We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 129

With a deeply apologetic look, Monica presented a will of the previous former Count.

‘I know you’re disappointed in me. But please, don’t disregard Grandfather’s will.’

The handwriting on the will she offered was indeed that of the previous former Count that was familiar to Ian. However, doubts arose.

How could someone who died in a sudden accident have prepared a will? It simply didn’t make sense.

If the will was real, it suggested that the previous former Count’s death was a planned incident; if not, then it was likely a forgery by Monica.

Either way, it didn’t matter. If Monica was taking him so lightly, he would keep her close until she slipped up.

For the first time, Ian understood his father’s heart. He could accept distancing himself from his omega for the sake of the family and for her safety. But was it really necessary to fill the Duchess’s position?

He drank the champagne he was holding to quench his burning thirst. It would be impossible to keep his omega at a distance and merely watch from afar unless he has extraordinary patience.

Especially during the limited obsession period, it was like being half-mad, repeatedly drawn to the annex where she stayed.

The desire to go to Melissa was strong, but so was the caution against his instincts.

That darn instinct, it would fade with time.

And as Melissa became more distant from his sight, she would naturally be forgotten.

Like his father, like his mother, just like that…

* * *

The banquet ended late. As the last of the drunk guests departed in their carriages, the mansion quickly returned to silence.

He watched the last guest leave with an icy look.

“Thank you for coming today.”

Monica responded with a shy smile to his courtesy.

“I should be the one thanking you for accepting my apology, Ian.”

“Sure, let’s get back to how we used to be…right? Duke.”

Alex hesitantly joined in, cutting his sentence short under Ian’s cold gaze.

He didn’t know where his sister had found their grandfather’s will, but he thought it was crucial not to miss this opportunity. Monica, too, looked up at Ian, who did not let his guard down, and forced a smile.

“Well, we’ll see.”

Ian responded with a short answer. Then glanced slowly at Monica and Alex before saying,

“Truth has a way of prevailing. Time will resolve this.”

“…I understand what you mean. I’ll make more of an effort.”

“Well, you should. It’s necessary, Monica. I admit that.”

Though irritated by Alex’s annoying interjections, Monica suppressed her frustration in front of Ian.

Before climbing into the carriage, she turned slightly. With a bashful expression on her face, she asked.

“May I come to visit soon?”

“We’ll see. I’m not sure if I’ll have the time.”

Despite his evasive reply, Monica gave a gentle smile.

“Then, could you invite me when you’re free? I’ve gotten to know an Omega at Marquisate Ovando, and I’ve heard quite a bit that could be helpful to Aunt. I haven’t seen her since she gave birth, and honestly, I’m a bit worried.”

Ian let out a deflated sigh at her words.

“You’re worried?”

A concern coming from someone who seemed to have the least concern was dumbfounding that it almost made him laugh. Monica watched him without shifting her gaze.

It had been a long while since she had seen Ian so relaxed, even if his smile was not genuinely positive, so she clenched her fist without realizing.

Monica was determined to put things back the way they used to be. Despite the twisted nature of their relationship, she thought they could always go back.

“You can take it however you want. But it’s true that I’ve been reflecting.”

Ian didn’t say anything after hearing her calm answer, but continued to watch her. Monica didn’t avoid his gaze.

‘I’ve reflected and regretted bitterly. My past self handled things poorly. But from now on, it won’t be the same, Ian.’

With Alex’s urging, Monica climbed into the carriage. Ian watched the departing carriage of the Rosewood family with an unwavering gaze. He did not dispel his suspicion.

Just then, he turned at the sound of rushing footsteps. Henry’s ashen face made him move immediately.

“What’s going on?”

“Master, we can’t find Madam!”

“….What?”

“It seems with the preparations for the succession ceremony, everyone was preoccupied, and no maids had visited the annex. I apologize.”

Ian’s temper flared after hearing Henry’s explanation.

“How long do you plan to handle things this carelessly? How many times do I have to overlook this?”

“…I’m terribly sorry.”

“It’s becoming suspicious now. Are you sure these are just mistakes?”

“What are you suggesting? There’s no way… But yes, it’s my fault. I should have issued specific instructions and I failed to do so. I apologize, Master.”

Ian looked at Henry as if he wanted to tear him apart. After a deep bow from Henry, Ian chose not to continue the conversation and instead made his way toward the annex.

How could she have gone anywhere when she hadn’t fully recovered yet, especially so late? Normally, Melissa wouldn’t even leave her room, let alone the annex, so his vigilance had lapsed.

Despite keeping his distance, Ian had never planned to send her away from his estate yet. Driven by anxiety, he quickened his pace toward the annex.

After arriving at the annex, he went straight to her room. When he stepped into the familiar space, he sensed her lingering pheromones, which had permeated the room after long use.

He searched the bathroom and balcony and, on a hunch, entered the dressing room—a place he had never gone to before.

As he looked around frantically, he felt a sense of dissonance. The dressing room was as vast as her bedroom and packed with various items.

While he had given her a few gifts before, he had never presented her with this many items.

However, his thoughts were brief. Finding Melissa was his priority now.

He left the annex and began to search the surrounding area relentlessly.