I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 31

—All nobles had been invited to tonight’s ball.

Alec, dressed in a brand-new suit, grinned smugly as he stood before Liliana.

“You did well this time. To make that cold-hearted marquis send so much money. You must have pleased him greatly.”

Liliana was stunned.

(That amount was enough?! Well, it was a fortune…)

If they were satisfied with that, perhaps she could manage in the future yet the thought filled her with self-loathing.

She had only met their demands thanks to Leivis’s help. It wasn’t her own strength.

To think of the marquis’s wealth as her own was disgraceful.

“Keep it up. That’s your only worth.”

Serena, draped in a lavish gown and glittering jewels, looked down on her.

“……”

—No. This had to end. She must refuse clearly.

Liliana clenched her hands, lifted her face.

“Um—”
“You’re still so pathetic. How can you walk beside Lord Leivis? I would suit him far better.”

Serena tossed her golden hair, resting a hand on Liliana’s shoulder.

“Let me be his mistress. You can bear his children, but I’ll be the one he loves.”
“W-what…”

She pressed down hard. Her eyes were serious.

Serena had always been interested in Leivis—high-born, famous, handsome, favored by the King. He was exactly her type.

She had even tried to marry him in Liliana’s place, but her magic was far too weak. Since then, she had feigned disdain but never given up.

“Serena, you’re brilliant. With your beauty, the marquis will surely adore you!” Alec chimed in eagerly.

Liliana drew a deep breath, raised her head.

“—No.”

Her firm refusal froze their faces. They hadn’t expected resistance.

She continued:

“I cannot do something so shameful. And I cannot send more money. Please, live within your means.”

Serena shoved her hand away, trembling with rage.

“You insolent wretch! You’re nothing but troublesome magic! Don’t get cocky just because the marquis favors you!”
“……”
“You owe us for raising you!” Alec barked.

—Her sister’s words echoed her stepmother.
—Her brother’s echoed her father.

Liliana suppressed the emotions rising within, facing them with dignity.

“I have not forgotten the debt of being raised. Nor have I forgotten how I lived in that house.”

Cold words, harsh discipline—never any comfort. She could not obey such a family any longer.

“I will not send money for your waste. I am of House Elsdean now. I cannot betray it.”

Their faces twisted in anger.

“Ungrateful! You owe your position to us!”

Liliana answered calmly:

“At least, not to you.”
“You—don’t get arrogant!!”

Alec’s face reddened, his arm raised—

But his hand was struck aside by something unseen.

“—What?! A bug—?”

He clutched his hand, bewildered. Then he saw the figure approaching and gasped.

“Lord Leivis…”

Liliana called his name. His expression softened briefly, then hardened.

“This conversation is over. Leave.”

He brushed past Alec and Serena, setting two glasses before Liliana. Bubbles rose and popped softly.

“I cannot tolerate anyone who harms my wife.”

Alec’s face contorted in fear, staring at his hand. He trembled.

“Serena—let’s go—”
“Marquis!”

Serena stepped forward, smiling coyly.

“My brother was rude. But may we speak alone sometime?”
“There is nothing I wish to say to you.”

Her face froze.

“Do not disgrace your house further.”

His voice was low, sharp as a blade, his eyes cold with anger.

“S-sorry… forgive us, Marquis…”

Alec pulled Serena away.

Liliana exhaled in relief as Leivis sat beside her.

“Forgive me for leaving you alone. Truly…”
“No! Thank you, Lord Leivis. I’m so glad.”

She didn’t know what he had done, but he had stopped violence without a scene.

Her clenched hands relaxed. The trembling was gone.

She looked at the glass.

“Thank you for this as well. I’ll drink it.”
“Mm.”

She sipped. Cool, faintly sweet, sparkling. Her eyes lit up.

“This is delicious.”

The fresh grape aroma, sweetness, and slight bitterness delighted her.

Then—

“Liliana, will you marry me?”

She choked.

“S-sorry! Are you alright?”
“Y-yes…”

She coughed, eyes watering, mind reeling.

(But… aren’t we already married? Or does he mean truly, as husband and wife? I’m not ready…)

Her heart pounded wildly. Why now?

“I didn’t mean to rush you. It just slipped out…”

His ears were red. He was embarrassed.

Seeing his shy profile calmed her.

—Leivis Elsdean.
Her husband, her teacher, kind, even endearing.

“…We are married.”
“…Yes.”

Though it was a contract marriage, though it had frightened her.

—Now she loved him. She was glad to be his wife.

She wanted him to feel the same.

She understood his words were encouragement.

“I’ll strive to be worthy as your wife.”
“…Take it slowly.”

He sipped his drink.

“Position shapes people. My wife is only you. Think only of me.”
“Yes—”

He finished his glass, stood.

“Let’s go home. We’ve fulfilled our duty.”

At that moment, footsteps ascended. A solemn man in formal attire, with Elina following.

“Marquis Elsdean. His Majesty requests you.”

Leivis scowled.

“I refused.”
“Your substitute fell ill. It is tradition. His Majesty insists.”
“…Tch…”

He sighed, rubbing his head, then looked at Liliana.

She smiled up at him.

“I’ll be fine. Please go.”
“…Forgive me. I’ll step away.”

He glanced toward the window, checking direction. Then leaned close to her ear.

“Watch from here.”

His low voice whispered:

“—It is for the Queen. But I’ll make it bloom for you too.”