We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 94

At the Marchioness’ comment, I regarded her coldly.

“Marchioness Ovando, it seems today’s joy is solely yours and Lady Rosewood’s.”

“Yes? What do you mean by that?”

“Don’t casually judge Omegas. Would you appreciate it if we were to critique Betas in the same manner?”

“….That’s a bit excessive.”

“I believe, Marchioness, that you’ve already crossed the line.”

“Child, why are you like this all of a sudden?”

Nicola looked at me, clearly not understanding my anger. I found her not understanding even more baffling.

I turned to Lorena, who seemed frightened but didn’t appear to agree with my stance. Why couldn’t these two see that we were being insulted just because we’re Omegas?

I was so confused, I knew I couldn’t stay any longer. As I hurried out of the greenhouse, Henry and the maid followed in succession.

Holding my swollen belly, I tried to hurry.

“Please slow down, you might fall.”

As I slowed my pace at Henry’s caution, I saw the carriage at the entrance. I was eager to return to the mansion, so I quickened my pace again.

At that time, someone entered the mansion’s entrance. His surprised expression turned to mine, and I was immediately hit by a strong wave of pheromones, not from my Alpha.

The pheromones from another Alpha had a nauseating effect.

“Ugh.”

I felt a wave of nausea, reminiscent of severe morning sickness. Covering my mouth and bending over, Henry and the maid quickly supported me.

“Are you alright, Madam?”

As Henry was fidgeting while looking visibly concerned. The Alpha, who had just entered the mansion, approached quickly.

“Are you alright?”

He asked politely, looked at me briefly and he addressed Henry.

“Aren’t you the head butler of Duchy Bryant?”

“Yes, Marquis Ovando. I apologize for not greeting you earlier.”

“That’s alright. Then, this lady is…”

“Yes, she’s our madam.”

The Alpha, referred to as Marquis Ovando, seemed eager to ask Henry more but, noticing my condition, he called the servants around.

“Fetch the doctor immediately.”

“Yes, Marquis.”

Despite his good intentions, I was not pleased. It was his pheromones that were causing me discomfort.

“….I’m fine.”

“Madam…”

“I’d like to return to the Duchy quickly.”

They didn’t understand my discomfort and could only look at Henry with eyes full of concern.

“…Yes, Madam. I will escort you.”

The Marquis asked Henry as we prepared to leave.

“Are you sure it’s alright? She’s a pregnant omega, right? Even if it’s not far, traveling by carriage in her condition seems unwise.”

“But we must respect the madam’s wishes.”

“Hoo, it’s troubling to let Young Lord Bryant’s wife leave in such a state.”

“Your concern is appreciated, Marquis.”

He seemed unaware of the effect of his pheromones.

After all, as I had heard that Ian usually kept his pheromones perfectly under control it was uncommon.

I’ve heard that Alphas establish their hierarchy not just through social status but through pheromones as well. Though whether one chooses to acknowledge this is a personal matter.

Intriguingly, the extremely dominant Alphas, those at the very top, tend to conceal their pheromones. It was a trait admired by many Alphas for its subtlety. Maybe it’s their innate radiance that doesn’t require an outward display?

Luckily, I wasn’t stopped by the Marquis, but unluckily, he escorted me to the carriage.

Because of this, my stomach was in knots, and I could barely breathe properly due to the intensity of his pheromones.

Another maid approached briskly, she was holding a large bouquet of flowers, while waiting with the coachman.

“What is that?”

The maid explained to Henry.

“A servant left it, saying it was a gift for Madam’s pregnancy.”

I assumed it was a gift from the Marchioness since we were at the Marquisate, I didn’t give it much thought. I only wanted to distance myself from the Marquis.

The Marquis came and stayed until I got to the carriage. Normally, I would have been grateful for such attentiveness normally, but this made me realize how bad the presence of another Alpha’s pheromones were.

“I’m sorry, Marquis, for not greeting you according to proper etiquette due to my condition. I appreciate your understanding.”

“Huh, I don’t know about betas. I’ve witnessed my own Omega go through morning sickness. You don’t need to apologize for that.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Marquis. I must be going now.”

“Send my regards to the Young Lord.”

“Certainly.”

As Henry got into the carriage, he closed the door. The terrible pheromones began to dissipate. I bowed slightly through the carriage window to the Marquis to express my gratitude.

He nodded back in response.

As the carriage pulled away from the Marquisate, I took a deep breath.

“Could you open the window, please?”

At my request, the maid opened the window. The fresh air poured in. Breathing in air free from any pheromones, brought relief to my unsettled stomach.

“Madam, are you alright?”

“…I should avoid visiting mansions with Alphas in the future. I don’t plan on going out much until the Young Lord returns anyway.”

“Ah…”

Henry seemed to finally understand why I felt nauseous. The other maids looked perplexed.

One maid offered the bouquet she was holding.

“Madam, please accept this.”

The bouquet, entirely made up of bright red roses, was large enough to cradle with both arms. While an unusual gift for a pregnant woman, bouquets are a common present, so I accepted it.

“Is this from the Marchioness’ servant?”

“It seems like a guest gift.”

“I see.”

Though hesitant to accept a gift from someone I’m not welcomed, I took it. I wrapped my arms around it and naturally inhaled the scent of the roses.

The deep fragrance eased my discomfort a little bit. I comforted myself with the roses until we reached the Duchy. The deep rich aroma was so different from Ian’s scent but I had no choice but to soothe myself by inhaling it.