The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 49
Johanna had never discussed her messy family history in front of Leonid, yet he somehow knew about her aunt. He must have researched her family relations in advance. Johanna let out a shallow sigh before responding.
“What would I even say about them? It’s obvious only unpleasant things would come up. I haven’t said a word about your family.”
“…Really?”
“I have no reason to lie about this.”
“…”
A whirlwind of emotions flashed through her aunt’s bewildered eyes. It was impossible to discern what she was thinking. She bit her lip, looked up at the sky for a moment, and then exhaled deeply, her shoulders rising and falling with the effort.
“Well… no matter what, you wouldn’t resort to such petty revenge.”
“What are you talking about?”
Her mention of the investment funds was troubling. Could it have something to do with Leonid? As Johanna stared intently, her aunt averted her eyes and fiddled with the handle of her parasol.
“It’s nothing. You… being engaged to Marquis Neubitz… It’s unbelievable. You never know with people…”
Her aunt’s expression was one of restraint, as if she were struggling to maintain her pride. She gripped the parasol handle tightly, her jaw set with stubborn determination. Her fingers, unaccustomed to hardship, turned white from the pressure. She mumbled to herself, her gaze distant, as if trying to avoid reality or struggling to accept it.
“Alright, then. Take care of yourself. I have to go now; I have a lot to do.”
Her aunt turned away first, leaving quickly as if to escape. Johanna stood watching her retreating figure, filled with questions, before heading to the carriage.
“You came back quickly. I thought you’d take longer.”
Leonid remarked as Johanna climbed into the carriage.
Johanna sat carefully across from him, murmuring softly.
“I’m sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“Again, your manner of speaking.”
“…I’m sorry for making you wait.”
“Much better.”
He smiled as if in praise, yet despite its friendly appearance, it felt pointed. It was like a sharp needle piercing her heart.
“I made up a story for my aunt… I thought you should know.”
“What kind of story?”
Johanna explained in detail the fake romance narrative she had concocted. Leonid listened quietly, then let out a chuckle and nodded with little enthusiasm.
“Sounds plausible. Let’s keep the story consistent from now on.”
No sooner had she agreed than the carriage started moving. Their next destination was a restaurant, a renowned establishment that required reservations to attend. It did not accept just anyone; only those of high standing within the upper class could gain entry.
“Did your aunt ask you for something?”
Leonid watched Johanna with an observant gaze, probing her with his question. A request? Johanna blinked, not understanding.
“She didn’t say anything like that.”
“Not at all?”
“Not at all.”
“That’s strange. They must be desperate.”
“…?”
He only muttered cryptically to himself, not elaborating further. The smile tugging at his lips was strangely destructive. Johanna briefly furrowed her brow but decided to set her curiosity aside. Whatever predicament her aunt’s family was in, it wasn’t her place to interfere. They were no closer than strangers.
In the luxurious restaurant she was visiting for the first time in her life, Johanna found herself a bit lost. Although her mother had taught her proper etiquette, she got confused about the order of using utensils and forgot how to savor the wine.
Across the table, Leonid ate his meal, unaffected by Johanna’s flustered behavior. She felt like dying of embarrassment. Yet, surprisingly, he didn’t scold her for her clumsy demeanor.
He seemed indifferent to everything. It was the kind of confidence possessed by someone with firm beliefs and values. He didn’t need to prove himself to anyone; his presence was enough to shine on its own. It seemed there was no one in the world who could disrupt that glow.
Johanna returned home with a renewed awareness of how insignificant she was to him. At least she had her fill of seeing her first love’s face. No matter how much she looked, she never tired of it. He was the kind of person who could be forgiven for any grave mistake simply because of his looks.
“Oh! You’re back!”
As Johanna opened the door to the apartment building and stepped inside, someone bustled toward her. It was Nadia, who lived on the third floor. She was the same age as Johanna and had a keen interest in other people’s affairs.
“Johanna, I saw you earlier—what was with that carriage? It looked like one that nobles use. What crest was that? I feel like I’ve seen it somewhere before… Isn’t your family a fallen noble house? Do you still have connections, then? Or is it someone you know personally?”
