We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 89
Ian briefly closed his eyes and then slowly opened them.
In that brief moment, he indulged in a short fantasy. He imagined Melissa not on the balcony, but waiting for him at the mansion’s entrance.
The satisfaction he felt from merely imagining such a moment, typical of the duties of a Duchess, was strangely fulfilling. It felt as if something that rightfully belonged had returned to its place, bringing more joy than he could have imagined.
With a gentle smile, Ian finally responded.
“I’m back.”
At his words, Melissa also smiled brightly.
* * *
Standing at the entrance of the mansion, instead of our usual walking path, I looked at Ian with a worried face.
After ensuring I was warmly dressed, he finished by tying my cloak.
“It’s good to walk, but don’t forget to rest.”
I nodded to his request.
“I’ll be back in three days, so make sure you eat well and sleep well, okay?”
His words caused a shift in the expressions of the knights behind us.
Daniel, who had been my guard, showed an especially obvious reaction, making it clear how reckless Ian’s promise to return in three days was.
“It’s okay if it takes longer than three days. Just please come back safely.”
Ian’s face softened at my words, and he tenderly rubbed my cold cheeks.
“There’s no way I could get hurt.”
His confident voice seemed to brighten the knights’ spirits, as the assurance of their leader seemed to empower them.
“If anything happens, ask Henry about what I’ve entrusted to him.”
“Yes, I will.”
“Henry.”
“Yes, Young Lord.”
“Don’t take your eyes off her for a second. If anything happens to Melissa, it will be your responsibility.”
“Understood, Young Lord!”
Ian then placed his hand inside my cloak and gently stroked my stomach.
“Take good care of Mom.”
He never commented on me reading commoner books or on the prenatal care I practiced. He often engaged in conversation with the baby. Sometimes even when I was asleep. I’m not sure what they talked about.
“I’ll be back, Mel.”
“Take care.”
As Ian turned away, the knights of the Duchy mounted their horses in unison.
When Ian finally mounted his black horse, the flag was raised.
“Depart!”
At his command, the knights began to move in perfect unison, their impressive formation was captivating until they disappeared from sight.
I couldn’t easily leave my spot even though Ian was no longer visible. I told him not to worry, but this was the first time we had been apart for so long, so some anxiety lingered.
“The weather is quite chilly today. Let’s go inside.”
As Henry suggested, I began to walk reluctantly. A maid tried to support me, but I waved her off.
“I can walk on my own.”
It felt like overprotection, considering I wasn’t even fully pregnant yet. Probably, it was Ian’s instruction.
I intended to pass through the main building to reach the annex. As I was leaving through the back door, Nicola, who hadn’t been seen for a while, stood in the alley.
“Child.”
She called out in a friendly way. Many thoughts crossed my mind upon seeing her.
Initially, I was grateful to her and felt she was like a mother. But now, I couldn’t treat her as before.
I didn’t want to believe that she could have abused my Alpha. I wanted to confront her about how a mother could abuse her child, but that right was reserved for Ian alone.
“Lady Nicola, I trust you’ve been well.”
“Hoho, same as always.”
Her laugh and weary voice carried a foreign feeling. She approached me and said,
“How about we have tea together, with my daughter-in-law after a long time?”
If this had happened before, I would have been pleased by the term ‘daughter-in-law’, but now it didn’t feel welcoming.
“…Do you have something to say?”
She seemed to notice that I asked while subtly keeping my distance. Her expression twisted.
“You’re funny.”
I was used to her direct manner and didn’t fluster.
“I don’t understand why you’re upset.”
I could have just apologized and moved on. After all, she had helped me in many ways, and I felt genuinely happy when she congratulated me on my pregnancy. She felt like a real mother-in-law.
However, the imprinting that was starting to take hold prevented me from even having such thoughts. The only time I could decide for myself was when it involved Ian.
Noticing the change in my gaze, Nicola suddenly grabbed my wrist and demanded of Henry.
“Please, just a moment alone.”
* * *
Nicola, after asking Henry to arrange for tea, led me to her annex. I had always noticed Henry was particularly weak against Nicola.
“Let’s go upstairs to talk.”
She seemingly realized my condition from my hostility alone.
I didn’t want to hate her when I saw her like this, but remembering what she did to Ian, I couldn’t help it. My mind said no, but the imprint on my heart urged me to despise her.
“Sit on the bed. It’s not good for a pregnant woman to be exposed to the cold for too long.”
She willingly seated me on her bed and covered my stomach with a blanket.
“This child is not only yours but also my grandchild. Could you please be more careful?”
While saying this, Nicola’s playful nose twitch made her seem more childish than her age. She was cute in a good way, and immature in a bad way.
“Lady Nicola.”
“…When we are alone, can’t you call me ‘Mother’? You said you loved me.”
I had said that, out of immense gratitude because I felt like she was truly my mother.
“…Yes, I will.”
“Hehe, thank you, Child.”
“But there’s something I want to ask you first. You must tell me honestly.”
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