Deceived 80

Chapter 80

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Sponsored by LC. Thank you ❤️(6/6)

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Morning sunlight streamed through the window cracks, blanketing the snow-white bed.

Tossing and turning beneath the cozy duvet, Blair slowly pushed her eyelids open. Blinking for a moment, she gazed across the dimly lit expanse of the spacious bedroom.

The space she surveyed as she came to her senses felt utterly unfamiliar. A faint chill hung in the air. Perhaps it was because the spot beside the bed where Edmund should have been lying was empty.

Listening closely, she heard the sound of water coming from the bathroom adjoining the bedroom. He must have gotten up first to take a shower.

Blair traced her fingertips over the sheets where he had lain. There was no lingering warmth on the soft fabric. Her chest tightened unnecessarily, and she let out a sigh without realizing it.

They say couples grow closer after spending the night together, yet with Edmund, she felt as if she were touching him one moment and drifting apart the next. Why was that? Was it because, unlike her last night, he hadn't spoken a single word? Not even "I love you," or anything close to it…

Knock knock.

Blair flinched at the sudden knock, her shoulders jerking. Pushing aside the covers and sitting up, she felt a bit rushed as the knocking echoed repeatedly. It was coming from outside the bedroom door.

Chiles's servants said they wouldn't come looking for Edmund unless summoned first. Unless it was an urgent matter, that is.

'I should go see.'

Glancing around frantically, Blair went to the wardrobe and looked inside. There wasn't a single thing a woman could wear. With no other choice, she slipped on one of Edmund's dressing gowns. It was too big and kept slipping down, so she adjusted it and pulled the sash tight around her waist. Then she cautiously pulled the door handle.

Standing at the door was the butler who worked at the Chiles townhouse. He was the young man who had shown her around earlier, someone she recognized, and he surely knew what had happened the night before. Her face flushed slightly, but she couldn't help asking.

"What is it?"

"Is the master here?"

"...Ah. Edmund is washing up. Is it urgent?”

“An urgent message has arrived from Eldenvale. It must be checked immediately. Please have it delivered.”

“Understood.”

Blair nodded upon receiving the telegram. The butler bowed respectfully and withdrew. Closing the door, she returned to the bedroom and placed the telegram paper on the table. It was then that the bathroom door opened behind her.

“…Ah.”

Blair flinched, suddenly remembering the two consecutive instances of being caught naked. Slowly turning her head, she saw Edmund emerging from the bathroom, clad in a crisp white robe. Droplets of water dripped steadily from his wet hair.

"You're awake."

The man, having thoroughly washed away the heat from his body, greeted her. His voice carried a completely different tone from last night. He gave a slight nod toward the bathroom behind her and asked.

"Are you going in? You must be uncomfortable not having washed before bed."

"...I will. But first, there's something I need you to check."

Blair handed him the telegram paper.

"The butler delivered it and left. It seemed urgent."

Instead of answering, Edmund shuffled over and took it. Before unfolding the telegram, his gaze, which had moved slowly over, scanned Blair's body.

"You received the telegram like that?"

"Huh?"

"Did you meet Colin dressed like that?"

...Colin? It took Blair a few seconds to realize that was the young butler's name. And that the robe she had hastily thrown over herself was ridiculously oversized for her.

Below her pale neck, the red marks Edmund had left were visible, and beneath the sheer silk fabric, her thick nipples stood out prominently. She had barely managed to tie the sash to keep it somewhat presentable, but what good had that done?

Blair flushed as she adjusted the robe's hem again.

"I'm sorry. I'll be more careful next time."

"No need to apologize. And you don't need to see the servants face-to-face. If you have a telegram, just ask them to slip it under the door."

“…I will.”

“Relax your expression. I’m not scolding you.”

Edmund added in a noticeably softer tone. Blair, who had been hesitating, approached him and cautiously embraced him. As she rested her cheek against his firm chest, he stretched out his arm and wrapped it around her waist. Then he placed a kiss on her forehead. It was the tender contact lovers naturally shared.

Blair smiled softly, her eyes half-closed. The emptiness in her chest, which had felt hollow since waking that morning, now felt full.

But it was fleeting.

“…Blair.”

His voice above her grew as cold as ice.

"Can you wash up after we return to Eldenvale?"

"...Huh?"

"We must return to the Duke's residence immediately."

Blair lifted her head. Edmund's eyes, reading the telegram, were cool and settled. The warmth from moments ago had vanished without a trace, leaving only cold, icy pupils.

"Father is gravely ill."

***

12. Succession

Just an hour ago, the peaceful morning had seemed like a lie.

Hurrying out of the town house, they climbed into the car. Fortunately, the rain had stopped, allowing the driver to head toward Eldenvale at maximum speed.

Yet, the closer they got to Eldenvale, the darker the storm clouds gathered. Though not a single drop of rain fell, the air grew thick and heavy, and deep shadows fell everywhere. Blair watched the passing scenery outside the window with a heavy heart.

Duke Liberte, Edmund's father, might pass away today. When that moment came, the sealed will would be revealed to the world. That single document would determine the fate of House Liberte and Edmund's destiny.

Blair sincerely hoped he would inherit the dukedom. He desperately hoped power wouldn't pass to Isabelle or Rufus, forcing Edmund to suffer again.

Yet a fear smoldered in the back of her mind. She couldn't be certain what would become of Edmund—a man so driven by purpose—once his goal was achieved. Nor could she be sure what would become of herself.

Of course, he couldn't part with her immediately. The core clause of their contract stipulated maintaining a 'marital relationship for one year after marriage'. Even if he secured the title, divorcing Blair immediately would raise suspicion; they had to maintain the appearance of a married couple for a set period. That was the very reason the clause existed—a mechanism to solidify his position after inheriting the title.

But what weighed heavily on Blair's heart was the emotion lurking beneath the political calculation, and their intimate connection.

Would Edmund keep her by his side even after seizing power? Or would he consider it all over?

She didn't believe the affection he whispered to her was fake, but a woman who had never been promised love inevitably felt anxious…

Blair swallowed hard, stealing a glance at Edmund's profile reflected in the windowpane. Lost in deep thought, he did not notice her gaze and did not turn to look at her. Heavy silence hung in the air as the grand mansion revealed its massive outline in the distance.

***

Arriving at the main house, Edmund stepped out of the carriage with Blair. The old butler and several servants, who had come out to greet them, stood in a line with somber expressions and bowed their heads in unison.

"How is my father?"

"He is still conscious. He has been asking to see you, young master."

"Thank goodness. I'll go to him immediately."

Edmund gave a brief nod and immediately started walking. Blair, however, hesitated for a moment. She wasn't sure if she should follow, if she had the right to witness the Duke's final moments.

"Blair."

She looked up at the voice calling her name. Edmund, who had been walking a step ahead, was reaching out his hand toward her. Only then did Blair move toward him without asking why. Warmth flowed from his hand as they clasped theirs together.

The massive doors of the main building, requiring two strong men to pull open, creaked slowly. Only after the rusted hinges groaned for a long moment did they step over the threshold into the mansion's interior. It was the moment where the end of one era met the beginning of another.