Can't Come Back - Chapter 38

“What are you doing, Riley!”

But she received an entirely different response than she had anticipated. Dean swept her hand away with a frustrated expression.

“What on earth are you doing in the morning, and how dare you touch wherever you want as a maid!”

“But, but!”

“Was it not enough that you roused me up in the morning? Return to your chamber immediately!”

He was authoritative. Riley trembled as she was led out of Dean’s room. This isn’t what is supposed to be happening. How could his disposition change so quickly? If this persisted, it was evident that he would not honor his promise to accept her as a concubine. Riley scowled at Dean’s bedroom door, which was securely shut. She was furious.

‘No, he cannot desert me. I am carrying his child in my womb.’

Riley clenched her abdomen. She could no longer have faith in Dean if he continues to act in this manner. The only remaining option was for her unborn child to become the next Duke.

‘My child must become the heir no matter what.’

Riley clenched her molars together. It appeared as if her irises were filled with venom.

After Riley departed, Dean got out of bed and prepared to leave.

‘You have some time for that damn thing.’

When he glanced at the clock, he realized he had roughly an hour left. All due to the fact that Riley woke him up early in the morning.

Dean grew increasingly irritated with Riley. Even though they no longer shared a chamber, it was ridiculous for her to search for him in the morning in such a manner.

‘Perhaps I should take a morning stroll. What a hassle this lady has caused!’

Dean had some free time, so he strolled around the mansion. And before he knew it, he was at Berlia’s door.

‘Since I’ve traveled this far, I might as well see her face.’

Last night, he fell asleep early and returned having accomplished nothing. Surely, Berlia would have been dissatisfied if she had known he had visited but left without staying. Assuming she must be awoken by now, Dean knocked on her door.

Knock knock-

‘Who could it be at this hour of the morning? Is that Cain?’

Berlia was in her room alone. Naturally, Berlia presumed that Cain was at her door when she heard a knock. No one else would bother to pay her a visit in the morning.

‘But last night we were together, so why so early?’

She cocked her head to the side and opened the door.

Thud-

“Wife.”

The individual standing at the door, however, was none other than Dean.

“You…?”

Due to her shock, she instinctively retreated. It seemed to come out of nowhere, first thing in the morning. She was unaware that Dean, who had brought expectant Riley to the mansion, would be searching for her at this hour.

“Did you sleep well?”

“What’s going on?”

Why in the world is he here?

There was no justification for his presence. Since yesterday, Berlia could not comprehend Dean’s odd behavior.

“Does a husband need a reason to visit his wife?”

“No, but…”

Berlia stifled her speech. Prior to this, they had hardly interacted. What gale brought him to her?

“I was also here last night, but you went to bed early? I knocked on the door multiple times, but no one answered.”

‘Last night…!’

Her eyes trembled slightly. She was having a secret confab with Cain last night. They were fortunate to meet in the attic. If Cain had been in Berlia’s room? The notion was dreadful.

“I was a little tired… you know, when you’re pregnant, you have a tendency to sleep a lot.”

Berlia offered an explanation for her pregnancy. In response, Dean nodded his head as if to say, ‘so that’s why.’

“…”

There was silence between the two. Berlia desired his departure. She did not wish to continue being uneasy. However, Dean did not appear eager to depart.

“It’s been a very long time since I’ve been in your room.”

Dean, contrary to her expectations, entered the room and perched on the bed. He regarded Berlia with an alluring gaze.

“Weren’t you going out?”

“I have a little bit of time left…”

Dean inspected Berlia from the top down. Her figure was visible through her thin interior attire. Seeing her figure made Dean feel apprehensive. Earlier in the day, he had no such notions about a nearly naked Riley, but now that he was in Berlia’s bed, he desired to immediately thrust himself into her. He extended his hand in the direction of Berlia.

“Hasn’t it been three months since we were alone in bed?”

He was forthright. Dean reached for Berlia with his hand. He caressed her shoulder. Berlia felt goosebumps erupt across her entire body.

‘No, I don’t like it.’

It was uneasy. The only reason she shared a bed with Dean on a regular basis was to conceive an heir. Now that she was expectant, this interaction with Dean was unnecessary.

Berlia no longer desired to share a bed with him, despite Dean being her spouse. It left her feeling filthy. She could not comprehend how she had regularly slept with this man in front of her for the past three years.

“Eek, ugh.”

Berlia instantly arched over in pain. Dean, surprised, inquired as to her condition.

“What’s the matter?”

“My stomach hurts all of a sudden… probably because it’s early…”

“Oh no, is there a problem with the baby?!”

“I often feel like this, so it’s probably not that serious, I believe I need some sleep.”

She acted as if she was in agony with all her might and a weak voice. Possibly disappointed, Dean could not help but glance at Berlia.

“Please just leave…”

However, he could no longer demand sexual relations when his expectant wife complained of pain. Dean reluctantly rose to his feet, turned the doorknob, and made preparations to depart the room.

“Then, I will return some other time.”

Dean departed. Then, Berlia breathed an exhalation of relief. She believed she would have to lie in bed feigning to be sick until she knew when Dean would leave.

He will return next time.

Her head started to ache. She did not want him to return. Dean had visited her room while Berlia was meeting with Cain last night. And if he could visit her like this in the morning, she had no idea how often he would return to Berlia’s room in the future.

‘Will I be unable to meet with Cain in secret for a while?’

Cain and Berlia would not have adequate alone time for some time if Dean continued to visit her every night. Berlia emitted another audible groan.

* * *

The nobles of the capital were assembled in the banquet hall that was lavishly decorated. From small decorations to food, beverages, and invited visitors, it was evident that the event had been meticulously planned. Today marked the 300th anniversary of Hildayden’s founding, and it was a day of celebration.

“It is indeed the Hildayden family. How did they accomplish being so magnificent and attentive to every detail?

“That’s correct. I was told that the Duke put a great deal of effort into this affair, and it shows.”

Admiring sighs could be heard throughout the room. The party meticulously planned by Cain and Berlia was lauded by all. Nonetheless, it was mistakenly perceived as an event organized by Dean.

“Even though he must have been occupied touring the provinces, he managed to do such an excellent job.”

“We should take notes for the upcoming family gathering.”

Two weeks had passed since Dean’s return to Keindell. Dean had returned, but he showed no interest in the 300th anniversary celebration. Berlia and Cain had been responsible for event preparations until the very end.

Due to this, Cain and Berlia were able to meet momentarily in secret under the guise of event preparation. However, they were not as liberated as before.

In addition, Dean continued to harass Berlia. He was consistently interested in her, suggesting excursions and trips to the theater. On occasion, Dean even visited Berlia’s bedroom at night. Berlia was stunned to learn of his visits. Using her pregnancy as an excuse, she was able to avoid intimacy, which was fortunate in a sense.

“Today, you look absolutely stunning, my dear.”

It was identical now. Dean regarded Berlia with kind eyes.

“…Thank you.”

Berlia struggled to maintain her decorum and managed a strained expression of gratitude. Possibly in the past, she would have appreciated his compliments. But now, even holding Dean’s arm felt burdensome. Clearly, it could not compare to the feelings she experienced upon entering the event while grasping Cain’s arm.

” Duke and Duchess Hildayden are entering!”

The crier at the banquet hall’s entrance announced Berlia and Dean’s arrival in a booming voice. They were unquestionably the protagonists of this event. Berlia accompanied Dean to the banquet venue as his partner. This was an unavoidable circumstance.

As Berlia and Dean entered the banquet hall, the focus of the attendees shifted to them.

‘Cain must be observing…?’

Berlia felt terrible for Cain. It was a situation in which she had to observe her cherished companion enter with another man on his arm. Surely, even for him, it was excruciatingly agonizing.

In the meantime, Riley observed with resentment as Dean and Berlia entered the banquet hall’s center.

‘I should have been the one standing next to the Duke!’

Riley persuaded and begged Dean to enable her to participate in this event. Even obtaining permission to purchase a new attire for the occasion was difficult. And she was unable to purchase a costly dress. It was because Dean’s attitude had shifted and he no longer viewed himself as her provider.

However, what of Berlia? Even her attire was coordinated with Dean’s. Her dress was undeniably lavish and exuded an air of sophistication. In the center of the banquet hall, she appeared to be the protagonist and focus of attention. Riley was unable to conceal her envy.

‘Why is he suddenly treating that other woman so well instead of me?’

Dean and Berlia were unaware of Riley’s presence in the banquet hall’s corner. Together, they entered the center of the room.