My Favorite Smut Author Is My Husband! - Chapter 39
“I’m so full.”
“But it’s your favorite dessert. Just a little more, dear.”
“That’s right. You’ve lost a lot of weight.”
In truth, Lily hadn’t lost much weight, but her parents insisted on getting her to eat as much as possible throughout the meal. Surprisingly, they didn’t ask about Ashulin or her married life.
Even though Lily came to the dining room with swollen, puffy eyes, her parents greeted her warmly and only talked about trivial updates and the food.
“Mom, Dad, have you two ever fought before?”
Eventually, Lily broached the topic indirectly. Of course, her situation with Ashulin couldn’t be simply defined as a “fight,” but she didn’t know how else to frame it.
“Too many times to count. Even after you left, we argued several times… Oh, honestly, if it weren’t me, who else would live with this man?”
“…My dear.”
“What? Did I say something untrue?”
The moment her mother put down her utensils and shot a sharp glance at her father, Lily widened her eyes. Growing up, she had never once seen her parents argue.
“What’s so great about showing our fights to the children? But even if you didn’t see it, we always said what needed to be said to each other in private.”
Her mother’s warm smile softened Lily’s gaze.
Lily suddenly thought about her own recent outburst, where even the ducal estate’s staff couldn’t help but notice the chaos. Embarrassed, she flushed red as she realized how far she still was from becoming a dignified woman like her mother.
*”How many years will it take for me to become a graceful lady like her?”* she wondered.
**Clatter—**
“Lily, dear. If you’ve lost your appetite, how about a little walk with me? Our garden may not be as grand as the ducal estate, but it’s still quite lovely, don’t you think?”
“Darling, may I join—”
“Don’t butt in so thoughtlessly. Sit down. This is a conversation for mothers and daughters, and for married women.”
With a sharp, cold glance, Lily’s mother silenced her father, who obediently stayed seated. She took Lily’s hand and gently pulled her up. Enchanted by her mother’s warmth, Lily allowed herself to be led out of the dining room.
Though she had only returned home that morning, the sky outside was already painted with the rich hues of sunset.
“…Mom. After you fought with Dad, how did you make up?”
“Well, who was at fault?”
“Hmm, both of us?”
The conversation naturally shifted to Lily and Ashulin, though she didn’t realize it. Ashulin had insisted it was all his fault, but Lily felt she shared some of the blame for pushing him so hard. Her answer reflected her belief, and she looked at her mother expectantly for advice.
“In that case, you fight it out—yell, maybe even throw some things if you need to.”
Though it hadn’t come to throwing things, yelling and causing chaos? They had already done that. Lily kept her thoughts to herself and waited.
“After that, when you’re both a mess, you lay it all bare. Fights can never be elegant, Lily. The more you try to hide or sugarcoat things, the more tangled everything gets.”
“…But what if the other person keeps trying to hide?”
“Oh my. Is the Duke more timid than I thought?”
Lily felt a pang of frustration as her mother chuckled, seemingly unbothered by the worries that weighed on her. *Timid*—that wasn’t a word she’d ever associated with Ashulin. Was he really hiding because he was afraid?
“If that’s the case, there’s only one solution. Reconcile in a way only married couples can.”
“And what is that?”
Leaning closer to her mother, Lily asked eagerly. Her mother shot her an amused glance.
“For someone who reads so many books, how are you still so clueless, Lily? I’m talking about your marital relations—intimacy.”
“Inti…! Wait, you knew the kind of books I read?!”
“Sweetheart, the only one in this house who doesn’t know is your father.”
“…The maids too?”
“Of course. Did you really think you could keep it a secret? It’s written all over your face right now.”
Lily was so shocked she momentarily forgot her worries about Ashulin. To think everyone in the household had known about her steamy novels! Her face flushed with embarrassment as her mother laughed warmly and pulled her into a comforting embrace.
“My daughter. You look so innocent and young, yet here you are, already grappling with married life. It’s not easy, is it?”
“…Mom…”
“I told you to take your time, go on a few dates, and think it through before jumping into marriage.”
For a moment, Lily wondered what would have happened if she had dated Ashulin first, instead of rushing into marriage. What if she had discovered who he truly was before their wedding? Perhaps they had been too hasty.
“But that determination of yours is also your strength. If he’s hiding, chase him down and confront him head-on. And if that doesn’t work, face him directly, with nothing to hide.”
“Face him directly…?”
“Yes. It’s surprisingly effective. Sometimes, it’s better than words.”
Her mother’s words carried a double meaning, one that was slightly embarrassing but also encouraging. Lily felt a surge of courage. Staying still and hesitating didn’t suit her.
“Thank you, Mom! I’m going back right now!”
She suddenly felt an overwhelming urge to see Ashulin. She had only been at the Count’s estate for less than a day, but what did it matter? She wanted to confront him immediately.
Lily had already spent several days waiting before she left for her family home.
“Oh, not right away… I’ll rest just long enough to have some tea before I leave.”
“I thought you’d stay a little longer since you’re already here… Maybe I said too much.”
“Hehe, no, Mom. You’ve been helpful.”
Clinging playfully to her mother’s arm, Lily flashed an affectionate smile. Though she wanted to return immediately, there was one thing she needed to analyze first.
She could only hope the night wouldn’t grow too late before she finished reading the “documents” tucked inside the bag in her room.
