I Was Meant to Be the Evil Wife, But the Cold Marquis Fell for Me - Chapter 9

This is bad. This is really, really bad.

Liliana’s heart pounded wildly. She was about to ruin Elina’s precious “library encounter” episode, the very spark of romance between heroine and marquis. That was unacceptable. She only wanted to avoid her own ruin, not derail the story itself.

(If I slip out quietly while he’s searching for books…)

But Leivis walked straight toward her.

(Whaaaat?!)

She panicked. Surrounded by shelves, there was no escape. So she leapt forward—straight into his path. Their eyes met, and he froze.

“Please don’t mind me!” she blurted, rushing past him toward the door.

“Wait!”

The command froze her in place. Years of conditioning made her body obey.

“Please… wait,” he said again, this time gently.

Her breath caught.

“I want to talk with you.”

His voice was cautious, not domineering. Slowly, she calmed.

(Of course, I can’t steal the heroine’s scene! I’m just the villainess. The real romance will happen elsewhere.)

She turned to face him. Truly meeting his gaze for the first time.

“…Are you well?” he asked.
“Yes. Everyone has been kind to me.”
“I see.”

The air was heavy, their words awkward.

“I heard about the vase incident. Are you unharmed?”
“Yes. No one was injured.”

She emphasized no one.

“And the soup… I heard something was found in it.”

He knew everything. Clearly, her actions were being reported.

“It was before I ate, so I’m fine.”
“…Good.”

Silence stretched.

“Liliana.”
“Yes?”

He looked at her directly.

“…Am I frightening to you? Why do you keep running away?”

His voice carried a hint of sadness. Liliana faltered. She hadn’t prepared an excuse.

(I didn’t think this through!)

She scrambled for an answer. If Elina and Leivis weren’t yet romantically involved, she couldn’t use that as a reason. Finally, she whispered:

“…I’m afraid of men.”

Leivis inhaled sharply.

“It isn’t you, my lord. I fear men in general.”

It was a desperate lie but perhaps the best possible one. It didn’t insult him personally, and it even supported her plan to enter a convent later.

(Perfect excuse!)

And it wasn’t entirely false. In the novel, her fate was to be passed from man to man, bearing children for each. A living hell.

“…I’m sorry. I can’t fulfill my duties as a wife.”
“I see. But as nobles, we have obligations.”
“Yes…”

She trembled. Would he force her?

But instead he said:

“I won’t compel you. I’ll wait until you’re ready.”

“…What?”

She looked up. His expression was calm, respectful, almost gentle.

“Just treat me normally. Don’t run when you see me. Share meals when possible. That’s all.”

(That’s ordinary enough.)

She nodded. “Yes, I understand.”

Relieved, Leivis smiled faintly. For the first time, she saw him as human, not a cold monster.

(I’ve been so rude!)

Yet she still hid the truth. Shame weighed on her.

“But are you sure? My ‘readiness’ could take forever.”
“That’s fine. We’ll go at our own pace. No one will interfere.”

His words were firm, protective.

(He’s kind.)

Her heart swelled.

“Rest assured. I’ll protect you.”
“…Leivis…”

She was overwhelmed.

(This feels strange. Isn’t this what one says to a beloved partner?)

No one had ever spoken to her like this.

He added: “I have no mistress, nor will I take one. I want to protect only one person.”

She blinked, stunned.

“…Thank you, Lord Leivis.”