Chapter 31
Yuliana was bedridden for three days straight.
According to the doctor, her body had weakened from overwork, resulting in a severe cold.
In less than two months since the wedding, Yuliana had flawlessly handled the estate’s management, planned banquets, personally closed a trade deal with a merchant guild, and even oversaw renovations on the mansion.
Even a machine would’ve broken down under that much pressure.
None of what Lloyd said had been wrong.
That’s what bothered Kallion the most.
He had always drawn a clear line between personal and professional matters—but not when it came to her.
Despite being the daughter of a rival family, her skills and intelligence had far exceeded expectations.
He had treated her like a silly girl with nothing but flowers in her head—but she was nothing like that.
Then there was the orphanage incident.
A woman barely able to take care of herself had risked her life to save children.
Even most grown men would’ve hesitated.
And yet, he still hadn’t acknowledged her.
No, he had refused to acknowledge her.
Maybe… she had worked so hard to be recognized by just one person in this house where everyone else was against her.
And only now, after she collapsed, was he realizing that.
It made him feel like a heartless man who had tormented a woman out of personal resentment.
“Sigh…”
Kallion buried his face in his hands and let out a deep sigh.
Why did Layla have to be sick that day?
No—would he have even noticed Yuliana’s condition if Layla hadn’t been?
He wasn’t sure.
Rubbing his face with one hand, he glanced at Layla, who was sitting quietly at the side desk.
Unlike Yuliana, who had been bedridden for days, Layla looked perfectly fine.
“Layla, how are you feeling after the banquet?”
Layla stiffened slightly at the question, then gave a gentle smile.
“Thanks to your concern that day, I’ve recovered well.”
After a brief silence, Kallion murmured,
“That’s good to hear.”
Layla anxiously glanced at him, wondering if he’d figured out she hadn’t truly been sick.
He sat there quietly, deep in thought, before finally speaking again.
“Layla, could you check how Yuliana is doing today?”
“…Pardon?”
“If she’s feeling well enough, let her know I’d like to have dinner with her.”
Before she could even respond, Kallion quickly changed his mind.
“Actually, never mind. I’ll tell her myself.”
He stood up as if he’d made up his mind, and headed straight for the door.
Layla stared at his retreating back with a troubled expression.
Kallion had been acting strangely the past few days—distant, distracted, sighing constantly.
Was it… because of Yuliana?
Layla’s expression twisted with unease.
It couldn’t be. He despised the Heister family more than anyone.
It had to be something else.
She tried to convince herself of that as she nervously watched him leave.
***
Kallion headed to Yuliana’s room but found it empty.
Annoyed, he asked the head butler,
“Where the hell did she go in that condition?”
The butler, understanding who Kallion meant despite the vague question, answered calmly,
“If you’re referring to the Madam, she’s currently checking the newly renovated greenhouse.”
Kallion frowned slightly.
Why would someone who was just sick be out checking anything?
People might think he’s forcing her to work.
Noticing his expression, the butler added quickly,
“She said she was feeling much better today and wanted a walk, so she decided to take a look around.”
Clearing his throat, Kallion turned and walked toward the greenhouse.
This is just to apologize for how I acted as a poor successor of the family, he told himself.
No matter his feelings toward her, it was true that she had performed her duties as the lady of the house exceptionally well.
Trying to justify himself, he picked up his pace.
The glass greenhouse, which had been neglected, was now beautiful and well-kept.
It looked like spring had arrived inside—green plants and colorful flowers were everywhere.
And in the middle of it stood Yuliana.
Kallion started to approach her but stopped, for some reason unable to speak.
Even though it had only been a few days, she looked much thinner.
Her already pale skin looked nearly transparent, and her slender frame looked like it could snap like a twig.
Kallion frowned again.
Didn’t I tell the head maid to take care of her while she was sick?
As he stared at her with a frown, Yuliana slowly looked up at the glass ceiling.
Bathed in sunlight, she looked so fragile, as if she might drift away like a feather.
Even though he stood just outside the greenhouse, she didn’t notice him.
Then, her lips moved softly.
“Deni…”
He couldn’t hear clearly, but the name made him frown.
And then—he saw something sparkling fall down her cheek.
A tear.
Realizing she was crying, Kallion froze.
The woman who had always seemed composed and unshakable—was crying?
The tear rolled down her cheek and fell to the ground.
And with it, something dropped heavily inside his chest.
***
During her illness, Yuliana had dreamed of her child many times.
Denian. Her beloved son.
Even though it was just a dream, the way he smiled at her, ran into her arms, clung to her neck—it all felt so real.
She smiled and cried at the same time.
Despite living through eleven lifetimes, she had never been able to have a child.
The Heister family’s power had always passed through the male line.
And perhaps the fire spirit residing in her body made it impossible to carry a normal pregnancy.
Even when she lived as Lloyd’s wife, it hadn’t worked—perhaps because of the conflicting powers between them.
After all those lifetimes, the answer had become clear.
Even if she had another child, she could never forget him.
Denian was her entire world.
She needed him to live.
That’s why she came here—to find him, so she could survive.
To Kallion, the heir of the Baldomere family.
She suddenly realized tears were running down her face again and gently wiped them away.
She hadn’t cried in so long… not since her emotions had dried up through countless regressions.
But something inside her was stirring again.
Anger. Resentment. Hatred. Contempt.
And longing…
She thought she could hear Denian’s sweet laughter echoing in the air.
Just a little longer. I’ll come for you.
Just a little…
Suddenly, she sensed someone watching her and turned her head quickly.
There, standing silently at the entrance of the greenhouse, was Kallion.
Their eyes met.
His amethyst eyes glinted strangely in the sunlight.
He didn’t say anything. Just stared.
Yuliana was the one to break the silence.
“Do you need something from me?”
Kallion seemed startled, cleared his throat, and looked away.
“…Are you feeling better?”
She blinked, confused by the question.
Did he really just ask me if I was okay?
This man, who always looked at her with coldness or disgust?
Or… did he have some ulterior motive?
She narrowed her eyes suspiciously and answered coolly.
“I’m feeling much better. What do you want?”
Her cold tone made Kallion’s expression stiffen.
Then he let out a deep sigh and said,
“If you’re well enough to eat, join me for dinner later.”
It wasn’t one of their scheduled meal days.
What was this about?
Frowning, she suddenly remembered—they would soon have to share a bed, as agreed.
There was no reason to create unnecessary tension before that.
“…Alright. I’ll see you then.”
Even after she turned away, he stood there awkwardly.
She looked back at him with a frown.
“Is there something else?”
He opened and closed his fists, hesitating, then finally sighed and shook his head.
“No… nothing.”
With that, Kallion quietly left the greenhouse.
Yuliana watched him go with suspicion, then turned her attention back to the flowers.
