divorce chapter 11

The moment I saw his face, I instinctively hid behind a pillar. What did I just see? Even after confirming the man’s face, my mind remained blank. There are doppelgangers in the world. Yes, they weren’t exactly alike. 

The man I spent the night with had gray hair. Silver hair was unique to the Duke of Verhagen in this empire! Yet, I followed the Duke of Verhagen’s movements, circling the pillar. The stares I felt were sharp, but everyone seemed understanding. It must be a mistake. It must be someone who looks similar! 

My mind violently rejected the current situation. I didn’t want to understand, nor accept it. I slumped into a secluded corner and began to organize my thoughts. No matter how much I wanted to deny it, the man I spent that passionate night with seemed to be Lennard. It might not be him, but let’s consider the worst-case scenario. 

Clinging to a shred of hope, I imagined what would happen if Lennard found out. 

1. He would be dumbfounded and disgusted with me. 

2. He would declare war on my family for playing with him. 

3. He would behead me on the spot and protect his honor. 

It was an absurd imagination, but strangely realistic. In the original story, Lennard was the epitome of abstinence. Wouldn’t it be troublesome if rumors spread that he was tricked by his former fiancée? However, I also felt wronged. In the original story, Lennard definitely had mysophobia. 

That’s why Estelle couldn’t calm him down, and he eventually went berserk, wasn’t it? Moreover, he was the man who, at the beginning, tried to help the female lead any way he could, yet after holding her hand, washed his own repeatedly, saying she was dirty. But that night was different. He touched me everywhere, leaving no part untouched. He kissed and nibbled so much that Nina, who was helping me bathe, was shocked. 

And what? Mysophobia? I was scammed by the original story. I drained my glass in one gulp. “But rumor has it he fell in love at first sight and intends to marry that person,” Liliana’s words came to mind. If his mysophobia in the original story was a lie, didn’t he meet other women afterward? Yes, that person he fell in love with at first sight might not be me. Consoling myself, I decided to escape this place.

***

Lennard crossed the hall with a relaxed face. The burning stares directed at him now felt insignificant. He approached the two women receiving greetings from the Awakened at the far end. 

“It’s been a while, Saintess.” 

The woman with light purple hair ignored Lennard’s greeting. It was an understandable reaction, considering he had rejected her daughter. However, Lennard didn’t mind. He had fulfilled his duty by greeting her. He immediately turned around and distanced himself as much as possible. Sharp eyes scanned the hall. Perhaps she hadn’t come. 

“Lenn!” A sturdy man with light brown hair came running. Lennard nodded lightly to him. 

“It’s been a while, Benny.” 

“This isn’t something that can be brushed off with ‘it’s been a while’!” Benedict was so agitated that his face was flushed.