We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 114

Seated quietly in her room, Nicola could sense when her imprinted Alpha entered the mansion. Whether it was due to the long-term one-sided imprint, or simply because her senses had become acutely attuned to him, she couldn’t be sure. But she had gradually become able to feel his presence.

Normally, she would have rushed to him, enduring his scornful gaze before being sent away, but today her body refused to cooperate.

“Cough.”

Covering her mouth with a handkerchief, she coughed and noticed blood on the fabric.

Symptoms had started appearing months ago. She had consulted the family doctor, but no clear cause had been identified.

It was much later that she realized these might be the side effects of her one-sided imprinting.

“It seems I’ve managed to survive quite stubbornly, perhaps it doesn’t matter.”

From the bits of information she had gathered, Omegas who formed one-sided imprints often did not live long. She thought herself fortunate to have seen Ian grow up and even have a child.

Truth be told, she was tired.

She had tried not to dwell on negative thoughts, kept herself busy, stirring up troubles and meddling where she could. Now, it all seemed pointless.

Despite her mind’s reluctance, her body moved on its own. She picked the prettiest dress from her wardrobe and dressed herself meticulously.

Nicola, looking her best for her Alpha that she rarely sees, gracefully exited the annex. The wind carried traces of his pheromones. She didn’t need to ask the passing servants where he was. She could feel his location.

In a secluded part of the garden, he stood alone, his hands clasped behind him, staring into the distance. Her heart that was usually so still, started racing madly at the sight of him.

He must have seen Ian’s child by now.

Ian would never show his child to her, of that she was certain. A brief wave of bitterness swept through her, but she suppressed it, acknowledging this was the situation she had brought upon herself.

Even if the whole world condemned her, she had always believed that her Alpha’s love was enough to sustain her. And that belief hadn’t changed.

With a flutter in her heart, Nicola approached her Alpha, fully aware that the response would likely be a contemptuous gaze. However, the brief whiff of his pheromones and hearing his voice, even momentarily, was enough to make her feel elated.

“Darling. You’re here?”

As Nicola called out to him, he slowly turned around. His furrowed brow and tightly pressed lips indicated his displeasure.

But having seen his moodiness more times than she could count, Nicola was unfazed.

“Did you see him?”

“…If you mean Diers, don’t bother asking.”

“His name is Diers then.”

“After what you’ve done, do you think Ian would just tell you?”

“Yes, of course. I was merely curious.”

Her seemingly insincere response always managed to unsettle him deeply. It was as if she was both asking for forgiveness and yet continually provoking him.

“Haven’t you reflected at all? Don’t you feel any remorse as a mother?”

“….I’ve said I’m sorry many times.”

“People’s words carry weight. Sincerity seeps through in words and tone, and no one can deceive that.”

“Can’t you feel my sincerity?”

“You always seemed indifferent to everything else, as if nothing else matters. No mother who has imprinted would act this way towards her child!”

Really? Was she the only one who behaved this way towards an Alpha she could call hers?

Lies.

“I find your gaze too embarrassing. Even now, look, no matter what I say, it doesn’t reach you. People like that are called madmen by others.”

Far from being hurt by her Alpha’s words, Nicola burst out laughing.

“….You’re laughing now?”

“No… it’s just, what you said is too amusing.”

“…”

“Do you finally see that I am mad?”

Nicola couldn’t help but laugh. She had been mad from the moment she tried to manipulate her Alpha by abusing young Ian, so being called a madwoman now wasn’t exactly shocking.

After laughing to herself for a while, Nicola remembered the reason she had visited him.

“Take me with you.”

“…What are you talking about?”

“You won’t come here once Ian’s succession ceremony is done.”

She knew why he wasn’t returning to his home—it was clear he was avoiding the place.

With a sense that it was the last time, Nicola stepped closer to him. She had always maintained a certain distance, but she could no longer bear it.

“I won’t do anything. Just let me be by your side. Surely you can grant me that much.”

“Really, you haven’t changed at all.”

“If you are by my side, I can change. I’m tired now. I don’t want to be alone anymore. Why should I be alone without my Alpha!”

“…Keep your promise, then.”

“…..”

Her lips snapped shut at the word ‘promise’ that slipped from his mouth.

“I’ve heard that an imprint can be broken. I’ve heard of Omegas who have done it. After all this time, it should be possible to break it now.”

“That’s…”

It wasn’t as simple as that. She wanted to ask if it was truly possible, but Nicola found herself unable to speak. The desperate look in her Alpha’s eyes, full of genuine longing, made it impossible for her to refuse.

“I promised that if the imprint broke, I would spend the rest of my life with you. You haven’t forgotten, have you?”

“….Of course not.”

“I’ve told Ian, so stay here until it feels like the imprint has broken, then come find me.”

Nicola understood why he had been standing alone in this secluded spot. The wind carried his pheromones and had summoned her. This was the moment he had chosen to say these words.

Her Alpha, who she didn’t know when he would return, had once again declared his departure. Nicola’s once vibrant golden eyes gradually lost their color.

“….Yes, I will definitely try to break the imprint.”

Responding compliantly, he gave her a rare smile.

Nicola’s heart thumped to his smile, which she hadn’t seen in so long, but her expression remained dry.