It Feels Like I’m About to be Divorced, But my Husband is My Favorite

Episode 47

‘Picking out toys together can wait. Should I start by buying them clothes, shoes, or school supplies this time?’

The only strategy I could come up with to make a good impression and get closer to the children was another display of generosity, which made me feel a little self-conscious.

Still, spending money was something I was as good at as earning it, so there was no avoiding it.

I was seriously contemplating how much it would cost to win the children’s hearts when Anne’s words proved true. The head maid came to my room, announcing that dinner was ready.

Hoping to run into Euclid or the children on my way, I left, but I didn’t meet anyone as I descended to the first floor.

Instead, I had a chance to briefly admire the ducal residence, which I had planned to properly explore tomorrow.

The Rudion Ducal Residence exuded a vintage charm distinct from the Basilian Duke’s Manor in the capital.

The interior was slightly understated but by no means shabby, which I appreciated.

However, the lamps lining the walls of the long hallway were all unlit, with candles burning beside them instead.

As I walked, observing this detail, I soon arrived at the dining room.

When the door opened, I saw Euclid standing to greet me, and my mood instantly brightened.

But then—

‘Wait, what is this seating arrangement?’

My face stiffened as I quickly scanned the room for a seat.

The head of the table, presumably Euclid’s seat, was set at one end. The smaller table settings on either side suggested the children’s seats, though they hadn’t arrived yet.

And the remaining seat?

To my astonishment, it was directly opposite Euclid, at the other head of the long table.

Seriously? I’m supposed to sit so far that I can barely see Euclid’s face? Are they ostracizing me from day one? I’d rather eat on the floor.

I didn’t say it aloud, but my expression betrayed my thoughts. The head maid confirmed it with a decisive tone.

“Your seat is here, my lady. I arranged it this way for your comfort.”

She spoke with an expression and tone as if she expected praise for her thoughtful effort.

Unable to hide my displeasure, I gestured toward Euclid’s side of the table.

“I’d prefer my seat to be moved here. It’ll be more convenient for the servants serving the meal, and besides… we’ll be living as a family now. It’s easier to bond if we sit closer together.”

Finishing my sentence, I subtly glanced at Euclid to gauge his reaction.

I was curious to see how he would respond to my sincere words.

“F-family…”

“You… want to get closer? Truly?”

However, before I could read Euclid’s expression, the head maid’s flustered murmur sparked a wave of shock among the servants, disrupting the moment.

And then—

“Marianne, Dior. You’re here.”

The children arrived just in time, their mouths slightly open in surprise as they stared at me, seemingly having overheard my words.

Feeling embarrassed, I cleared my throat and avoided their gazes.

I had confidently claimed I would win them over outside the residence, but saying something so honest in front of them was unexpectedly awkward.

‘Even as an adult, revealing your true feelings can be a bit embarrassing.’

“Ahem. Anyway, about the seating—”

“Please sit here.”

“What? But that’s—”

“It’s fine.”

Actually, it wasn’t fine—for me.

Trying to steer the atmosphere away from my embarrassment, I brought up the seating again, but suddenly, Euclid offered me his seat.

He had already stepped aside and even pulled out the chair for me, making it hard to refuse. I ended up sitting at the head of the table, flustered.

“…”

Well, this is… awkward.

Sitting here made me feel like the mistress of the ducal residence.

Still, if I had to sit at the end of the table, this spot was much better.

With Euclid seated next to Dior, I could see all three of them at once.

As I contentedly looked at the children seated beside me and Euclid across the table, I noticed someone I hadn’t seen before standing in the dining room.

Again. It’s happening again!

Amy stared at the Duke of Rudion in disbelief.

He was the kind of person who always thanked or greeted the servants for even the smallest things.

As such, he had always spoken kindly to her whenever they met, considering she was his dear nephews’ aunt.

Of course, it was humiliating that he treated her no differently than the other servants, but she had been content with that.

After all, she wasn’t actually a servant.

But that small comfort had vanished a few days ago.

The Duke had gotten married out of the blue!

As if that wasn’t shocking enough, since arriving at the residence, Euclid hadn’t spared her a single glance.

Yes, she had used Dior to create a bit of chaos and embarrass the Basilian princess, but…

Ignoring her in the dining room as though she didn’t exist was going too far.

Even when she had lingered behind the children to catch his attention, the Duke had been entirely focused elsewhere.

And now, Amy found herself noticed by someone she had no desire to attract.

‘What… What is this?’

Why is she glaring at me like that?

The woman who absolutely refused to acknowledge Amy as the Duchess was staring daggers at her.

‘She has no reason to care about me.’

Her gaze was so intense it felt as though she could see through Amy’s desires and schemes.

Even someone with a clear conscience would tremble under that glare, and Amy, who had her share of guilt, felt her heart pounding furiously.

She had planned to check whether Dior was following her instructions, but now, retreating seemed like the wiser choice.

“What’s your name? Are you the governess for the Duke’s niece and nephew?”

It wasn’t just her imagination, as evidenced by Evgenia starting a conversation with her.

Amy, caught off guard, hiccupped involuntarily and stepped back.

“Ah, Lady Biers.”

Only then did Euclid, who seemed to have just noticed Aimee’s presence, blink and respond on her behalf.

“Lady Biers is not a nanny.”

“She’s not a nanny?”

Evgenia stared at Euclid with an expression that seemed to ask, Then who is she?

Euclid glanced at the children and replied truthfully.

“She is the younger sister of my brother’s late wife.”

He omitted the word ‘late’ at the beginning of his answer.

Both his brother and his sister-in-law had passed away when the children were so young that they wouldn’t even remember them. Even so, Euclid always chose his words carefully in front of the children.

Evgenia paused, momentarily surprised by the unexpected answer, but soon dismissed it as unimportant and spoke casually.

“I see. So she’s the aunt of the young lady and the young master.”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“And she regularly takes care of them like this?”

“With much gratitude, yes.”

Evgenia nodded as if she understood, resting her chin on her hand while looking at Amy with a curious gaze.

Amy, who had begun to relax without realizing it as Euclid answered on her behalf, suddenly stiffened again.

Evgenia, still looking at Amy, directed her next question to Euclid.

“How often does Lady Biers visit the ducal residence? Is she here from morning until this late hour every day? Oh, surely… she’s not staying at the residence, is she?”

Amy had never imagined that Evgenia would be so interested in her, let alone what her intentions might be in asking such questions.

One thing, however, was clear—Evgenia disapproved of her!

In the North, Amy had carried herself with a certain degree of pride.

But under Evgenia’s gaze, she couldn’t help but feel a chill run down her spine, fear creeping in unknowingly.

Until just moments ago, Amy hadn’t realized the true nature of the person she was dealing with.

She was about to stammer out a defense, too overwhelmed to even feel her wounded pride.

“That’s absolutely not the case! How could it be?”

Someone else answered before she could.

It was none other than the Duke of Rudion, his face pale.

“I would never be so thoughtless or reckless as to allow an unmarried lady to reside in the residence.”