The Contract Wife Tries to Leave - Chapter 68
“There is a rumor that you approached Leonid deliberately, aiming for his title and wealth…”
His voice trailed off as he glanced at Johanna, gauging her reaction. The existence of such rumors was something she had already anticipated, so she wasn’t particularly shaken. With a slight, faint smile, she responded as if it were nothing of importance.
“Those are all just baseless rumors.”
“I see… I’m sorry for misunderstanding.”
Lucas Bantwood immediately bowed his head, apologizing with genuine remorse. Whether it was a testament to her growing skill in lying and acting, or simply Lucas being an innocent person, he seemed to accept her words without further doubt.
“If Leonid truly has found a partner… then maybe this time, I can finally let him go. I’ve tried to move on so many times before, but I’ve always failed…”
“…”
“But now, I suppose I must really forget him. Otherwise, it would be disrespectful to you as well.”
Seeing the pained smile on Lucas’s face, Johanna felt a pang of guilt. But the truth had to remain buried. To protect her life and her precious family, Johanna chose to be selfish.
“I won’t tell Leonid about today. While I sympathize with your situation, Lord Bantwood… it doesn’t feel right to hear these things. If you have nothing more to say, I’ll be going now.”
Feigning displeasure, she stood up from her seat. Lucas was visibly stricken with guilt, unsure of what to do. Her conscience pricked at her, but Johanna maintained a cold expression as she bid him farewell.
“I truly apologize, Lady Lucerne. I promise… this won’t happen again.”
“…Take care, Lord Bantwood.”
A faint trace of unstable pheromones emanated from Lucas. Though she was inwardly concerned, Johanna couldn’t afford to show it. She simply hurried away, hoping that he would have time alone to let his feelings out without anyone interfering.
From a distance, Johanna glanced back. Lucas Bantwood stood motionless, pressing the back of his hand against his eyes.
Chapter 3
The morning of the wedding day dawned bright and early.
From the crack of dawn, Johanna had to move swiftly, her mind buzzing with the many preparations still to be made before the ceremony.
She spent what felt like an eternity getting her hair just right, applying a natural makeup look, and finally slipping into her wedding dress. The moment the sparkling tiara settled atop her veiled head, she felt a dizzying rush of emotion. To be wearing something so exquisite for what was essentially a sham marriage—it made her feel all the more guilty.
Once in the bridal waiting room, there was nothing to do but wait for nearly an hour. With no close friends or relatives on her side, the only familiar face she expected to see was Daniel’s.
When Daniel finally arrived and saw her, his eyes widened in amazement, and he couldn’t stop exclaiming.
“Wow, sis, you look so beautiful! Seriously, so, so beautiful!”
He repeated “beautiful” and “seriously” like they were the only words he knew, his excitement making him seem like an overgrown puppy—adorable in his enthusiasm. Johanna squeezed his hand gently and spoke.
“You look great in your suit too. Since you’re here, make sure you eat something delicious. You don’t have to stay for the reception—just attending the ceremony is enough.”
“Yeah, yeah, I have to be back at the dorm by six, so I’ll leave around five.”
“…If you feel uncomfortable, you can leave even earlier. I’ll be too busy dealing with the guests to notice much.”
“You’re worrying about me again, aren’t you? Don’t worry, sis. I might be young, but I’m not a kid anymore.”
She chuckled softly as she ruffled her younger brother’s soft hair. He spoke so maturely, but to her, he still seemed like a child… No matter how much Daniel grew, even if he became as tall as any other Alpha, he would always be her baby brother in her eyes.
“See you later, sister. I came with a friend, so don’t worry too much about me!”
“Alright, got it.”
After Daniel left, the bridal waiting room grew quiet, almost like it was submerged underwater. Only about ten minutes remained until the ceremony. Johanna stared at her reflection in the mirror. It was the same face she saw every day, yet today it felt strangely unfamiliar. Without thinking, she reached out and touched the mirror.
Would it be okay? Could she really do this… The thought of what lay ahead suddenly filled her with dread and worry.
Knock knock-
As she took a deep breath to calm her nerves, there was a knock on the door, breaking the silence.
“Lady Johanna, a friend has sent you a wedding gift… It seems you should take a look at it.”
…A wedding gift?
Who could possibly have sent her something like that…?
