CWMBR 97

Chapter 97

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Sponsored by Elisa. Thank you ❤️ (3/10)

***

Come to think of it, Bridget had never once told Ain she wanted something from him or desired anything. The only thing she'd ever demanded of him was responsibility for the baby, back when she was pregnant.

She probably had no idea whatsoever what Ain was capable of providing. So she didn't know what to ask for, or how much she could even want. If that was the case, this current request would be a perfect opportunity.

He was confident he could show her just how exceptional his abilities were.

He wasn't one to flaunt wealth or power, but for some reason, he felt a little excited at this moment. Ain calmly suppressed his rising excitement and stared at Bridget.

To him, she stated her demand in a calm voice.

"Lady Olden's mansion."

Ain's eyes widened. That was an unexpected demand.

"If you give me that, I'll postpone the divorce for a while. Will you accept?"

"Why, specifically that?"

Ain's question trailed off. Staring quietly into Bridget's transparent green eyes, he understood her intent without needing to hear it.

I will not permit you to possess my memories.

Ah, she sought to reclaim the landscape of her childhood sold to him.

Realizing this, his previously confident excitement sank like a wet sponge. He wanted to tell her to take a more expensive, luxurious mansion instead, but he already knew the answer that would come back if he made such a suggestion.

"………………Fine."

Ain squeezed out the words in a low voice, forcing his voice to come out.

"The moment we finalize the divorce we've been putting off, that mansion will be yours too."

"You really are strange."

She looked at Ain, who agreed without protest, with a skeptical gaze. There was no trace of trust in that look directed at him. Whether he affirmed or denied, all Bridget showed him was suspicion and wariness.

He was still her legal husband, yet he felt like a stranger standing farther away than Gilum waiting downstairs. Realizing this, Ain was engulfed by a profound sense of hopelessness, as if trapped in a sealed room with no escape. For the first time, Ain, who had consistently met Bridget's gaze during their conversation, averted his eyes. He feared that continuing to face her would lay bare his own utter confusion, with nowhere to turn.

He merely murmured in a fading tone, as if to himself.

"It kept feeling strange."

"Yes, it did."

Bridget agreed. She too looked confused, but Ain could offer her no further explanation.

His negotiating table lay completely shattered. Beyond ever sitting at it again.

***

Ain, his expression noticeably subdued, left as swiftly as he had arrived. Bridget stared blankly at his retreating back as he walked out the front door without hesitation. She grabbed Declan, who was about to follow. After a moment's hesitation, she lowered her voice to a whisper and asked.

"Mr. Declan, is Ain seriously ill?"

But Bridget's lowered voice was wasted, as Declan startled and retorted loudly.

"What? Are you saying he's sick?"

"No, it's not that."

Bridget hastily waved her hands. She didn't suspect Sanne, Gilum, or Jane, who were present, but she couldn't let a potentially misleading remark go unchallenged. Worried that false rumors about Ain's health might spread, Bridget repeatedly denied Declan's statement. Declan then rubbed his chin and tilted his head in puzzlement.

"Well, Ain is certainly not someone who's ever been outdone in physical strength."

Even to Bridget, Ain’s energy seemed perfectly fine. Lately, he did look a bit gaunt, perhaps from work piling up, but even so, he was Ain Wise. A tall, handsome man with an enviable physique. A perfect person who seemed to have nothing to worry about.

After a moment's hesitation, Bridget cleared her throat and whispered again.

"It's not so much his physical condition... he seems mentally off."

And once again, Declan drowned out her efforts with a loud retort.

"Ah, you mean he's crazy!"

"………………I didn't say that."

Bridget pressed her hand to her forehead and sighed in resignation. Declan seemed utterly convinced that everyone present would keep their mouths shut.

Right, he was a lawyer. He'd handle it. He was the one who stepped in immediately whenever rumors about the Wise family or conflicts with the press arose, silencing them with his formidable skills. Perhaps Bridget's worries had been an unnecessary waste from the start.

Whether he sensed Bridget's disillusionment or not, Declan chuckled heartily and nodded.

"Haha, it amounts to the same thing anyway. It's fine, I agree completely. He’s never been such a fool as he is these days."

"Fool?"

Bridget doubted her own ears.

"But what can you do? He brought it on himself."

Before she could retort, he ended the conversation with a solitary click of his tongue, tipping his hat in farewell.

"Anyway, I enjoyed the meal. Mrs. Ottertz, thanks to you, my stomach is full and satisfied from the morning."

"Haha, your wit is delightful. Take care, Mr. Rogers."

Jane accepted the gratitude with a cheerful smile. Bridget, who had been watching the two seem to grow suddenly closer during their brief conversation, suddenly turned to look at Declan.

"Oh, right, Mr. Declan."

Declan, who had been about to turn away, paused. Bridget said in a clear tone.

"If I ever file for divorce, I'll appoint you as my representative, Mr. Declan."

Declan, who had been looking at Bridget with puzzled eyes, gradually brightened. It was like sunlight, previously hidden behind clouds, suddenly shining brilliantly across a wide field.

"Good heavens, you've just agreed to be the guardian of my social career! Thank you so much!"

"No, why would that be something to thank me for...?"

Shouldn't she be the one thanking him? As if not hearing Bridget's bewildered mutter, Declan clicked his tongue and glanced behind him.

"So that bastard is suing? Ugh, I told him to drop it."

"No, he didn't say that. I'm just mentioning it in case."

Judging by his attitude today, he clearly wasn't planning to grant an easy divorce. She'd only brought it up on a whim, just in case.

Declan responded to Bridget's answer with a reassuring smile, tapping his chest with his fist.

"Don't worry. A lawyer's livelihood depends on trust and credibility. If it comes to a lawsuit, I will absolutely, decisively win for you. I'm confident I can secure whatever alimony you ask for………."

"Declan."

Declan's words, tinged with a strange, almost playful glee, were cut off by a cold voice. Ain, who he thought had vanished, had returned and was glaring at Declan with a look of utter contempt.

"Cut the nonsense and hurry up."

Declan shook his head at his sharp demeanor and offered a genuine farewell this time.

"Well then, I'll be going."

The spot where the two men had stood resembled the aftermath of a storm. Bridget pressed her fingers to her throbbing forehead and closed the front door.

Sanne, who had been watching from a short distance away, arms crossed, approached with a mischievous grin.

Her expression looked decidedly teasing.

"That was entertaining."

"I'm glad at least one person found it entertaining."

Yes, it was good if anyone felt positive emotions. Bridget consoled herself with that thought and shuffled off. Only after about three guests had left did the mansion finally regain some of its usual peacefulness.

"You look tired."

"A little."

Bridget, about to sit on the parlor sofa to talk with Sannae, paused abruptly. When had it been tidied? On the table sat a vase holding the bouquet of lilies Finn had brought earlier. The still-intense fragrance made her frown involuntarily.

"Mrs. Ottertz, it would be better to put these lilies somewhere else. Somewhere more... well-ventilated."

"Oh, should I?"

"Yes. The scent is so strong it's making me dizzy."

Sanne, who had followed her into the parlor, glanced at the vase.

"Those lilies..."

"Mr. Emerson left them."

"Oh, I see."

Just as Jane lifted the vase to move it, Sanne suddenly spoke up.

"Madam, might I take one of the lilies?"

Seeing no reason to refuse, Bridget readily nodded her consent.

"Of course."