Diaz and Oriana
Even though I was troubled by my ex-wife's rampage, I was able to reconcile with my sister-in-law, Lady Anita.
She has always been amiable towards me.
However, I felt sorry for putting a burden on Lady Anesia in ways I was not aware of.
“Lord Diaz, what's wrong?"
"No, it's nothing."
"Could it be that it didn't suit your taste?"
Lately, Lady Oriana has been sending special products from her territory as gifts.
I appreciate her consideration for my preference for simple sweets over expensive ones, but...
"Lady Oriana, I appreciate your feelings, but going to such lengths..."
"I'm doing it because I want to."
"But there are unfavorable rumors about you. Especially with my ex-wife causing gossip in social circles recently."
Though she was expelled from the Ranford territory, it seems she's been talking loosely on her way to the Capital, garnering sympathy from the public.
I wouldn't pay attention to ordinary rumors, but due to my unexpected rise, I seem to be a target for those who want to bring me down.
"It can't go on like this, Lady Oriana."
"Why not? I don't mind. In fact, I want to turn the rumors into truth."
"Pardon?"
The way she looked at me, as if clinging to me, didn’t seem fitting for someone with an adult son.
She's still young and beautiful, and she can remarry.
Despite that...
"Lord Diaz, I have feelings for you."
"What! What do you..."
"Am I not acceptable? My son is grown up, and I have grandchildren now. My daughter-in-law has also become strong and splendid."
It's as if she was implying that her role was over.
"I had my life decided since birth. There was no love between husband and wife... it is inevitable for the Royalty. But during my student days, I fell in love with a certain gentleman."
"Lady Oriana..."
"Lonely and foolish, I had no choice but to be selfish and lash out at those around me. You were the only one who treated me kindly. But I closed my heart."
Lady Oriana, who seemed to have everything as the daughter of a Duke, was like a bird in a golden cage.
Our worlds were different.
But deep down, she was truly kind and vulnerable.
Having a prestigious family and power takes away freedom as a human and even shatters dignity.
It didn't take long for her to realize how much she suffered, behaving like a villain to maintain a facade.
But Lady Oriana was strong.
"It is because of you that I was able to recover!”
Yet, I didn't notice.
What do you think about this chapter?
