Refusing Your Ex-Husband’s Obsession: A Guide - Side Story 19

Side Story 19

Translator: Yonnee

—

“You can’t!”

As I attempted to take a walk to take a breath of fresh air for once, Ciel, like a guard dog protecting its owner, stopped me immediately.

“Can’t I even walk around the garden within our castle?”

“It’s winter, Rin.”

“The physician said light exercise would be beneficial.”

“The room is spacious enough for walking.”

“Do I have to limit my walks to just inside the room when I’m trying to escape this suffocation?”

The day we learned of my pregnancy, all our plans were canceled. I felt quite sad that I couldn’t see my parents right away, but I understood the need for caution for the sake of the baby.

Being pregnant for the first time, I meticulously followed the physician’s advice.

I even took notes on information sporadically heard back in Korea to put into practice.

“Are you angry?”

When I didn’t respond, Ciel paced nearby restlessly, not unlike a puppy. It wasn’t like I disliked this side of him.

“I used to exercise at dawn… It’s so stifling not being able to do anything or go out.”

“Are you very stifled?”

“Yes.”

“Hmm…”

Observing the pondering Ciel, I purposefully turned my head away, causing him to waver again.

“Then, let’s wrap you up in a fox fur robe first before going out. And…”

He busily fetched a robe and carefully wrapped it around me, making sure it was securely fastened.

“Let’s make sure to cover your head snuggly.”

After ensuring the robe’s hood was properly placed, he lifted me up.

“I wish I could walk on my own.”

“Embarrassed, hm? Shall we go out the window?”

“Yes, that would be nice…”

One of the changes in his behavior after my pregnancy was carrying me around. Even in the presence of servants, it was often embarrassing.

“Ah, so cute…”

Though I was embarrassed by even his murmurs of sweet nothings too, I let myself be carried as Ciel opened the window. The winter wind was brutally cold, but it was refreshing.

He soared up and headed straight for the center of the garden.

Although it was winter, the evergreens in the garden remained lush, their branches laden with white snow resembling Christmas trees.

“Ahh, the air is so fresh.”

“Is it?”

“Can you put me down now? I want to walk a bit.”

“…Then, you must hold my hand tightly.”

“Okay.”

Though he seemed reluctant, he set me down just as I wished. Immediately, his large hand enveloped mine.

His hand was warmer than any glove.

“Huu…”

With every breath, a mist formed in the air. As I playfully continued to exhale, Ciel joined in.

“Even without flowers, the garden’s so beautiful.”

“Indeed.”

We strolled along the well-maintained stone path.

“Will your parents arrive tomorrow?”

“Tomorrow or the day after. They said they’d finish up their work first. They plan to stay for a while, is that alright?”

“Of course.”

“Look, the castle’s roofs are heavily laden with snow.”

“Seems like it’s snowing more this year.”

“Yes, and there’s definitely more snow in the capital than in the Closch domain. It feels colder here too…”

“That’s because the Closch domain is in the south.”

As we shared trivial conversations and completed a lap of the garden, Ciel inquired,

“Do you want to walk more?”

“I’d like to…”

“The garden isn’t small. Isn’t one round enough?”

“……”

I purposely remained silent, prompting him to start persuading me.

“The doctor said we need to be cautious in the early stages of your pregnancy. You haven’t eaten properly, and if you exhaust your energy too…”

“……”

I had no retort. Considering my morning sickness, it’s true that I hadn’t had a proper meal for a while.

“Rin, if you feel stuffy inside, we can just go out again next time. So, let’s go inside now.”

Persuaded by his earnest expression, I couldn’t help but agree.

“Okay, let’s go inside.”

“Then, excuse me.”

He effortlessly lifted me into his arms again and took flight. The edges of my robe fluttered in the wind.

As the fluttering robe disappeared from view, a carriage rushing along the path leading to their castle caught my eye.

“Huh?”

“What’s wrong?”

Following my gaze, Ciel turned his head. With his vision, enhanced by his Esper capabilities, he saw what I saw and smiled slightly.

“Mother-in-law and Father-in-law are arriving. They should be here soon.”

“Really? But they’re not meant to arrive today.”

“Of course, they must be dying of curiosity. Their daughter is pregnant.”

“……”

A tight sensation gripped my heart. The news of their imminent arrival made me excited.

“Let’s hurry down.”

“Alright.”

Feeling the air pressure as we descended, we arrived in front of the mansion entrance. Just as the iron gate opened, a familiar carriage bearing the family crest approached swiftly.

Soon, the carriage stopped in front, and Dad hurriedly alighted first.

“Rin! My daughter!”

“Honey, wait!”

Though Dad evidently wanted to rush towards me, his impatience was promptly tempered as a raised hand protruding from the carriage stopped him.

“Mom! Dad!”

I wanted to run to them too, but Ciel wouldn’t allow it.

“No, you must be careful…”

In that brief moment, he carried me to my parents.

“Our daughter…”

Mom burst into tears upon seeing me. As Ciel set me down, Mom immediately grabbed my hand.

Dad tried to embrace us both, but Mom scolded loudly.

“No! Do you know how crucial this period is!”

“Am I not allowed to hug my daughter?”

“Only very gently—touch her only barely. Consider your strength, will you? What if you strain our daughter? Your grandchild is in her womb, you know?”

“Ah, right. I should be careful.”

“Dad!”

I nestled into Dad’s hesitant embrace, and his expression then softened. He carefully wrapped his arms around me.

“My dear daughter… Did you miss Dad?”

“I missed you… a whole lot.”

“Yes, yes. Dad’s here.”