The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 2 Part 6
A marriage with a loved one isn’t easy in itself, let alone with an emperor. Given the myriad ceremonies and customs, she had every reason to be tired. Rahil was pleased she had managed better than he had anticipated, considering it was a marriage she didn’t want.
‘There’s still time before the official reception, even if the dance has already started.’
He decided to let Anais rest a little longer.
* * *
“Mommy!”
Anais smiled warmly at the sight of a little girl, who looked to be no more than seven and bore a striking resemblance to both her and Rahil, running towards her, giggling.
“You should’ve been more patient. I told you mommy was tired.”
A boy, wearing a navy blue attire, looking around thirteen and strikingly similar to Rahil, admonished the little girl.
“I’m back,”
The boy said, approaching Anais and planting a soft kiss on her cheek.
She smiled gently. She was seated on a chair in the garden, her belly noticeably protruding. The little girl stuck out her tongue at the boy and clung to Anais’s leg, grabbing her hand.
‘What’s this? Is it a dream?’
The boy was to the left of Anais, and the girl was still holding onto the hem of Anais’s dress near her feet. They both resembled Anais and Rahil, so they must be their children.
But what’s with this noticeable belly? While it didn’t seem like she was full-term pregnant, the fetal movements were vividly felt, suggesting the baby was well-developed.
‘Am I going to have three children? That can’t be…’
“Everyone’s gathered here, I see.”
At the affectionate voice, the three of them looked up. Rahil, stepping grandly into the garden, wore an expression she had never seen before. His face was so tender, it seemed as if honey could drip from his eyes. Taken aback by his gentle demeanor, Anais’s eyes widened in surprise.
“Daddy!”
The little girl sprang up and lunged at him like a playful tackle. He expertly caught her and hoisted her up. The boy regarded his father with familiarity.
“Have you arrived, Your Majesty?”
“…Are you deliberately addressing me that way?”
“I’m not sure what you mean, Your Majesty.”
The indignant expression on Rahil’s face somehow made Anais feel like laughing. Approaching her with a grimace, he shot a glare at the boy.
“Even the Empress should scold him. He’s clearly doing this on purpose… Now’s not the time to be laughing so prettily.”
Rahil, still grumbling, shielded the eyes of the little girl he was holding. Then, as if it was only natural, he leaned in close to Anais. The boy, making a ‘ugh~’ face, turned his head away.
“Anais.”
Their eyes met up close, their breaths mingling. While she recognized the situation, the feeling was inexplicably unfamiliar.
Is this my future? That can’t be… It’s impossible!
* * *
The first thing that caught her eye as she abruptly opened them was Rahil’s sleeping face. Given their position, it was inevitable that she’d see his face first, especially since she seemed to be resting her head on his thigh.
‘What’s going on?’
Feeling a mix of confusion and awareness, Anais looked around. Thankfully, Rahil was still asleep, seemingly unaware of her intense gaze.
Though his thigh was hard, there were cushions supporting Anais’s back and head. It wasn’t as if she was lying directly on his leg.
Relieved by this realization, Anais tried to recall the events leading up to now. Not the dizzying dream, but her memories before falling asleep.
‘I…’
Uncharacteristically, she had fallen asleep in the carriage on her way back to the palace. Due to the late-night concerns, the stress of the wedding, and the lengthy procession through the capital, exhaustion had reached its peak.
‘I wouldn’t usually doze off in public.’
For a noble, especially a young woman, such behavior would be scandalous. Having lost her mother at a young age, Anais had always been cautious, trying not to bring any shame to her deceased mother’s memory.
Of course, there were times when she’d lose her temper or couldn’t control herself.
As her eyes grew heavy and her head drooped, Rahil had whispered, holding her hand which was cold from tension. In contrast, his hand felt incredibly warm.
“You can sleep.”
Maybe it was the warmth that lulled her, or perhaps the overwhelming question of why she was enduring all this because of such a man, but she promptly closed her eyes. Deep slumber followed, leading to her current situation.
‘Okay, I understand falling asleep, but what’s this situation?’
It looked like he had carried her all the way to the room after they arrived at the palace. But instead of simply laying her on the bed, he’d chosen to let her sleep using his thigh as a pillow. His intentions seemed suspicious.
The woman Rahil liked was Angelica, and he was a fool for choosing to marry someone who disliked him just for her.
Why does he act this way after insisting he wants a woman who wouldn’t fall for him?
‘Is he trying to flirt with me?’
Anais felt even more twisted inside because of his behavior. If Rahil had just acted coldly or indifferently, she could have thought, ‘Ah, I see.’
But his actions and demeanor were contrary to what he’d said earlier. She was irritated by the overwhelming friendliness and kindness he radiated.
There’s a boundary to maintain when you just want to be friends or colleagues. Flirt all you want, but I know how this will play out once I start developing feelings. Your character in the story wasn’t as kind as you’re being now.
Not all wounds are physical; emotional wounds are just as real. There’s a saying that the push and pull in relationships is the most hurtful, and she could see why.
She could imagine the day when she gives her heart to his kindness and warmth, only for Rahil to react aggressively, questioning her feelings and pushing her away.
Although nothing had really happened yet, Anais was consumed with anger. The sleeping Rahil was so infuriating that she felt the urge to slap him.
What exactly are you trying to do? Did you marry me to act all sweet and play at being lovers? Because I dislike you, you felt safe marrying me?
