We're in a Contract Marriage, But I've Imprinted - Chapter 90
Feeling confused and torn between my head and heart, I wanted to hear the answer directly from her. I needed to know if what Brother had said was true or not. I couldn’t blindly believe the people of County Rosewood.
“What’s bothering you? Actually, I have something I want to ask first!”
Her serious expression and the golden glint in her eyes, so similar to Ian’s, made me feel sorrowful.
“Child, tell me honestly.”
“…..What about?”
“Have you imprinted?”
Her direct question didn’t faze me, and I calmly admitted.
“Yes.”
She seemed shocked, staring at me with wide eyes.
Now it was my turn to ask.
“Mother, did you abuse my Alpha when he was young?”
Her reaction to my imprinting seemed less significant compared to her now pale, shocked face at my question. Sometimes silence speaks louder than words, as it did now.
I could tell even without her saying anything. Just like Lewis had said, Nicola had abused her son, Ian.
My lips twisted in disgust. I didn’t want to be near her, the one who tormented my Alpha. I removed her hand that was on my shoulder. When I touched her hand, she stepped back in surprise.
“Who, who told you that?”
“My brother.”
“Your brother? That means…”
“Yes, the current Count Rosewood.”
“Oh, their father…”
“I’m sorry, but I need to leave. It’s too hard for me to be here with you.”
My tone was cold; I couldn’t understand her.
Honestly, I despised her.
“Child.”
She called out as I was leaving, breaking the silence. She seemed to have regained her usual composure, contrary to how pale she had just turned.
“You won’t see me again?”
“….Why did you do it!”
I didn’t intend to get angry. This was Ian’s matter, not mine. But with a child in my stomach, I couldn’t comprehend. How could someone harm their own child, so precious and beloved?
Nicola, who was observing my expression, slowly spoke.
“Do you think you won’t do the same?”
“What do you mean?”
“Do you think you won’t go mad?”
“What?”
“You may think Ian cares for you now, but who knows how long that will last?”
“…..”
Her words echoed my deepest fears. She knew my insecurities better than anyone.
“When I was carrying Ian, my Alpha loved me second most in the world. I thought once Ian was born, he would accept me. That was all I could hope for. Ian’s actions towards you are nothing compared to what he did.”
“…..”
“Child, I’m not saying you should become like me. Yes, I was jealous at times, especially hearing that he cared for you. That’s why I liked you, in my own way.”
“Mother.”
“Hoho, thank you for calling me that.”
Nicola continued to speak with an expression as lifeless as a corpse’s. She was so different from the always smiling and lively person I knew, it was hard to believe she was the same.
“You know, just as you think only of Ian, I too prioritized my Alpha. If only I could get his attention…”
Her face, which had shown no emotion until then, suddenly revealed a deep-seated anger. It seems to have hardened over a long time.
“I wanted to see him, even if it meant using my own child as bait. That’s all.”
“….I won’t do that.”
“Really? Do you think so?”
“I love my child. And my mother wasn’t like you. Don’t assume everyone will behave as you did.”
My words didn’t seem to change Nicola’s expression. She then casually made a request.
“Just do me one favor.”
“…..Not if it’s about Ian.”
“Of course not. He despises me too much for that. I’m not that oblivious.”
“Then what is it?”
“I want you to come with me somewhere.”
“What?”
I was taken aback by her unexpected request.
“There’s this young Omega I’ve come to know. She recently gave birth to an Alpha….”
“Recently?”
“Yes. Not long ago. It’s been about three months. You might find it good to meet her. You can hear her story.”
“…..”
“I actually called you here for that, but we ended up talking about other things.”
The anger she had shown earlier had vanished, and she was back to her usual cheerful self. What was her true nature?
“…I’ll go.”
I was curious about the Omega in a similar situation to mine, but I also felt a need to conclude my interactions with Nicola in a dignified manner.
“Great. Let’s go soon.”
Nicola’s face lit up with joy at my agreement.
The conversation ended as Henry came in with tea. I returned to the annex and lay down on the bed, pulling Ian’s pheromone-filled blanket over me.
I stroked my round stomach and murmured.
“Baby, Mom will never do that.”
If I ever feel an urge to harm my own child because of the imprint, I’d rather bite my tongue and die.
I will never live like Nicola.
* * *
Two days had passed since Ian left.
He had said he would return in three days, but I doubted things would go as planned. Feeling his pheromones fading, I lost all motivation.
Contrary to his worries, I hadn’t left the bedroom at all. I barely moved, to the point where Henry and the maids were concerned. Even when they suggested a walk, I refused to leave the bed, not wanting to part from the place where Ian’s scent was strongest.
Then Nicola came to visit again, bringing a bunch of things and presenting them as gifts.
“Remember the promise I mentioned? It’s today. Let’s go.”
“….What?”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
