If You Leave Without a Word - Chapter 106
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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“It’s such a beautiful day today. It almost feels like the sky itself is celebrating your birthday, Madam.”
Seeing that the indifferent Marquis might have upset her, Liana kept a close eye on Agatha’s reactions. Leading her out into the sunshine, it seemed Liana hoped to lift her spirits with a pleasant activity, countering the morning’s bitterness.
Grateful for Liana’s warm consideration, Agatha forced a smile.
“Oh my… His Excellency is already here.”
Agatha, who had been following Liana’s lead, was taken aback by the unexpected announcement and halted in her tracks. The space where she used to enjoy her solitude, reading in secret on pleasant days, was now occupied by an unanticipated guest.
Short but soft brown hair, deep and unreadable blue eyes, and a solid build that could conceal anything.
Agatha took a step back, scanning the man who had suddenly claimed the space.
“Allow me to greet His Excellency, Marquis Vernat.”
Stepping aside to clear the way, Liana spread her skirt wide and bowed respectfully to the man. Cain, holding a book, had apparently been reading before.
The decisive yet graceful gesture of closing and setting down the book caught Agatha’s attention. It seemed oddly small in his hands, almost childlike, despite being a large and thick book she had always kept on her lap.
“…What are you doing here?”
This was Agatha’s private space. Although it was a garden attached to the couple’s shared bedroom, Cain had never slept here, making it essentially Agatha’s own retreat.
It felt strange and unsettling to have someone familiar yet out of place in her familiar space. It felt as though her sanctuary was being invaded, a warning that nowhere would be a comfortable refuge.
“Everything within the estate belongs to me. I don’t think it’s appropriate to question why I am here, wife?”
His words were not wrong. Liana was flustered, unsure of how to react to Cain’s brusque demeanor. Despite the occasion calling for warm greetings, Cain’s words seemed far from celebratory.
This was their first real conversation in over two years. While the term ’long time’ didn’t carry special significance, it did seem unnecessary to fill their dialogue with such sharp words.
“I wasn’t aware the Wife had such interests.”
Cain tapped the book he had been holding with his fingers.
It was Liana’s idea to place a tea table in the sunniest spot of the garden. It was a gesture of consideration for Agatha, who had never had the chance to pursue her own interests. Seeing Agatha’s frustration after Cain’s return to the capital, as if she was trapped in a cage without bars, made Liana sympathetic.
During countless sleepless nights since returning to the capital, Agatha had spent her time reading at this very table.
“Historical records, mathematics, and hermeneutics.”
“A personal hobby.”
“Most young ladies would find such things tedious. The wife is quite different.”
The praise was clearly veiled sarcasm. Agatha felt quite displeased at Cain’s intrusion into her private space and mocking her personal interests without her consent.
“I merely did not wish to be a burden to the Vernat and Kristin name.”
“Oh, I’m honored that the wife considers me so. It’s quite flattering.”
“Stop teasing. What is it you want to say?”
Liana, having gauged the situation, discreetly withdrew from the scene.
Cain used the opportunity to hint at his own intentions. The glass doors to the garden were shut behind Agatha, leaving only the two of them in this static environment.
“Teasing? How could I dare to tease the wife? I am here to ask about your thoughts.”
He was likely asking about a birthday gift.
Based on recent experiences, Agatha suspected Cain’s questions were merely a show of superficial interest. Answering wouldn’t make much difference.
It was clear that he would use the excuse of being overworked to delegate the task of sending a gift.
“Is there something you want?”
Agatha looked directly at Cain.
“Or is there something you absolutely want to do?”
Cain had made a promise to Agatha on their wedding day. In exchange for the loveless marriage, he had vowed to give her anything she wanted.
Though she thought it was just a formality, Cain was genuinely asking if there was something she wanted for her birthday.
What if she says she wanted him to disappear? What if she tells him she wants to end this meaningless relationship?
Agatha’s gaze, which had been blankly scanning Cain’s face, finally settled on his lips. Those were the lips that had once fervently desired her.
And those same lips had also belonged to another woman.
Watching his nonchalant demeanor, Agatha was struck by an impulsive thought.
What kind of expression would he have if she said she wanted to leave him?
She was curious. Agatha slowly moved her lips.
“Divorce.”
