The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 163
“…It seems you two have grown quite close.”
At Hermia’s subtle remark, Leonid raised an eyebrow, a crooked smile forming on his lips. He responded in a tone utterly devoid of sincerity,
“Does it look that way? Well, maybe I’ve developed some attachment.”
With that, he gripped Johanna’s hand even tighter, despite her efforts to pull free. Hermia’s expression barely shifted, though a slight frown creased her brow as she observed the scene.
“What did you say to Johanna? I didn’t expect you to barge in when I wasn’t around. It’s not like you to forget your mindfulness, Mother.”
“Must I be mindful even when coming to my own son’s home?”
“No matter how much you care for me, I’m an adult now. You ought to consider that. I’m hardly a child clinging to his mother’s skirts.”
“Ha…”
Hermia, feeling parched, reached for her tea only to find her cup empty. Irritated, she set it down on the saucer with a sharp clink. The loud sound made Johanna flinch slightly, caught in the tense exchange between mother and son, watching them closely in the icy atmosphere.
“I merely advised her to conduct herself properly. Is that so wrong?”
“I doubt that’s all you said, given your temperament.”
“I also asked why, after several months, there’s still no news of a pregnancy. Beyond that, there wasn’t much else. Must you always behave so insolently, Leonid?”
“If you hadn’t shown up unannounced, I would’ve shown due respect.”
“Never one to lose a word, are you? It’s a wonder that she puts up with that temper of yours,” Hermia muttered, casting an unusual glance of appraisal toward Johanna, who flinched slightly. Her hand remained firmly clasped in Leonid’s grip, and he showed no intention of letting go.
“I had thought of joining you both for dinner, but seeing your attitude, it’s clear I would only be treated as an unwelcome guest. I suppose I should be on my way.”
“Wise decision. She has a hard enough time eating as it is—I’d hate for her to suffer indigestion watching her manners around you.”
Hermia, who had started to rise, paused and looked at Leonid with an odd expression. After a moment of silence, she spoke, sounding surprised.
“It’s remarkable to see you looking after someone. You never cared for anyone outside your grandfather or family.”
“She’s the one who’ll bear my child, so of course I’m concerned—especially for her health.”
“Well… yes, that makes sense,” Hermia murmured, casting a meaningful look between Johanna and Leonid before turning toward the door.
As she opened it and was about to leave, Leonid sent a parting message laced with a warning.
“Next time, please inform me before you visit, Mother. You know Alphas are territorial by nature. I don’t appreciate feeling as though my space has been invaded. Safe travels.”
“…”
Without a response, Hermia sighed and exited the drawing room.
As soon as they were alone, Leonid’s question came sharply.
“What did she say to you?”
Her hand was still held tightly in his, with their fingers even interlaced. After a brief hesitation, Johanna composed herself and responded,
“She just told me to be mindful of my behavior… That’s all.”
“I doubt that’s all,” he persisted, as she had expected. When Johanna pressed her lips together in silence, Leonid tilted her chin up, bringing his face close to hers.
“Who made the contract with you? Was it me or my mother?”
“…It was you, my lord.”
“Then answer my question properly. Don’t worry about what my mother thinks.”
“…”
Though she knew he was right, Johanna worried that speaking too frankly might cause unnecessary trouble. Perhaps she should soften the truth a little… After a moment’s thought, she finally spoke up.
“She told me not to get involved with other Alphas while I’m living as your wife. And…”
Trailing off, Johanna hesitated, glancing away from Leonid’s gaze before continuing.
“She asked if I had any personal feelings for you… and I assured her that I absolutely don’t and never will.”
“…”
It was an answer that should have satisfied both Hermia and Leonid. Expecting him to accept it, Johanna looked back at him. To her surprise, however, he was staring at her with a hardened expression, almost severe.
“…Never will?”
Leonid looked distinctly displeased. She mentally reviewed her answer, but nothing seemed out of place. Johanna’s eyes flickered with confusion.
“How can you be so sure that would never happen?”
“Well… it was part of our contract, wasn’t it? No personal feelings involved.”
“That damn contract—”
He cut himself off, clenching his fist, gritting his teeth in frustration. The more mystifying his reaction, the more her confusion grew. And yet, the most baffling part was that she glimpsed the same turmoil in his eyes that was stirring within her own heart.
