The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 140
She managed to eat a bowl of soup for dinner and took some fever medicine before lying down in bed. She drifted in and out of a light, fitful sleep, never sinking into deep rest. In that hazy state, she felt the touch of a cool hand against her forehead.
Suddenly, Johanna thought of her mother. She missed her mother dearly. Despite growing up too quickly and taking on the role of the family head, she still longed, at times, to be coddled by her mother…
“…Mom…”
Rubbing her cheek against the soothing hand, she called out like she did when she was a child. In her half-dream, she thought she heard her mother’s voice: ―What should I do with my sick little girl?
“Mom…”
It hurts… It really hurts.
What should I do… I have to protect Daniel…
‘Yes, my girl. It’s been so hard, hasn’t it? I’m sorry…’
“Yeah, I… I’m struggling.”
“……”
“I’m scared…”
When she was young, she never realized how frightening life could be.
She never understood that those who protected and loved her could not stay with her forever.
That’s why her childhood had shone so brightly—beautiful and fleeting, like soap bubbles glimmering in the sunlight…
A world that had to end someday.
‘It’s okay, I’m right here with you.’
But…
Mom’s gone.
Her eyes stung with heat. In her dream, Johanna wept openly. When she finally awoke, she found her pillow soaked through with tears.
She was alone in the dark room. The hand that had cooled her fevered face had vanished, as if it had been nothing more than a mirage.
Chapter 6
“Lady Rinke, it’s been a while. Have you been well?”
At Josephine’s warm greeting, Hermia returned a kindly smile.
They were seated in the greenhouse of the Rinke estate, which was decorated like a tearoom, facing each other and exchanging pleasant words.
After about fifteen minutes, Hermia finally set down her lukewarm teacup and moved on to the real reason for their meeting.
“I’ve always thought of you as a perfect match for Leonid, Josephine. You know that, don’t you?”
“Of course, Lady Rinke.”
The moment had arrived. Josephine clenched her hand tightly into a fist beneath the table. It was the moment she had been eagerly awaiting.
Feigning a hint of sadness, she spoke softly.
“But… Leonid already has a partner, doesn’t he? It seems like there’s no chance for me anymore…”
“…That’s not true.”
Hermia sighed deeply, wrapping both hands around her teacup. She seemed to be lost in thought for a moment, her expression complex, before she spoke again.
“Johanna Lucerne is not Leonid’s true match.”
“What…? Then…”
Josephine widened her eyes in feigned surprise, though she couldn’t quite conceal the underlying satisfaction at hearing those words. It was the reaction Hermia had hoped for.
“You found it strange too, didn’t you? That Leonid, who never kept anyone close, suddenly brought in an omega and even married her.”
“…Yes, I did find it a bit odd.”
“…Johanna Lucerne will leave someday. She wasn’t part of our family from the beginning. The place by Leonid’s side will become empty again…”
“……”
“And wouldn’t someone need to fill that spot? Preferably someone from a family that can truly support Leonid.”
There was no question who that someone should be—Josephine Babenhausen, herself.
Josephine felt a surge of exhilaration deep within her chest. It had certainly paid off to maintain her connection with Hermia and nurture their relationship over time.
“…The Elderique and Babenhausen families have historically been close. For over fifty years, the two houses haven’t formed a marital alliance, so perhaps your generation should be the one to bring them together. That’s why I believe you, Josephine, are the most suitable partner for Leonid, and the next Duchess of Elderique.”
I couldn’t agree more, Lady Rinke.
Josephine suppressed the urge to let a smile slip and nodded with a serious expression. Her mind was filled with triumphant cheers, but she kept her composure on the outside.
“Although… you’re unable to bear children… But that shouldn’t be a concern. Leonid’s heir will be born soon enough.”
“……”
Josephine was born a dominant omega, but a congenital malformation of her reproductive system made it impossible for her to conceive a child.
Her father treated her like a defective product, constantly hurling insults at her. And so, she had always thought to herself that if she could become the mistress of a great noble house, like Elderique, which supports the nation, then her flaw would no longer matter.
“Unfortunately, up until now, the opposition from our family was strong because of your… condition… But an heir can always be obtained by other means.”
Hermia remarked with a subtle tone.
Hearing those words, Josephine finally understood. She grasped how Johanna Lucerne had managed to marry Leonid.
And that their marriage was a sham.
‘So, in the end, that woman must have only been after Leonid’s money…?’
And yet, she looked at Leonid with those lovestruck eyes, her clear turquoise gaze sparkling with a purity that seemed impossible to tarnish.
If it was an act, she was an impressive actress, and if it was genuine, then it was laughable. Josephine swallowed the smirk that almost escaped her.
