Chapter 56
Hazel’s face flushed with embarrassment. The idea of stepping into the position of Duchess must have sounded strange, and mentioning non-existent children only added to the confusion.
‘I must be missing some kind of regression law.’
The situation spiraled in an odd direction, leaving me mentally disoriented.
Suddenly, I remembered the night not so long ago—a late summer downpour when Stefan had passionately embraced me. That memory felt fresh in my mind.
The situation had subtly shifted, but Stefan’s actions remained unchanged. If they had indeed formed a relationship, there was a possibility that Hazel could have had Stefan’s child in my place.
‘No way. I can’t let Hazel take my children.’
In my past life, it had been me who was mercilessly humiliated when my hair was cut by Rita. Now, with my own hands, I had cut my hair, leading to Hazel suffering from Rita’s violence instead.
Even though the situation had changed, Rita’s cruelty had not. The target had merely shifted.
‘Did Hazel suffer so much because of me?’
To uncover the truth, I struggled to calm my trembling hands and grasped Hazel’s tightly. I stared deeply into her eyes.
“Have you been harmed by the Lady beyond this?”
Her face turned a bright shade of red. Struggling to hold back her thoughts, words began spilling out uncontrollably.
‘Should I tell her I was stripped bare and subjected to a thorough inspection? Will she understand if I reveal how Rita defiled my purity to make slips stained with blood?’
The thought of Rita unleashing her abuse on Hazel in this life was overwhelming. Overcome with guilt, I couldn’t continue hearing her words, so I pulled Hazel into a tight embrace.
“I’m sorry. I’m really sorry, Hazel.”
“For what…?”
“…For pretending not to know all this time.”
Finally, Hazel broke down. Her self-pride or sense of shame that had kept her closed-off broke down entirely.
Despite regressing to change her fate, it was still unfair that the innocent continued to suffer at the hands of Rita’s cruelty.
Holding her tightly as she cried silently, I, too, let the tears flow.
“Let yourself cry, Hazel. It’s not good to hold it all in.”
“But why are you crying, Your Grace?”
Her cautious question came as I embraced her and wept.
“…I was also harmed.”
“Really? What…?”
I gradually shared the humiliation and suffering inflicted upon me by Rita in my past life. As I spoke, Hazel became deeply engrossed in the story, directing her anger toward Rita with harsh words.
“That kind of person should never be allowed to die peacefully. The whole world should know about her vile deeds and make her beg for forgiveness her whole life.”
Her puffed-up face wasn’t the kind of expression one would expect from someone saying such intense words, which made me burst into laughter.
“Haha!”
“Why are you laughing?”
“Seeing such innocent words come out of your mouth is terrifying.”
Realizing she had been teased, Hazel shot me a playful but slightly irritated glance. She then became concerned and gently grasped my hand.
“I’ll be leaving the Duke’s residence soon, but I’m still worried about you, Your Grace.”
“Don’t worry about me, just run far away.”
“Why don’t we run away together? Your brother will soon come to the capital, and if we ask to learn upper-class work, maybe…”
For a moment, her suggestion stirred something within me. Yet, the thought of leaving my children behind snapped me back to reality.
“I’ll graciously accept your kindness, Hazel. But I have work to do here in the Duke’s residence.”
“What do you…?”
“I believe there are more people Rita has tormented beyond just the two of us. That’s why I’m seeking evidence.”
Hazel understood the depth of my words and nodded firmly.
“I want to help too.”
Her sincere gaze was deeply touching.
“This is my task. Hazel, you’ve endured enough hardships, and it’s time for you to start a new life.”
“Your Grace…”
Touched by my words, her eyes welled up with tears again. I couldn’t help but wonder if leaving her behind in the Duke’s residence would cause complications for my work, but her heartfelt gratitude was something I couldn’t ignore.
I gently ran my fingers through Hazel’s hair, offering her an enticing proposal.
“Do you want me to introduce you to a skilled stylist I know?”
“Really?”
“But you have to keep their identity a secret. Can you do that?”
“Yes, I’ll keep it a secret.”
“Good. Let’s have a meal first.”
She eagerly nodded and hurried over to the tea table where the tray was placed. Since meeting Joanna would only be possible late at night, I decided to sit across from Hazel and spend the time waiting.
***
Stefan returned to the Duke’s residence in the early evening, searching for Rachel. As he wandered through the residence, he happened upon a scene where Rachel entered Hazel’s bedroom.
‘She really has no interest in me at all?’
Not only encouraging her husband’s infidelity but forming a bond with his mistress was beyond absurd. Stefan found himself laughing at the ridiculous situation.
Late into the night, when Rachel didn’t return to her room, he saw her leaving Hazel’s bedroom with a warm wave of her hand.
‘What on earth is she thinking?’
Entering Rachel’s bedroom quietly, Stefan dismissed Mary and settled on the edge of the bed. He intended to confront her about her thoughts after she finished her bath. However, her bath seemed to stretch endlessly.
As his imagination ran wild and his irritation grew, Stefan refilled his glass with wine, drinking it continuously despite the burning thirst that refused to be quenched.
Meanwhile, after finishing her bath, Rachel slipped into a prepared nightgown and sat at the vanity, drying her hair. The clinking sounds from the wine bar indicated Mary hadn’t left yet.
“Mary, you can go now.”
“….”
“I’ll handle it from here. Go to bed.”
“….”
When Rachel repeated her request, but Mary gave no response, she reached for her towel and headed towards the wine bar.
“What are you tidying up at this hour…”
Before her words could finish, Rachel was engulfed by a looming shadow. Stefan’s lips, which had been drinking wine, roughly captured hers.
With his intense scent and the forceful pressure of his body, Rachel lost herself. She dropped the towel she held and, instinctively, wrapped her arms around Stefan’s neck.
Hearing Hazel’s story of Stefan sleeping soundly after leaving the study with her slip earlier had dispelled any misunderstandings.
‘He’s not the kind of man who casually gives his attention to other women.’
Moreover, even while intoxicated, he had been murmuring Rachel’s name as he devoured her.
The anger slightly subsiding, Rachel allowed Stefan to continue his fervent pursuit. Perhaps, deep down, she hoped he would make amends until the very end.
His large hands gripping her chest caused a soft moan to escape.
“Haa…”
The sensation caused her lips to part, and Stefan buried his face in her neck. His heated breath and rough kisses sent a shiver down her spine.
The tremors resonated through him as well, and Stefan held Rachel even tighter than usual. Her fragile waist seemed as if it would snap under the pressure.
“Aah, that hurts, Stefan…”
She pushed against his chest in an attempt to awaken his senses. However, it seemed to only further fuel his desire.
Unable to reach the bed, Stefan pressed Rachel against the wall and slipped his hands under her nightgown, pressing his body firmly against hers.
Suddenly gripping his hand tightly, Rachel firmly shook her head.
“I don’t like this.”
Finally, his gaze shifted to her. Despite her breathless state, her violet eyes firmly conveyed her displeasure.
That violet gaze reminded Stefan of the garnet ring he had almost forgotten. His frustration surged again.
“What exactly do you not like?”
“This… this way. I don’t want this.”
“Why not?”
Rachel could sense Stefan’s twisted state. Yet, continuing in this way risked losing the opportunity for a deeper connection, possibly leading to her missing another chance at pregnancy.
“At least show some formality. I’m not just any woman you sleep with. I’m your wife.”
“Formality… formality.”
His contemplation of the word left Rachel unaware of the depth of his distress.
“I apologize for not understanding the preferences of a noble wife.”
