Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 16

Side Story 16

Translator: Yonnee

—

“Rin?”

“Dear?”

Ciel and David, who were entering the mansion late, called out to us.

“Sister-in-law, wave to Brother.”

“Ah, yes.”

Violet, not understanding, waved her hand. Just then, as if on cue, the elevator began to ascend.

“Kyaah!”

“It’s okay.”

Since the walls were made of glass, we could see David’s bewildered face. Was it really such a shock to him that I’d bring my sister-in-law up here?

“What in the world… Oh my, oh my! This is extraordinary!”

I remembered the first meeting between the two that the brother had told me about. My daring sister-in-law seemed to have quite the courage.

After the initial shock, she pressed herself against the glass walls, eagerly observing both above and below.

After reaching the fifth floor and then pressing the button to go back down to the first, David, who had been waiting, entered as soon as the door opened.

“What’s this?”

“This is a magical artifact that His Highness the Crown Prince helped create. It’s similar to a portal, I suppose? Though this one simply goes up and down, the principle of movement remains the same.”

“Rin, operate it again. How could you leave your older brother out?”

“Okay, just a moment…”

“Excuse me for a sec.”

As Ciel joined, the elevator became full. As we slowly ascended, David held Violet’s hand, marveling.

“Amazing, isn’t it?”

“Yes, dear. I’ve never ridden something like this before.”

“Me neither.”

Seeing my brother and sister-in-law happy made me happy too. I tightly held Ciel’s hand, enjoying the fruits of our combined effort.

Once back on the first floor, we had tea time at the glass greenhouse. The conversation flowed so pleasantly that time seemed to disappear unnoticed.

“I thought we were having dinner before you left?”

“We’ll eat together soon. Today was just a quick visit.”

“How long will you be in the capital?”

“About a week, I guess.”

“Really? I sent a letter to Mom and Dad to invite them over. If it fits their schedule, how about we all meet?”

“That sounds good. See you next time, Rin.”

David ruffled my hair. It was a gesture he had done every day since I woke up in this world, and receiving it again after so long made me smile.

“My apologies for not being able to dine together today, Your Highness. My father is very fond of your brother…”

“If my brother is loved, I’m the one who’s grateful. Next time, please feel more comfortable to call me casually, Sister-in-law.”

“…I, I’ll try.”

“Then we’re off, Rin.”

The carriage carrying the two departed. I lingered at the spot where I waved goodbye for a long time until Ciel wrapped his arm around my shoulder.

“Shall we bring Mother-in-law and Father-in-law here? It might be better to send a carriage for them directly.”

“Um…”

I didn’t want to inconvenience my parents with their schedules, but I missed them and was contemplating when Ciel asked again.

“Or, shall we go there?”

“…Us?”

“Yes, we can do that, too.”

“We haven’t finished organizing the interior yet. It might be better to finish up before spring arrives.”

“They need to see their faces, at least.”

“…Why?”

As I looked up at him, his large hand cupped my cheek. His firm fingertips lightly traced under my eyes.

“You’ve been looking down since your brother left. If you miss your family, let’s go see them, Rin.”

“……”

I hadn’t realized the expression I was wearing.

Indeed, I missed my family. Though I was happy with him, I couldn’t help but miss them.

“Let’s get ready and leave tomorrow, how about that?”

“…Okay.”

“I also haven’t had Mother-in-law’s cooking in a while. Oh, should we take Aiden with us? He’ll surely want to see Rose.”

“Should we?”

Ciel smiled gently and led me inside the mansion, saying,

“It’s good that you have a place to return to.”

His words left me speechless. As I looked at him with a sorrowful expression, he squinted his eyes and continued,

“And because of you, I also have a place to return to. Though my parents passed away early, having in-laws makes me feel so supported. Didn’t you know?”

“…Yes.”

“Back in Korea, neither of us had a place to return to. A life without a breathing space is unbearable. That’s why I’m glad you have a loving family here, and that you didn’t feel lonely growing up.”

“…Ciel.”

“Just that alone makes me want to be filial to your parents for the rest of my life.”

“……”

His words touched my heart deeply. I was moved by his consideration for my parents and for me.

“I’ll be good to Aiden too.”

“Haha, he might like David more than me. I sometimes get jealous because it seems he likes your brother more?”

“Pfft, you’re jealous.”

We chatted and made our way to the dining room. Sitting across from each other, we had dinner together and spent a passionate night, just as newlyweds should.

It was just another day in our ordinary lives.