We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 103

“But, please do not physically harm the precious omega. It’s not necessary for the heir to be the only one. Do you understand?”

“…”

“Being a beta, you can’t give birth to an alpha heir, can you?”

Liliana hid her rising anger at her husband’s brutal words. Even the polite language he used, which she had thought was kind before entering his office, irritated her now.

What’s the point of being polite if the content is merciless?

“….Yes, I would never do such a thing. I always worry about the future of the Marquisate.”

“Of course, I know that well. That’s why I respect you. Now, you may leave.”

“Yes, excuse me.”

Struggling to maintain her composure, Liliana left the office. Once the door closed behind her, her face hardened.

She was unsure about the exact issue but it seemed Monica was up to something.

“Despicable…”

When she realized she had been used, her eyes burned red with anger. She wasted no time to quickly prepare to leave.

* * *

Monica was surprised by Liliana’s unexpected visit.

“What brings you here so suddenly, Marchioness?”

“You!”

Liliana skipped greetings and went straight to the point, unable to contain her anger at being manipulated.

“Did you do this?”

Expecting Monica to proudly admit her mistake, Liliana was met with an apparently clueless and displeased reaction from Monica.

“I’m not sure what you’re talking about. But it doesn’t seem appropriate to come unannounced like this.”

“Whoo, fine. Could we have a moment to talk?”

Liliana managed to calm herself and requested. Monica, hiding her annoyance, agreed reluctantly.

“Let’s go to the parlor. Jessie, could you bring some tea?”

“Yes, miss.”

As Liliana followed Monica, she looked around into County Rosewood she had been to for the first time in a long time. She noted the mansion’s eerily quiet atmosphere reflected Monica’s mood that had been a lot different from before.

“Please, have a seat here.”

“Then, excuse me.”

They sat in silence until the tea arrived. Liliana secretly observed Monica, who reacted unexpectedly to her question.

“Excuse me.”

After Jessie prepared some snacks and left the parlor.

“I wasn’t expecting you, so there’s not much prepared. As you might know, my father has been unwell, so we’ve been living quietly.”

Liliana managed to calm herself and replied with due politeness as she saw Monica’s unexpectedly courteous demeanor, unlike at the tea party.

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Thank you. Fortunately, he’s getting better now.”

While sipping her tea, Liliana observed Monica. Her casual manner of sharing news made her seem unrelated to the incident. However, evidence pointed solely to Monica as the culprit.

Liliana set down her teacup and spoke about the purpose of her visit.

“An unfortunate incident has occurred. It seems something happened to the omega who returned to the Duchy that day.”

Though she spoke indirectly, Monica, having been at the tea party, should have understood.

“…What? What happened that made you come in such a hurry?”

“I don’t know the exact details since my husband didn’t tell me, but…”

Liliana picked up her teacup again, glancing at Monica before continuing.

“I thought you might know better, so I came to ask you to speak honestly.”

“I find it hard to understand. How could I know something that even you, the Marchioness, do not? I was merely a guest there.”

“…You say you were just a guest, but the reason you came to me in the first place was impure. You were the one who came to me to get the Duchy’s omega.”

“Yes, and for that, I’m grateful. Being able to vent that day helped me regain my peace.”

“So, what exactly was that venting about? If you were going to do something, you should have told me.”

Liliana was frustrated that Monica, the only possible culprit, was avoiding to confess. She spat out her words disgustedly.

“You selfish woman. Knowing it would put me in a difficult position, you still went after that omega?”

“…I’m the one feeling cornered here. You’re pressing me for answers without even explaining the situation.”

Even after being aggressively confronted, Monica’s calm demeanor irked Liliana, who clung to a sliver of hope.

“So, you’re saying it wasn’t you?”

“Haa, Marchioness. What do you think the atmosphere of our house is like?”

“….”

“In the past, our house was always bustling with merchants and nobles coming and going. Even when guests suddenly arrived like now, we were never lacking in hospitality or entertainment. Now, what does it seem like to you?”

Monica’s words left Lilliana speechless. Indeed, County Rosewood had become desolate, even gloomy. It showed that the family was clearly cut off from the noble society.

“Thanks to Brother’s efforts, things have improved somewhat since our father fell ill and our mother became gravely affected by the shock. But considering our current state, do you really think I’d dare provoke Duchy Bryant? Risking their retaliation?”

Monica’s words made Liliana’s face crumple. It wasn’t wrong, though she remained skeptical of it.

Sensing Lilliana’s silence, Monica gently asked.

“What exactly happened? Do you know anything? Is there a way I can help…”

Lilliana hesitated before responding as she was caught in her suspicions yet she didn’t give concrete details.

“As I mentioned earlier, I don’t know the details. But what kind of danger could a pregnant omega possibly face? And only one thing could make the alpha so furious.”

“Aahh…”