Chapter 128
For the time being, they decided to leave Somerset alone.
Somerset wagged his nonexistent tail, doing everything he could to impress Dedrick—perhaps hoping that proving his usefulness would convince him to let him stay.
Delani nearly fainted from high blood pressure watching that.
Could it be that Delani was throwing a party just to bring back Somerset’s arrogant, noble past?
Honestly, Somerset wasn’t fully forgiven yet, and with rumors spreading about the Duchess, I expected her to stay quiet for a while.
But Delani was being bold instead.
Just then, Somerset stepped outside.
Even though Dedrick said it was fine, I was still worried he might cause trouble.
“Where are you going again?”
Was he planning something shady?
I rushed out to follow him, only to bump straight into Dedrick’s hard chest.
“Ow!”
I almost fell, but he caught me by the waist.
“What’s the rush?”
He gently touched my face, checking for injuries. I shook my head and pushed his hand down.
“I’m fine. Just a little stunned.”
“If it hurts, don’t hide it—tell me.”
I smiled and nodded.
“Okay. By the way, do you know where Somerset went? She suddenly walked out.”
“He’s probably just going out for a drink. Don’t worry. Neither he nor the Duchess can pull anything right now.”
He casually led me back inside.
At that moment, the communication stone on the table started glowing urgently.
Someone was calling, but Dedrick didn’t even bother to answer.
“You’re not going to pick up? It might be important.”
“If it were, Pavle or Milos would’ve come directly.”
“But it keeps ringing.”
“If it’s annoying, I’ll just get rid of it.”
“No, just answer it!”
He looked like he might smash that thing, so I quickly stopped him. With a sigh, he finally pressed the button.
A frantic man’s voice shouted from the other end.
—“Hey! A fiancée? What’s all this?! Is it true?! They say you’re so in love you’ve lost your mind—!”
Click.
“He wasn’t done talking.”
“It was nonsense, so who cares…”
Riiiing! Riiiing!
It started ringing again. I nudged Dedrick to answer. He sighed and pressed the button again.
—“Is it true or not?! I remember when you fainted after hearing that Marilyn was dead! You were like a ghost back then, and now—!”
Click.
“….”
“….”
We stared at each other in silence.
“Was that Eugene?”
“…”
“It was Eugene, right? So, he knew I died. He knew what happened to you.”
“…”
“…Did you really faint?”
“No.”
Liar.
I stepped forward and opened my arms. He gently leaned into my embrace.
“…It must’ve been really hard.”
“I’m okay now. You’re here.”
He said he was fine, but my nose stung with emotion.
While I was feeling sympathetic, the communication stone kept ringing loudly.
I gave him a strong kiss on the cheek, then stepped back.
“Now answer.”
“Cheek only?”
“Answer it and I’ll give you a kiss on the lips.”
Dedrick quickly hit the button.
He immediately leaned toward me, and I shoved him back, startled.
“We’re in the middle of a call!”
“…You promised.”
“He’ll hear us!”
“Then I’ll hang up—”
—“Who is she? She can’t actually be the dead Marilyn, right? Are you two together now? Seriously? I heard the fiancée was too sick to leave the Grand Duke’s estate, but this sick?! Which noble house is she from? I just found out because that damn mine is so remote—!”
Eugene’s nonstop ranting was getting out of hand. I gestured to Dedrick to just tell him.
Dedrick answered simply.
“She’s Marilyn.”
—“How can a dead person be…?”
“She just is.”
—“That’s all you’re saying?! Explain—!”
“I can’t.”
—“Fine. I’m coming to the capital soon. Wait for me!”
Dedrick ended the call without another word.
“You still keep in touch with Eugene, huh?”
“For now.”
“What’s he doing these days?”
“He’s managing a top-tier magic stone portal project with mages. He doesn’t trust anyone, so he’s overseeing everything himself.”
“So he started a business. What about his family?”
“They’re staying quiet.”
“I thought they’d support him.”
“He didn’t need them.”
Yep, they offered help, and he turned it down.
“I—mmph!”
Before I could finish, Dedrick kissed me deeply. He seemed desperate, like he’d been holding it back, and I gladly responded.
***
Delani, who should’ve been more anxious, came to see Dedrick with a calm face. She glanced around the parlor.
“Miss Marilyn isn’t here, I see.”
Dedrick ignored her, and she smiled sweetly as she sat.
“Just say what you came to say and leave.”
His cold tone didn’t faze her.
“I want to host a tea party. I’d like to introduce your fiancée there.”
Oh no… she shouldn’t have done that.
Dedrick’s mood instantly darkened. Delani trembled slightly but continued.
“I know your fiancée isn’t well.”
Saying that, even through she knew full well that I’m a closet monster, was pure mockery.
“She’s never shown her face in society. People are curious. Just a short appearance would help later.”
What a joke. This was a perfect excuse to refuse.
She’s too sick to attend. No one would blame him. And if the Grand Duke backed him, Delani would be silenced.
“It’s a chance to show off your relationship in front of everyone.”
Dedrick stayed silent. Delani smiled and stood.
“I’ll take that as a yes. I’ll see you both at the party.”
Just as she was leaving, Dedrick’s firm voice stopped her.
“We’re not coming.”
Delani’s face twisted slightly.
“…You’re refusing your own mother?”
“Don’t call yourself that.”
His anger flared, but he stayed composed as he stood.
“Forcing a sick fiancée to attend your party will really win hearts, huh? Great way to boost your image. Isn’t that right?”
His sarcasm was sharp. Delani clenched her fists. She knew he was right but she had no better plan to drag me out into public.
“She’s recognized by His Grace himself. And he knows she’s sick—thanks to you.”
Delani’s eyes narrowed in fury.
“Don’t mess with us. Unless you want your little party to ruined.”
“….”
“Do you understand? Then please leave.”
He dismissed her coldly. Delani, unable to argue, left trembling with rage.
“She’s so desperate, she’s not even hiding her trap.”
The tea party was clearly meant to expose me as a monster. But cornered rats will always act out. That’s when they make mistakes—because they have no time to think.
And Delani had no other option.
She had to do something, even knowing she might fall into her own trap.
“Shall we make it a tea party to remember forever?”
“Like what?”
“Time for Axel to step in, don’t you think?”
I grinned, and Dedrick stroked my cheek with a nod.
“That day sounds perfect. There were going to be plenty of witnesses.”
“Good.”
I hugged him tightly, pressing my cheek against his chest. He held me close and let out a satisfied sigh.
***
A cool summer breeze swept through the garden, which was beautifully decorated with seating for guests. Vases of summer flowers adorned the tables.
The gentle fragrance of flowers lingered in the air. On elegant glass plates were raspberry cakes, tarts, and puddings—carefully arranged.
Soft music played as guests arrived one by one.
Delani, wearing a flawless mask as if the rumors about her meant nothing, welcomed each guest with a smile.
“Thank you for inviting me, madam.”
“I’m so glad you could come, my lady.”
After greeting them all, Delani subtly looked around.
So, he didn’t bring that monster after all.
Delani bit her lip, but quickly fixed her expression.
