We’re in a Contract Marriage, But I’ve Imprinted - Chapter 98

Eventually, Ian’s patience snapped, and he erupted in anger.

Someone had targeted the heir to the Duchy, and no one knew how the poisoning occurred.

He gripped the end of the bed so tightly that the plush mattress tore under his grasp.

“Young Lord…”

Henry bowed deeply, full of regret. Ian exhaled roughly and then turned his gaze towards me. Suddenly, the gold in his eyes flashed wildly, like the glare of a wild beast.

At that moment, the comforting pheromones surrounding me instantly turned sharp. The pheromones pricked my skin.

“Young, Young lord…”

In shock, my body jerked as I instinctively reached out to him. I wanted him to treat me with the kindness he had shown just days before.

However, he saw my outstretched hand but did not take it.

Hadn’t he just held it before? Then why ignore me now? Just thinking of ‘being ignored’ sent a wave of dread through me, suffocating me and making the edges of my vision darken as if the world was closing in.

It was like the grayscale world I briefly glimpsed during our imprinting reappeared before my eyes.

“Huuh, I, I was wrong…”

So, I pleaded earnestly. I begged and begged that my imprinted alpha would not ignore me. I feared that his feelings might change even before giving birth.

Memories from the Marquisate flooded my mind. I remembered Lorena, who came to the greenhouse alone after giving birth, unable to say to her own child ‘mother,’ and hated myself for ever pitying her.

How dare I pity others? Maybe I was too arrogant because I didn’t know. I thought I was different because I had my alpha. This thought had influenced how I treated Nicola and Lorena. And yet, I had accused Lilliana of crossing a line.

“Young, Young Lord, please forgive me just this once…”

If I could have moved easily, I might have knelt like a child, begging for forgiveness with both hands.

“I won’t ever leave recklessly again.”

My words stumbled out, my voice trembled with fear. Begging while my body shivered uncontrollably.

“Huuh, I won’t do it. I’m sorry…”

I apologized without end, not knowing what I was even saying.

Then, Ian spoke after keeping his quiet.

“Everyone leave.”

At his command, the room quickly emptied like a receding tide. The room was quiet, leaving behind the sound of my sobbing and gasping.

“Melissa.”

His use of my full name instead of a nickname made my heart drop. I managed to look at him through trembling eyes. Ian’s expression was devoid of emotion as he spoke softly.

“It had been clearly stated in the contract.”

Suddenly hearing about the contract made my heart pound wildly. I could only widen my eyes at Ian, as he continued speaking.

“You have a duty to protect my heir and give birth to a perfect alpha. Yet, you dared to leave without permission?”

“I’m, I’m sorry…”

“I don’t want your apologies.”

“…”

Hearing Ian’s words I was unable to speak further. He seemed lost in thought for a moment, then released his pheromones more broadly. Although it wasn’t as warm as before, it was enough to quench my thirst. As I inhaled his pheromones in a daze, Ian spoke again.

“I’ll impose a ban on leaving the house for a while. Reflect on what you’ve done wrong.”

“Yes, yes…”

“If something like this happens again, I’ll personally put shackles on your ankles, understand that.”

His anger seemed to have subsided, but his gaze did not. Ian looked at me as if he could burn me on the spot, then said.

“First, you need to recover. Try to get some sleep.”

As soon as he finished speaking, I involuntarily closed my eyes. I tried to shake off the day’s events but was quickly overwhelmed by a wave of exhaustion.

I fell into a deep sleep with my hands clasped together.

* * *

Ian confirmed that his omega was asleep before leaving the annex. Upon entering the main house, he kicked a statue in his path.

Crash!

Henry, the doctor, and the two maids who had gone to the Marquisate, trembled at his outburst. Ian, who had never shown his emotions, was taking out his anger on a priceless statue.

Crunch!

After crushing the statue beyond recognition, Ian approached them.

“You four, come see me for a moment.”

“Yes…”

“And about the rose bouquet received from the Marquisate, try to recover any part of it.”

“Yes!”

After giving his orders, Ian headed to his office. The rage boiling inside him blurred his vision.

“How dare someone target my heir?”

Ian sat down alone in his office late at night. He unbuttoned his shirt in frustration.

“Whoo…”

He was overwhelmed by the variety of shades his anger could take. Upon seeing his omega covered in blood, he felt a strong urge to kill those who made her like that.

Hearing the full story made him angry towards his omega’s naivety. Then it only fueled his resentment towards the mother who had tricked the innocent Melissa who knew nothing.

“Why did this have to happen while I was away…..”

Ian was well aware that his departure from the estate for official duties could easily be found out. Yet, the timing seemed too coincidental.

If there were plans to summon his omega during the barely more than two days he was away, he should have been informed. It was an unspoken rule among nobles to arrange appointments a month in advance.

Even in urgent cases, an invitation should be sent at least a week prior to the event. However, without any of these formalities, his mother had suddenly taken her out. Specifically to Marquisate Ovando.