Can't Come Back - Chapter 43

She had sincerely desired it was Cain’s child. However, she feared that the truth would be disclosed if the child was indeed Cain’s. If they had somewhat similar appearances due to their sibling relationship, there would be no issue. However, what if the child’s visage resembled that of Cain? 

‘What if the child is too similar to Cain?’

A noblewoman initiated conversation with Berlia when she was momentarily preoccupied with her own thoughts. 

“Oh, aside from that, Lady Hildayden. I wished to inquire. Is it true that Young Master Cain is searching for a bride?” 

“…Pardon? What did you say?” 

Berlia was unable to conceal her astonishment. Young Master Cain in search of a bride? It was ridiculous.

“Seeing your astonishment, it appears you’ve never heard of it before? It’s understandable, since it’s about the younger brother of your spouse, not your own.”

“What on earth…”

Before she could inquire what was going on, another noblewoman initiated the conversation.

“Is it true that Young Master Cain is no longer young? He cannot remain single indefinitely. Furthermore, there have been no rumors of him meeting women recently, so everyone believes he is engaged.”

“My younger sister also seeks Young Master Cain’s favor. She begged me to take her to the tea party after learning that Lady Hildayden would be attending. It was difficult to reject her.”

“Is that correct? As Lady Hildayden, you would be aware of the requirements for Young Master Cain’s future spouse.”

Cain was in no way searching for a spouse. Berlia had to determine the source of this preposterous rumor.

“Where did you hear such a story?”

“A letter is being distributed. It states that they are searching for a bride for Young Master Cain Hildayden. Even the Hildayden family used their own seal to send it. You really had no idea?” 

Berlia was at a loss for words. Dean was responsible for this. No one else was capable of doing such a deed. These remarks were spoken at the previous party, and now he appears to have taken action.

However, why is he abruptly advocating for Cain’s marriage?

Regardless of how irresponsible Dean was, she did not believe he would send a letter seeking a fiancée without the recipient’s permission. He should have at least discussed it with Cain beforehand. 

What was his purpose? Did Dean comprehend the nature of her relationship with Cain?

‘That cannot be true. My spouse has always viewed Cain as undesirable, and it is evident that he is attempting to push him away.’

Nevertheless, this unilateral approach was excessive. 

‘Cain should not leave the residence.’

Obviously, she did not want him to marry. She couldn’t even conceive of another woman at his side. But if an unavoidable circumstance arose, she was prepared to embrace it. 

Berlia was most concerned about the prospect of Cain leaving the mansion as a result of his marriage. In such a scenario, it would be very difficult to meet Cain. 

If he were to marry into a provincial family, it would be as if he were leaving existence behind. She could not allow that to occur. 

At this juncture, it was difficult for Berlia to imagine a life without Cain. He was the only person who ever brought her happiness in a life filled with misfortune.

‘If this occurs, it would be best for us to flee together.’

When she considered abandoning everything and departing with Cain, she was interrupted by a conversation.

“Duchess?”

“Ah, sure. I’m very sorry. My cranium was pounding. What were we discussing?”

“We were wondering if you had any candidates in mind who might be a suitable match for Young Master Cain.”

“Correct, I was intrigued as well. Could it possibly be a young lady from a noble or marquis family?”

“It could be the daughter of Count Marundi. The relationship between Count Marundi and Duke Hildayden is not a bad one, is it?”

“Oh, that is certainly a possibility.”

They were discussing potential women who would be appropriate for Cain.

“What do you think, Lady Hildayden?”

“Do you also believe it to be the daughter of Count Marundi?”

They questioned Berlia. It appeared impossible to shift the subject in this circumstance.

‘A young woman appropriate for Cain?’

Cain’s companion was not these mentioned noblewomen, but rather herself. Berlia desired to inform the women who were awaiting her response. That she was Young Master Cain’s companion. That she was the person Cain loved.

“I don’t have anyone in particular in mind. Still, I pray more than anything that a woman can make Young Master Cain happy.”

But she was unable to express that.

“Oh my, the Duchess is indeed kind-hearted.”

Indeed, the opinions of those involved are the most significant.

The women lauded Berlia. She could only muster a forced smile in response. She sensed suffocation.

“Oh, do you all know about the Talisbon Kingdom?”

Another subject matter emerged among them. The attention of the ladies was focused on Duchess Klien, who initiated the narrative.

“Talisbon Kingdom?”

“There is an issue at the frontier between our empire and the Talisbon Kingdom.”

“What’s the problem?”

“It is reported that they frequently cross the frontier and harm or steal from our citizens.”

The noble ladies grimaced and trembled in response to Duchess Klien’s tale.

“Oh dear, how terrifying. How can they commit such an act?”

“Right. I am concerned due to the proximity of the territory of a relative. I should get in touch with them.”

“This is not an easy matter. So, my spouse has been worrying about it recently, and I’m also concerned.”

In any case, Duke Klien is responsible for administering the border region.

“I hope it gets resolved soon.”

The conversation flowed away from Cain to a different subject. But Berlia found it difficult to concentrate on their conversation.

‘I am content.’

Everyone in her social circles was compelled to recognize Berlia as a duchess now that she had a child. Nobody was able to ignore her. Today, even her spouse, Dean, treated her with affection.

She had money, honor, power, and even the affection of her husband. To others, Berlia appeared to possess everything.

But she could not discuss her relationship with Cain, the man she truly adored, with anyone. She was helpless in the face of the prospect that her boyfriend would wed another woman.

What do I desire? I do not know what would bring me joy.

She sipped her coffee in silence. The lingering bitter sensation in her mouth seemed to represent her emotions.

* * *

Following the tea soiree, Berlia returned to her residence. She intended to proceed directly to Cain. Cain was undoubtedly oblivious of the plans devised by Dean. If he had been aware, he would have informed her.

“Where is my husband?”

“Ah, if you’re referring to the Duke, he left earlier.”

Berlia confirmed that Dean was not at home before heading towards Cain.

Knock, knock-

“Cain, it is I. Berlia.”

The door opened to reveal Cain’s face.

“Berlia, did you want to see me as soon as you returned from your outing?”

Cain’s face lit up with a smile upon seeing Berlia’s. It was clear from Cain’s reaction that he had not received any news about his own wedding.

“Cain, word has spread among the nobility that you are looking for a spouse.”

“What? What on earth are you discussing?”

Cain’s face hardened in response to her remarks. Clearly, he was utterly ignorant.

“They even imprinted the Hildayden family insignia. Who do you believe it to be?”

It must be my sibling…

Cain frowned, developing a crease on his brow. He was incapable of understanding Dean. The circumstance would infuriate anyone. Dean had never brought up marriage with Cain.

‘I’ve known for a while that Dean dislikes me. However, I could not allow him to orchestrate my marriage without my consent.’

“Sigh…, I understand.”

Cain expelled a breath. Berlia looked at Cain with an anxious expression.

“What should we do?”

“Do not fret. I have an idea.”

‘Last time, at a social gathering, he casually mentioned arranging my marriage, and now he has actually done it. It was so preposterous that I could not contain my laughter.’

“When my sibling returns, I will need to confront him.”

Cain was determined to put a permanent end to Dean’s theatrics.

“Berlia, you are not alone; cease your exertion and go rest.”

This will never occur again. Added Cain, reassuring Berlia.

“I understand. I will return to my chamber.”

As usual, Cain kissed Berlia on the forehead. Berlia felt a sense of calm as his lips touched her skin. Previously, she had been so apprehensive, but now she felt confident that everything would be fine. She was most content and relaxed when she was with Cain.

Berlia exited Cain’s room with care. She had secretly sought out Cain, and she scanned the area before ascending to the third floor in case anyone was observing. Berlia was last seen on the second floor.

Riley had already poisoned Berlia’s room on the third floor and returned to the second floor at that time. She sat in a second-floor corner, immersed in thought.

‘The Duchess has returned, hasn’t she? Tonight, will she fire the trigger? Or perhaps tomorrow? I pray the toxicity of the poison does not diminish over time. I should have asked the elderly lady when I obtained the toxin. For the time being, I must maintain vigilance until tomorrow… Huh? There, isn’t that the Duchess?’

Riley, who was impatiently awaiting the poison’s effect, observed Berlia. Berlia was observed observing her surroundings as she emerged from somewhere.

“Isn’t that Young Master Cain’s chamber?”

The location from which Berlia emerged was unquestionably Young Master Cain’s chamber. Riley had observed the event with her own eyes. It was somewhat perplexing to her.

‘Strange… Why is the Duchess leaving the chamber of Young Master Cain? Were they that close together?’

Riley was intrigued as to why Berlia had visited Cain’s room in secret. Just as she was considering that her behavior was unusual, Berlia began to ascend the third floor.

‘Oh, she’s ascending to the third floor; is she returning to her room? Please pull the trigger as quickly as possible,’

Riley’s nerves were on edge as she awaited Berlia to release the trigger and suffer from the poison. This eclipsed her inquiries. After all, her urgent priority was to remove Berlia’s unborn child.