We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 144

His seemingly mundane actions appeared so impressive that Monica couldn’t help but stare at him, forgetting to even lift her teacup.

“Why, it’s almost like honey is dripping from you.”

At the head maid’s comment, Monica quickly raised her teacup to cover her reddened face.

“What are you talking about?”

Despite the reprimanding tone, the head maid’s voice was soft, and she merely smiled with her eyes. Monica was content even with the quiet time spent with Ian.

Ian had always been reserved, so spending time in silence like this was familiar to her. She was so happy that the return to normalcy almost felt overwhelming.

Yes, it was just a matter of resolving things with the omega. It wasn’t anything she couldn’t understand if she thought of it as something that had to be experienced.

The tea provided by the head maid tasted especially rich and fragrant today. Monica enjoyed her tea time in an elegant manner.

“Oh, by the way. Did you see how Dia smiled at me yesterday? He stared right into my eyes, and his gaze was so enchanting that I ended up staring back for quite a while.”

“Really?”

“…Yes.”

Her entire being seemed to melt at the affectionate tone. Reflecting on how distant Ian used to be, she was grateful that he had returned to his former self.

Although she was sometimes disappointed by the changes, she realized that only Ian could truly be her perfect match.

The effects of Diers were remarkable. Monica’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of Ian gazing at her with a gentle smile.

It should be making her happy, but why did she feel this unease?

Trying to avoid his intense gaze, she playfully said,

“Can I stay until dinner and then have a meal with you before leaving?”

“…Hmm?”

Seeing his puzzled expression, Monica felt a bit flustered and added an explanation.

“Of course, I know it’s considered improper to stay for dinner both yesterday and today…”

But before she could finish, Ian looked at her with a lowered gaze and a murky voice and asked,

“Why is it considered improper?”

Monica felt a deep sense of relief at his words. The strange discomfort she had felt seemed to be just a personal impression.

“I’m really glad you said that, Ian.”

But Monica had no choice but to drop the teacup at Ian’s next words.

“This is your home in the first place, so where do you think you’re going, Mel?”

“……”

Even after dropping the teacup, neither Monica nor the head maid moved. Both women stared in shock with wide eyes, while Ian continued to drink his tea nonchalantly.

It was only then that Monica realized the source of her ongoing discomfort. Despite spending the whole day at the Duchy and trying to stay close to him, he had never sought her out even once.

Though he greeted her warmly when she came to him, had he ever truly looked her in the eye? He had only shown soft gazes when she talked about Diers.

His behavior was suspicious, as if he was interacting with someone else beside him rather than Monica. The realization came so subtly, as if he revealed his true self only briefly.

“…Ian, you know who I am, right?”

A vague sense of dread began to creep up from her toes. The golden eyes that had been staring into space slowly met hers.

The moment they did, the warm golden gaze turned as cold as metal.

“Don’t ask pointless questions, Monica.”

His gaze was sharp, like an arrow piercing through her chest, as if he had seen something he shouldn’t have.

A fiery hatred surged up within her. It was ridiculous and infuriating that this fool was still pining for the dead Melissa.

Her lips twitched with the urge to speak. Monica wanted to scream, ‘The woman you’re looking for no longer exists,’ but she held back. After all, the Duchess’s place was her own.

“Head maid, could you clear the teacups?”

“Yes, Miss.”

Ian, seemingly indifferent, continued drinking his tea with a detached expression, as if he was in a different space altogether, despite being in the same room.

Knock, knock.

A hurried knock sounded, and Henry rushed in. He approached Ian in a rush but only noticed Monica and the head maid after a moment.

“Oh…”

“What’s the matter?”

“…I apologize, Duke. I have something to report.”

Henry glanced at Monica and the head maid, then said,

“You two need to leave immediately.”

At the cold dismissal, Monica bit her lip and stood up. After composing herself, she addressed Ian warmly.

“Well then, I’ll see you at dinner.”

Ian did not even look at her as she left. The head maid, observing the situation, quickly cleared the teacups and guided Monica out.

It was only after the sound of their footsteps faded that Henry spoke up.

The reason Henry had been cautious around Monica and the head maid was that only Ian, Henry, and the staff were supposed to know Melissa’s location.

Moreover, the letter received from there was troubling.

“Your Grace, it appears that Miss Melissa has not arrived there.”

Ian’s expression hardened into a scowl at Henry’s words.

“What do you mean?”

“I just received the message myself, so I’m not sure of the exact reasons… but here is a letter from the person in charge there.”

Ian took the letter Henry handed him and quickly read its contents.

The message stated that Melissa had not yet arrived, even though she should have had more than enough time to get there and settle in. This filled Ian with anxiety, causing his heart to race erratically.

Though he had planned to keep his distance from Melissa, he had never considered that she would be unreachable. He abruptly stood up and left the office and commanded Henry who was following him.

“Inform the commander of the knights immediately to gather a team to retrieve her .”

“Yes, Your Grace.”