Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Chapter 160

Chapter 160

Translator: Yonnee

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Standing there alone, laughing to myself, I suddenly felt an arm wrap around my waist. Ciel had quietly come in and was gazing at me.

When I tried to push him away, he laid his forehead to the crown of my head and murmured.

“I’m sorry…”

When did he become so good at apologizing? His changed demeanor made my heart soften again.

I’ve always been weak to this man. Unable to push him away firmly, I sighed, and his arm tightened around my waist.

“I can apologize a hundred times more if you ask. Or wait for decades if you say so.”

“Enough. Stop it.”

“But…”

He paused, then continued.

“I won’t overlook it if you’re in danger. That won’t ever change, no matter what you say.”

He finished speaking and extended his hand, using his wind ability to restrain Vitters and those around him. People screamed in surprise in the banquet hall but then recognized Ciel and sighed in relief.

He darkly addressed the restrained men.

“I will detain those who have dared to ruin His Highness’s banquet.”

I sighed at the sight of the chaos in the carefully prepared event. Of course, my concern wasn’t the banquet, but my family.

“Rin, you’re back?”

My father and David called me with awkward smiles, and my mother, who had been with other noblewomen, noticed them late and frowned.

It looked like tonight, both my father and David would get a good scolding from my mother.

* * *

The crown prince kept his word, and thoroughly at that. My family and I spent the night in a place more luxurious than the guest rooms of the ducal residence.

After a hearty breakfast, Mom and I took a stroll in the palace gardens.

“My goodness. I’m so jealous of the roses here.”

“I get what you mean, Mom. Should we plant the same flowers at our home?”

“Oh, my child. Where do we have the money for that?”

“Why not? Dad’s earning well now, isn’t he?”

“Still, we can’t.”

“Why not?”

Korean cuisine was starting to take off not only because of Seo-yoon, but because of Ciel as well. So, it was making our guild grow day by day.

Our family’s financial status should be fine. Why was Mom saying we couldn’t?

I wish she’d spend more on herself…

Seeing the curiosity on my face, Mom chuckled and whispered,

“Rin. No one knows what the future holds. The guild is doing well now, but who knows how long this trend will last? We need to save for the future.”

“Ah.”

“You, as well as your brother, will need to marry, and that will require enough funds.”

I had only thought about the immediate improvement, but as always, Mom was more thoughtful. I loved her so much for that.

I affectionately hooked my arm around hers.

“Then, let’s plant flowers that you like, not necessarily expensive roses.”

“Hmm… maybe we should?”

“Yes, I’d really like for you to spend money for yourself, Mom.”

Sometimes I wondered if I could make the same sacrifices for my children as Mom did. Being her daughter, I felt it might be possible, yet also uncertain.

As we chatted and walked back to the guest rooms, we encountered the crown prince. He was waiting for us in casual attire.

“Your Highness.”

Mom and I curtsied, and he waved his hand lightly.

“Be at ease in the palace. A simple greeting is enough.”

“But…”

“Baroness, I was hoping to have tea with Lady Closch.”

His unexpected invitation surprised me.

He added playfully.

“I’m curious about the person who caught my friend’s interest.”

I had suspected his intentions since his visit to our domain, but this sudden invitation to tea made it clear he had deliberately arranged for us to stay in the palace.

“Then, I shall take my leave,” Mom said respectfully.

“Thank you. A servant will escort you back.”

“I appreciate Your Highness’s consideration.”

Before leaving, Mom sent me a look. Similarly without a word, I reassured her with a nod, letting her know I’ll be alright.