We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 71
Chapter 71
Translator: Effe
Editor: Yonnee
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“Who exactly do you think you’re eyeing?”
Jesse wanted to slap her mouth when she uttered that. There was no need to provoke the overly sensitive Monica like that… However, it’s also true that Jesse had been by Monica’s side for over ten years.
“How dare I covet the Young Lord? How could I do something so absurd? I didn’t mean to act out of line, as I’m attending to the person most suitable for the Young Lord.”
“….Hmph.”
“But even so. I have been observing the Young Lord for as long as I’ve attended to you, Miss. Right?”
Monica’s gaze softened again as Jesse’s words seemed to pacify her. She turned her head as if encouraging Jesse to continue.
Noticing Monica’s intention, Jesse tightened her corset laces and chattered.
“There’s a saying that betrayal couldn’t possibly come from an enemy that you already don’t trust, right? As you are the person who has received the most trust that the Young Duke has to give, then perhaps, it’s just that the Young Duke’s intentions and feelings are a bit veiled for you right now, Miss.”
With Jesse’s various persuasions, Monica nodded in agreement.
“Haa, that’s right. I should have been more accommodating. Knowing that Ian can only inherit the Dukedom by siring an alpha… I was blinded by jealousy!”
During the time she couldn’t meet Ian, Monica had to grapple with self-blame, regret, and endless jealousy. She longed to see Ian so much.
Just watching Ian, exuding superiority in every aspect, made Monica proud and happy. She couldn’t understand why things had taken such a turn.
With a face full of regret, Monica stood in front of the full-length mirror. Today, she would appear as the most beautiful woman and will definitely catch Ian’s attention.
As Jesse had said, she had known him for well over ten years. No other woman had been by Ian’s side for such a long time.
“Huu, it’s not the time to worry about that omega. There are still plenty of inadequate people in the Aerys Empire aiming for the place next to Ian.”
“That’s right, Miss.”
Despite the recent financial state of the family was not good, Monica had managed to persuade her mother to acquire the finest dress. Adorned in a blue satin dress that accentuated her silver hair and blue eyes, Monica smiled satisfiedly at her slender waist.
“I need to hurry. I have to be the first to meet Ian at the entrance.”
“Yes! I’ll quickly put on your jewelry!”
Having sprayed perfume as a finishing touch, Monica hurried downstairs. Alex, already prepared, welcomed Monica with a remark.
“You look even more beautiful all dressed up.”
“Hmm, Brother, you look dashing yourself.”
Since that day, Alex hadn’t been the most reliable, but Monica couldn’t attend the ball alone. Together, they headed towards the Ovando Marquisate’s manor.
Marquis Ovando had recently had a happy occasion. The celebratory banquet, held for the alpha heir he had finally acquired after much effort, was expected to draw many nobles, all eager to curry favor from the Marquis, who himself was a dominant alpha.
Consequently, the rumor of Ian attending, having previously declined all such events, lent credibility to the gathering.
“All alphas are terrible. They live in their own world.”
Arriving at the Marquisate’s banquet hall, Alex, keeping his distance from the betas, muttered as he observed the group of alphas conversing among themselves. His preexisting sense of inferiority had intensified after the clash with Ian.
Monica, disregarding Alex’s mutterings, had her gaze fixed solely on the entrance of the ballroom. Despite the event being in full swing and a considerable crowd coming, Ian was nowhere to be seen, testing Monica’s patience to its limit.
She held up her fan to conceal her simmering frustration and maintain her composure, as the door to the ballroom opened wide. Amidst the many attendees, Ian’s face was clearly visible from a distance, thanks to his superior physical characteristics. While Alex let out a muffled curse, Monica’s reaction was different.
It seemed she would cry after seeing him for the first time in months.
* * *
Coming to a banquet hall for the first time in a long time, he found that it was as crowded with people as usual. It was unpleasantly stuffy. Among the discomfort, the most unbearable aspect was the scent of perfumes that seemed to stab at his nose. Perhaps it was because he had been accustomed to the refreshing pheromones of his omega for the past few months, it made it particularly difficult to endure.
Yet, maintaining a cold face, he slowly scanned the room, searching for the host of the banquet, Marquis Ovando.
While alphas typically considered themselves the superior class, paradoxically, they were adept at maintaining friendships with each other. This was possible due to their common interest.
Securing omegas.
Attending such events of congratulation and condolences was an unspoken rule, not just for omegas but also for betas, to hush and gather information regarding matters related to omegas and successions.
Moreover, as this gathering was a celebration of the birth of an alpha heir, almost all alphas within the Aerys Empire were practically obligated to attend.
Ian’s arrival caused a stir in the area. Unmarried young ladies were captivated by his appearance, while the married women, aware of his marital status, eyed the opportunity to attach their daughters, knowing his side would soon be vacant.
There wasn’t a soul unaware of the fact that the Rosewood County, the most likely candidate for the position of Duchess, had recently fallen out of favor with the Bryant household. Ian’s overt rejection of House Rosewood was clear to everyone.
A young lady, who had been circling around Ian, gathered her courage and approached him.
“Forgive my rudeness, Young Lord.”
“What is it?”
Ian wanted nothing more than to meet the host of the banquet and leave. He concealed his annoyance and responded coldly. The young lady, having her first conversation with Ian, was too intimidated by the alpha’s unique sense of intimidation to articulate her words.
Seeing her hesitation, Ian glanced at her. The young lady could barely manage to utter a word, her lips trembling.
“If you have nothing to say, I shall take my leave.”
“Ah! I… “
Though the young lady had been staring at him blankly and attempted to speak belatedly, it was impossible.
Monica intervened.
“Ian!”
Monica addressed him familiarly. Casually calling the Duke’s heir name, even though he hadn’t received the title yet, offended the people.
Ian looked at Monica but didn’t exchange any greetings. Monica’s heart sank at his indifferent demeanor.
She had hoped that he would be different if he saw her face. While she was angry that Ian didn’t even want to meet her now, she believed that if she could manage to talk to him, they could go back to how they used to be.