The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 106
Despite being described as a simple party, there were far more people than Johanna had expected. She spent the evening with Leonid, being introduced to a slew of famous people. Trying to remember all their faces and names was a daunting task.
Moreover, she found herself having to nod along to conversations about high society topics she barely understood, which was mentally exhausting.
“Are you tired?”
It was about an hour into the party when Leonid quietly asked. Perhaps her fatigue was showing. His gentle expression and tone, masked in kindness, caught Johanna off guard for a moment, but she forced a smile and responded in a casual tone.
“I’m fine. Thank you for checking in.”
“No need to thank me. It’s only natural.”
He replied sweetly, and then, without warning, gave her a brief kiss on the lips. She tasted the sweetness of champagne. His sunset-colored eyes met hers, mesmerizing her as always. She barely noticed his hand subtly caressing the nape of her neck.
“If you’re bored, should we leave early?”
“…Hm?”
Johanna was taken aback by the sudden suggestion. At events like this, even simple ones, it was customary to stay for at least three hours. While there were plenty of busy guests who made brief appearances, it would have been awkward for them as a couple to leave too soon. People would gossip, saying it was because they were newlyweds still in the throes of passion.
“I’m bored. I can’t stand all these fake people. And that idiot over there keeps eyeing every Omega like he’s in heat.”
“Oh…”
The “idiot” he was referring to was none other than James Kestner, the same man who had once tried to blackmail Johanna at a previous exhibition. He was also at the party, currently mingling with a group of young Omegas, most of whom appeared to be in their early twenties, clearly attempting to flirt with them.
“That moron.”
Leonid muttered in disgust as he pulled Johanna into his embrace. It seemed like an unconscious gesture. In the warmth and security of his broad chest, Johanna nervously fidgeted with her hands, casting a wary glance around. If anyone saw them like this, rumors would undoubtedly start flying…
“…!”
And, of course, it happened—her eyes locked with Josephine, who was standing nearby. Josephine wore an odd expression that Johanna couldn’t quite read. Then, suddenly, Josephine’s face lit up with an angelic smile as she approached them, making Johanna feel a strange sense of unease.
“Hello, Leonid. Hello, Marchioness.”
“Hello, Lady Josephine of Babenhausen…”
Still held tightly in Leonid’s arms, Johanna greeted her awkwardly. She shot a pleading glance at Leonid, hoping he’d release her, but he didn’t budge. In fact, it seemed as though he tightened his hold on her, almost as if showing off to Josephine. Johanna felt utterly embarrassed by the situation.
“You two seem to be getting along really well. I’ve been wanting to get to know the Marchioness better, but Leonid hasn’t given me the chance,” Josephine said with a sweet but somewhat unsettling tone.
“I believe I’ve already told you several times that Johanna doesn’t need to get close to you,” Leonid retorted coldly, his voice as frosty as ever. Despite his chilly response, Josephine didn’t falter and continued in her bright, lively manner.
“My goodness, you’re so protective. One would think she’s your fated mate with the way you act. But she’s not, is she? What would you do if your real Fata appeared one day?”
What if his true Fata appears?
For the first time, Johanna was forced to confront a question she had never fully considered.
If such a person—a destined partner—appeared in Leonid’s life, what would happen to her?
Her heart pounded with a nervous, irregular beat.
‘…What would happen, really?’
If she were pregnant at that time, she would give birth to the child and leave his side. If she wasn’t, then she would probably just take the money and go. After all, it wouldn’t be her fault that the contract had to end, so he might at least show that much mercy.
…Yes, it was a simple problem. There was no need to overthink it. From the very beginning, their relationship had been purely contractual. Foolish dreams of love… she had long since given up on those. So even if his real fated mate appeared, it wouldn’t affect her.
That’s what she told herself. Her mind accepted the logic, but her heart—her heart felt sharp and aching, as if it had been pierced by a needle.
