IMMSFL Chapter 18

Chapter 18

When she realized that her share in the family’s endless love for Irene was nonexistent, how miserable must she have felt?
In the same way, she wanted Irene to face the unfortunate end of a one-sided love.
That was all.
“Fine, I’ll play along.”
Diego signed his name next to the signature line and handed over the contract.
“Ah, Your Grace, please hold on to the contract.”
Considering they even snooped through her diary, there was no way they wouldn’t find the contract. Even if Amy was on her side, she couldn’t forget that Herman and Edward’s men also resided in the duke’s mansion.
“I thought for sure you’d insist on keeping the contract yourself.”
“You’re not someone who’d recklessly alter a contract, so I’m not worried.”
“Of course.”
The man, who slid the contract into a beige envelope, replied casually.
Just then, a gentle chime from the clock on the wall marked the hour.
Standing up, Diego put on the coat draped over his chair and tucked the envelope inside.
As he slipped on his dark leather gloves, he said, “See you later.”
It was just a dry goodbye, but within it, Ebony felt a strange sense of anticipation and joy.
Perhaps it was because of the promise of meeting again—a sign of change between them.
As he left the sitting room, she found herself meeting Leon’s gaze in the corridor.
Leon, who had been wandering around waiting for them to come out, perked up at the sound of movement.
“Diego!”
Running up to the man, Leon looked at him expectantly for an explanation.
“I’ll be in touch, Leon.”
But Diego simply patted Leon on the shoulder and brushed past him.
Before walking away, Diego made brief eye contact with Ebony, his steady footsteps echoing down the hallway until he disappeared from view.
This left just the siblings alone in the room.
Sensing his chance, Leon’s gaze swept up and down his sister suspiciously.
Ebony flinched under his scrutiny, and Leon quickly caught on.
“So, what’s going on between you two?”
“Nothing,” Ebony replied.
“Nothing? You go all the way to the north to see him, and he comes to the capital to visit you?”
Caught off guard, Ebony clamped her mouth shut.
Finding the silence suspicious, Leon asked hesitantly, “Wait… are you two dating?”
“Of course not!”
Ebony’s vehement denial suggested they weren’t in a romantic relationship, but Leon couldn’t figure out why the busy man would visit her at the mansion if that were the case.
“…We just had something to discuss,” she said eventually.
For a moment, she wondered if it would be better to tell Leon the truth but decided against it.
There was no way her brother would approve of a loveless marriage.
Still, lying to someone she cared about felt unbearable, and she was about to retreat to her room, claiming she felt unwell when Lucia burst in excitedly.
“Lady Dominique!
The Duke of Magnus sent over a mountain of gifts!
The flowers will be arranged in your room, but what should we do with the jewelry and dresses?
Should I load them onto the carriage now?”
“…What?”
“He has such impeccable taste! From dresses made at Evgenia’s top salon, where there’s a year-long waitlist, to accessories from an up-and-coming designer—everything is perfect!”
Lucia clasped her hands together, practically glowing with admiration.
“…Diego sent those?”
Leon reacted before Ebony could. His expression turned incredulous.
“Yes! And he was so sweet about it, saying everything would suit her perfectly!”
That was a lie. “I didn’t know what you’d like, so I just bought everything” was probably more accurate.
Feeling flustered, Ebony thought Lucia’s enthusiastic recounting was a bit unfair.
She wanted to escape the curious and judgmental stares directed her way, and as she moved to leave, something fell.
Clink.
The ring she had kept in her pocket hit the floor.
At once, two astonished gazes shot toward the object.
Leon was the first to act. Picking up the box, he opened it and examined the contents before scoffing in disbelief.
“You’re not dating—you’re getting married?!”
A panicked Ebony snatched the box from him.
Inside, the emblem of Magnus was boldly engraved.
Realizing she had no way out, Ebony bit her lip.
“Lucia, please keep what happened today a secret. And discreetly load the gifts into the carriage.”
“…Yes, my lady,” Lucia stammered, unnerved by the suddenly tense atmosphere. Recognizing the gravity of the moment, she hurriedly excused herself.
Leon remained, watching her intently. Closing the distance between them, he placed his hands firmly on her shoulders.
“You need to explain,” his eyes seemed to say.
Ebony flinched under his grip.
She stared down at his polished brown shoes before slowly meeting his gaze, which mirrored her own green eyes.
“…It’s not what you think,” she began. “You know as well as I do that His Grace isn’t the type to marry anyone.”
“True. But the Diego I know doesn’t give women rings or lavish them with gifts either.”
“That’s…”
At a loss for words, Ebony faltered.
Leon’s reasoning left no room for argument.
“…You’re right. I’m getting married to His Grace.”
Finally, Ebony admitted it.
“I was too embarrassed to tell you, but you were right about everything.
I fell for him at first sight, and before returning to Freenid, I impulsively went to the north to see him.”
“And then decided to get married?”
“We fell in love… and wanted to marry right away,” she said, though her tone wavered slightly.
Leon watched as Ebony nervously tucked her hair behind her ear—a telltale sign of her lying.
While he wanted to probe further, his instincts told him to stop.
Diego wasn’t the type to marry for no reason. If he was going through with this, it meant there was a deeper purpose.
“Alright, I’ll support you. Diego has a fiery temper, but he’ll treat you well if he loves you.”
“Thank you. And please… don’t tell the rest of the family yet.”
“Don’t worry, I won’t. Let them know when you’re ready. Just be prepared—Evelyn might not take it well. She had a little crush on Diego, you know.”
“Yes, I’ll handle it,” Ebony replied, smiling faintly as Leon ruffled her hair.
“Take care and visit anytime, okay, Ebony?”
“I will.”
“Promise!”
“Yes, I promise.”
After what felt like a dreamlike two weeks, it was time to leave the Dominique residence.
After saying a cheerful goodbye to Helene, Ebony was met by Leon.
“Take care, my dear sister.
This time, I’ll make sure to double-check before sending letters, so write often, okay?”
Leon seemed reluctant to let her go, his expression tinged with concern.
“Like Helene said, you’re always welcome here. Remember? We even prepared a room for you.”
“Thank you, brother. For understanding me and for giving me such wonderful memories.”
“It’s my duty as your brother.”
With their farewells complete, Ebony boarded the carriage.
Waving at them through the window, she reflected on her time in Evgenia.
“…I gained a new family.”
During this trip, she had earned the support of Leon and Helene as allies.
“And I sealed the deal with His Grace.”
The biggest challenge—striking a deal with Magnus—was also accomplished.
She had finally taken the first step.
“Well done, me…”
The twenty days had been long but fruitful.
Feeling a sense of relief after completing everything, she allowed herself to relax.
With happy memories filling her heart, Ebony drifted into a sweet sleep.