We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 207
“Of course. After I was driven away, everything fell apart, and I didn’t see him again. I only met Ian again recently, and you’re telling me he imprinted during that time? Oh, if you’re talking about someone else, don’t worry. Anyway, I’m…”
Her words trailed off, and she couldn’t easily believe the claims about imprinting. It seemed too far-fetched to her. It was easier to believe that Ian imprinted on another Omega. But before her doubts could fully form, the Duke cut off her words.
“The only Omega he kept by his side was you.”
“…”
“You don’t think he imprinted on a Beta, do you?”
“That’s unbelievable.”
“I didn’t believe it either. But after seeing Ian today, didn’t you notice something strange?”
“…”
Melissa shook her head slightly. No matter how much she thought about it, it didn’t make sense, but as the former Duke said, Ian’s actions had seemed excessive, blind, and irrational. This incident alone couldn’t simply be explained by love.
“This doesn’t make sense…”
The idea that Ian’s imprinting started just as hers faded felt like a cruel twist of fate, and Melissa let out a weak laugh.
“I’m not trying to burden you to save my son. But I hope you remember that I’ve never lied about anything I’ve said. According to Nicola’s will, I’m prioritizing your freedom above all else.”
The Duke took a deep breath before adding:
“But if you still have any feelings for Ian, would you consider another approach?”
* * *
Ian, desperately calling after Melissa as she left the room, tried to move despite his injured body. His doctor rushed to stop him.
“You can’t move like this, Duke! Your wounds haven’t healed at all!”
“Let go.”
“If you want to talk to Lady Melissa, I’ll bring her to you! Please, just…”
“No! I need to apologize to Mel right now. Let go of me!”
The doctor couldn’t understand him. Despite his repeated attempts to move and his strange behavior, the doctor had overlooked it, thinking there must be a reason since Ian was his charge. But seeing the situation escalate like this, the doctor couldn’t hold back his frustration.
“Why are you going this far?”
“…What?”
“Do you think going to her in your condition will make her happy? If you’re not trying to evoke her sympathy to apologize, then don’t move.”
“…”
“There were other ways. You could have apologized sincerely from the heart, and it would have reached her. Why are you torturing yourself like this? Why?”
“…Ha.”
Ian was barely awake, still disoriented by his agitation and anxiety. He managed to snap out of it with the doctor’s words. With trembling hands, he wiped his face and spoke up.
“You wouldn’t understand.”
“Is it because I’m a Beta?”
“Yes. It’s just a pheromone difference, but that one thing makes it something Betas can never truly understand.”
“Then please explain.”
“Why should I?”
Even though Ian’s tone was cold, the doctor didn’t back down. He felt regret, realizing that as a servant, he should’ve asked these questions long ago, whether it was with the Duke or the Duchess. He should never have dismissed the pheromone difference so easily. Feeling foolish for not asking sooner, he spoke again.
“If you don’t explain, I’ll never understand or empathize with pheromones. I’ll always think of your urgency as just manipulation, and I’d continue to try and stop you.”
“You wouldn’t understand, even if I told you.”
“That may be true. I won’t know everything. Even Alphas and Omegas can’t understand each other’s innermost thoughts. But just knowing some of it will at least help me offer a different perspective.”
“…Pheromones are instinctive and subtle. They’re sensitive and persistent. The imprinting caused by pheromones is like a collar. No, it’s more like a lifeline. You give everything you are to the person you love. Even if they drag you around like a dog, even if the moment they kill you, you accept it as ecstasy. That’s imprinting.”
“…”
“How do I look to you now? Do I look regretful? Depressed?”
“…You seem to regret it.”
“What I regret is not chasing after Mel right away. I don’t care that my body is falling apart. If I could still get sympathy from her, would you understand? Could you empathize with that?”
“…”
The doctor was speechless at Ian’s words. He wanted to respond, perhaps with a lie that he understood, but his mouth wouldn’t move. What exactly was imprinting? Was it love, or a curse of pheromones that couldn’t be escaped?
Looking at Ian, who smiled despite his broken body while thinking of Melissa, the doctor could finally begin to understand, even if just a little, the dreadful relationship between Alphas and Omegas.
* * *
The former Duke left after speaking, but I remained seated on the sofa in the parlor, stunned. What he had said to me was shocking, and I was completely confused.
How could imprinting happen? Why?
When he confessed his love, honestly, I didn’t believe him. I didn’t understand why his feelings had changed suddenly. I thought it was just a whim, something light and simple. Even though I saw his desperate side with my own eyes, I continued to doubt and deny it internally.
“But he said he imprinted.”
A cold, bitter voice escaped. No, I even laughed at myself. Isn’t it absurd? He hated imprinting so much, and yet, did Ian know that he would end up imprinting?
“Well, he probably didn’t know. That’s why he kicked me out.”
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