up her mind, she went downstairs.

But Kayden wasn't on the first floor.

Instead, only the butler stood there.

Robert's face lit up when he saw her.

"My lady, you're still awake."

"Ah, yes..."

Emilia nodded, a little embarrassed. She glanced around and asked.

"I heard a sound outside—did His Grace return?"

"He just came in."

"Oh, I see."

Relieved, Emilia turned to go back to her room.

But Robert let out a deep sigh.

"What's wrong?"

"It's just—His Grace returned, but I'm a bit worried."

"Worried?"

"He came back after drinking."

Emilia blinked, not understanding.

"Ah, you see, His Grace never touches alcohol."

So he was worried something might have happened, Robert added.

---

Emilia stood before Kayden's bedroom door, hesitated for a moment, then knocked.

But there was no response.

Did he fall asleep that quickly?

She tilted her head, then a troubling thought crossed her mind.

What if he'd hit his head while completely drunk?

Robert's words—that Kayden never drank—particularly bothered her.

She knew she shouldn't enter someone's room without permission...

I'll just check if he's alright and leave.

Determined, Emilia carefully opened the door and peered inside.

She saw Kayden sitting on the bed, head bowed.

To check on him, she tiptoed closer.

Hmm.

Fortunately, he didn't seem injured.

But his clothes were concerning—he was still wearing his rain-soaked jacket.

She called out in a small voice.

"Um, Your Grace."

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