We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 26

Chapter 26

Translator: Effe

Editor: Yonnee

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It had already been more than five years since he started drinking this black tea.

It started because he had been gifted a canister by Monica, but since he found that it suited his taste, it was from then on that he insisted on drinking black tea.

“Hmm….”

He was also surprised at his uncharacteristically impulsive order, but he had no intention of changing what he said.

So he said whatever came to mind.

“Rather than this, I would prefer a cup made from black tea leaves with a light and fresh scent. More clear than dark.”

“I will prepare right away.”

The handmaid immediately straightened her flustered face and immediately prepared the black tea he wanted.

It was a tea made by taking out various tea leaves and combining them.

He remembered Melissa’s hair as he looked at the light green and clear color. Her hair was as soft as if it were made of tender sprouts.

He took a deep sip, and a faint grassy scent ran down his mouth and nose. Moderate sweetness lingered in his mouth like the scent of flowers.

He inadvertently recalled the omega in the annex and spat out the words.

“Prepare this from now on.”

“Understood.”

The handmaid left and immediately his mother came in. Even though she was already middle-aged, a stranger could easily mistake her for Ian’s sister instead.

He always thought of this when he saw his mother. Could it be that alpha were given superior abilities while omega were given ageless visages? Her appearance had not changed at all from her youth.

As Ian looked at his mother, he was clearly displeased.

“Ian, I’m sorry if you’re busy.”

Seeing how she behaved so gently, it was clear that she had some ulterior motive.

Ian spoke briefly while savoring the tea that was to his liking.

“Just tell me why you’re here.”

“…You must be very busy.”

“Don’t you know that already?”

His mother, who used him to enter the main building and occupy it, was still eager to tie his father up with an innocent expression.

What was that imprint on that bastard, why was she clinging to him like that?

Often seeing his father and mother together, that day became a very unpleasant day.

At such times, he would visit Monica. Although it annoyed him, he liked her non-clingy attitude. It was also quite comfortable.

His angular posture came loose.

Dragging his long, straight legs, he tilted his head.

It was disgusting just looking at her. In the first place, she had never acted like a mother to Ian, and it felt as if his stomach would turn inside out if he accidentally sniffed his mother’s pheromones.

Why was she still unable to keep it all at bay properly?

She was a dominant omega, but every time she couldn’t keep her pheromones to herself, anger flared up inside him.

There were times when he had thoughts of wanting to kill her or whatever.

This is why he hates omegas.

Even more so, an omega who had imprinted upon an alpha.

They wouldn’t even think about the eyes of the people around them, and they were blind to the fact that they’re causing damage.

His head, which had been cleared by the faint scent of black tea, was disturbed by the pheromones that were much too sweet.

Seeing Ian’s increasingly contorted expression, Nicola took a deep breath.

Her body shuddered at the blatant contempt emanating from her son, who normally only glanced at her with an insensitive face. Nevertheless, she had to convey what she’s here for.

“I didn’t even know my daughter-in-law had come. Even if it was a contract marriage, shouldn’t you have told me?”

“Why does that matter?”

“Why doesn’t it? Isn’t she the omega who will give birth to my son’s heir? I know it well because we’re fellow omegas. She must be very anxious and afraid right now.”

Ian did not hesitate to respond to the unpleasant attention. Unlike his mother, Melissa never bothered him.

“Why should she be anxious? We get along just fine even without your attention, Mother.”

Nicola let out a deep sigh at Ian’s words. Was this why they’re called alphas?

“Didn’t you come up with that conclusion all by yourself? Have you ever asked her directly?”

Hearing Nicola’s reply, Ian was speechless. Then, he laughed. It’s always like this whenever his mother would visit—unpleasant and uncomfortable.

“It’s just a contract marriage. And you’re seriously mistaken about something… ”

Ian put the already emptied teacup on his hand and turned it round and round.

The manners that others admired so much disappeared without a trace in front of his mother.

“Are you doing anything in this family? Why are you interested in my omega?”

Seeing Ian’s resentment beyond displeasure, Nicola automatically tensed her trembling hands.

When he was young, he still clung to her, calling her mother, but at some point, the way he looked at her changed.

His eyes, as if looking at filth, were no different from the alphas she had seen all her life.

The alphas seemed to have the same reaction, as if each of them shared something about omegas.

Seriously, if it hadn’t been for this crappy imprint. She would have already left this place long ago!

Nicola skillfully hid her displeasure and got up.

“Yeah, I was short-sighted. Sorry to disturb you while you’re busy with work.”

She turned her body away, avoiding the cold gaze.

Nicola was not a noble nor given the position of duchess, but her demeanor overflowed with grace. These were the traces of her valiant effort to catch the eyes of her imprinted alpha.

When she hadn’t seen her alpha, who she had imprinted, for a few days, her heart raced like crazy. It was running with anxiety.

Coming out of her office, she looked towards Henry, who was waiting in front of him, and gave him a thin smile.

How could a woman who was not treated properly by her husband or her son call the duke’s butler and have him run errands?

She made good use of her beautiful appearance.

Curling her gorgeous, charming golden eyes, which Ian had inherited from her, she ran her hand through her fine hair, like spools of silver thread, flipping it behind her shoulder.

“Henry, Ian must be upset because I interrupted.”

Henry, the head butler of the duchy, was a noble. Even though Nicola gave birth to Ian, she was nothing more than the Duke’s mistress and never received a title. Being only a commoner, she had to be respectful to the normal butler.

However, Henry approached her politely as she looked mournful while calling him skillfully familiarly.

Omegas were shallow.

It was the universal image of omegas that betas thought of.

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