September 2023 Short

The Misanthropic Duke Has Been Doting On Me Since Day One, But I Plan to Leave After The 9 Months

Author: Nyon

“What a fool you’ve been! Margaret.”

　

My sister was cowering and weeping. And instead of my parents, who were cuddling her, I was the one holding my head and sighing.

　

“But, but Daisy, dear sister…”

　

Margaret is my twin sister. She was very sickly as a child and grew up to be a selfish, free-spirited girl who monopolized our parents’ love. I, on the other hand, was a healthy child who was left to my own devices and became an unsociable woman.

Then, the topic of my sister’s engagement was brought up. Her partner is Duke Albert Snow, who was notorious for his dislike of people. He was a workaholic, and even after the engagement was finalized, he never once came to see her.

Still, my sister was looking forward to this marriage. For Duke Albert, whom I knew only from his portraits, was a beautiful man.

However, what an unexpected turn of events! One day, a week before the wedding. My sister made a startling revelation.

She was pregnant with a child and didn’t even know the father’s name. Apparently, she got so drunk at a night party that she had affairs with several men.

Oh, I knew she was unbridled about that sort of thing, but who would have thought she would do such a foolish thing before her wedding?

　

“Margaret, you can still put the baby down.”

“Yes, it’s not too late.”

　

When my parents said that, my sister glared at them and shook her head.

　

“I don’t want to. I …… want to have this baby!”

“Such a … so you’re giving up on marrying the Duke? The wedding is in a week, you know?”

“No! I want to be his bride!”

　

As expected, a pregnant bride will not be accepted. A girl with a bump is not one to marry. I was beyond annoyed and disgusted by my sister’s naiveté.

My sister cries and stomps on the floor despite her age. Once this starts, she doesn’t stop until her demands are met.

Our parents look at each other and begin to discuss something.

After a few moments of consultation, they turned to me. What is it? That grin, as if they had come up with a great idea. Oh, please stop. I don’t want to hear it.

　

“I say, Daisy—”

　

※

　

　

To be honest, the Duke wouldn’t be big-hearted enough to accept a lady with a bump.

If this engagement breaks off, we will lose trust. A huge amount of alimony will also have to be paid.

My parents, who wanted to prevent this at all costs, had the audacity to decide to marry me off in place of my sister.

And they didn’t just give me away as a bride.

9 months. They wanted me to pretend to be my sister until she gave birth in secret.

　

“After I give birth to my child, I will give it to you, sister. Please take good care of it and raise it as the successor of our family! I’ll visit you from time to time.”

　

My sister laughed. As if it was all for my sake. This sister has always been like that. She never doubted that her happiness was other people’s happiness, and she unconcernedly imposes various things on me and takes them away without a care. I was used to it.

And so I married into the Duke’s family for 9 months.

The wedding ceremony held after meeting the bride was a simple one, just an exchange of signatures in front of the priest.

The rumors of his misanthropy seemed to be true, and not even his relatives were invited to the ceremony. Only a few servants watched over us.

With my sister’s name on the papers, I became Albert’s wife. Amidst the sparse, crackling applause, I stared intently into Albert’s face for the first time. He was as beautiful as I had seen in his portrait. Silver hair sparkling in the sunlight. White skin with blue eyes. He never made eye contact with me, and as soon as the ceremony was over, he left the venue in a hurry, saying, “I have work to do”.

It seems to be true that he was a workaholic. According to the servant, once he goes to work, he wouldn’t return for three days. This will be my 9-month relationship. We might be able to spend our married life without seeing each other.

I asked the servants to show me to my room, and as soon as I could, I gave them my leave and took off my wedding dress. I removed my corset and jumped into the soft double bed.

Once 9 months have passed, I will be the lady with a prior bump, publicly defective.

There will be no one to take me as a wife. So let’s spend these 9 months doing whatever I want.

If it’s my sister, she’ll probably spend a lot of money, and selfishly order the servants around. Buy what she wants and lazily spend her time. For the time being, let’s go to sleep. Oh, how nice it is to be able to sleep at noon.

　

※

　

I was awakened by a knocking in my room. Looking out the window, it’s already dark.

　

“Um… would you like to have dinner?”

　

I thought it was a servant, and slouched in bed, was about to decide to sleep in, when a low voice echoed through the room, and I jumped out of my skin.

　

“Lo… Lord Albert?!”

　

No, no, no, why. You’re not supposed to be home for three days, are you?

　

“I, I’ll be there as soon as I get ready.”

“Alright.”

　

After making sure his footsteps were far away, I hastily straightened my disheveled hair, put on a simple dress, and opened the door. That’s when I realized.

Oh, me. I don’t know my way around this mansion yet. Where is the dining room?

　

※

　

I walked and walked, but there were only empty rooms. Where on earth am I? Even if I wanted to ask someone for directions, I couldn’t find anyone at all, probably because only the minimum number of servants were on hand.

I never thought I would get lost in the place that would be my home…

At the end of the hallway, I sat down, at a loss. It must have been half an hour since Albert came to visit the room. No, it’s more than that if you count the time I spent getting ready.

　

“I wonder if she’s mad at me. …… “

　

Suddenly, I thought like I heard a voice. I looked up from where I was kneeling and saw Albert calling from the end of the hallway.

　

“Good, there you are!”

　

When Albert ran up to me, he was breathing heavily. A bead of sweat was dripping from his chin.

　

“What are you doing here?”

“Lo, Lord Albert, I’m sorry… I don’t know where the dining room is…”

　

At that moment. He knelt down and covered me. It may have taken me a long time to realize that I was being hugged by a large hand that was wrapped around my back.

　

“Lord Albert…!?”

　

Sweat and perfume. He smelled very pleasant, even for a man. I froze, not knowing what to do at a distance so close I could hear my heartbeat.

　

“No, I’m glad. I feared you had been smitten by someone or walked out.”

“Such a thing…”

“I’ll have a talk with the servants. How dare they leave you on your own just because you were resting.”

“No, it wasn’t their fault. I was the one who kicked them out of the room because I was tired… other than that…”

　

Please let go of me. Before I could finish saying that, he picked me up.

　

“Huh… Let go!”

“No, you must be tired, so I’ll take you to the dining room. You should concentrate on learning your way around.”

　

I hurriedly turned my head away from his face, which was within breathtaking distance.

Isn’t he a misanthrope? How can a misanthrope do such a thing?

Albert’s behavior, so different from the rumors, made my head spin.

When we reached the dining room, he finally released me.

On the large table, there was a meal set for two that had yet to be served.

　

“Well, I’ll be going now.”

“Huh? What about your meal?”

“I’m off to work, I have to get back…”

“Oh, no. You missed dinner because of me? You should have eaten first.”

“I wanted to eat with you.”

　

Albert smiled and turned on his heel to leave the room.

　

“Lord Albert!”

　

I casually stabbed a piece of meat with a fork and quickly held it out to him as he stopped. The meat was shoved into his mouth as he turned around.

　

“Oh… no. I’m sorry I thought you could have just this one bite.”

　

Albert looked at me with a scowl, but took my hand, which was still holding the fork, and slowly chewed it.

　

“Thank you, it’s delicious.”

“Ha, have a good day…”

“Yes, I’m off.”

　

After he left, the maids behind me gave off shrill cheers “kyaaah“.

Only the Head Butler cleared his throat.

　

“Apologies, that was rather rude.”

“No, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen him eating food with such relish. Once the head chef hears about this, he’ll be in tears.”

“I was a little surprised. He was a different person from what I had heard.”

“What did you hear?”

“That he… dislikes people…”

“It’s no mistake. The boy…… no, the Master is not very fond of people. We’re surprised, as well. He has never left work for a meal. It seems you’re a special one.”

　

The Head Butler bows his head respectfully and gives a wink. My cheeks heat up at what was said, but the heat quickly cools.

This heat belongs to my sister. It’s not me that his feelings are directed at. It’s my sister.

When I thought about it, I felt a terrible pain deep in my chest.

　

※

　

After that, he would leave work and come home for dinner every day. We only had a few conversations there, but he listened to me with a smile.

One day, when he came home for dinner, he was strangely distant. He didn’t open his mouth to speak and spent more time chewing than usual.

　

“Lord Albert. Um…you seem rather slow today, is everything alright with your work?”

“No… ah. Yes.”

“You don’t need to worry about me. You don’t have to come back …… if you’re too busy…”

“No, that’s not… ah— “

　

Albert then paused for a moment. The air was strange and uncomfortable. The Head Butler cleared his throat. Albert’s shoulders trembled slightly.

Albert put the forks down. He looked straight at me. His blue eyes seemed to glow reflecting the light of the chandelier.

　

“I finished my work today, which is rare for me.”

“Well, then you can relax for today, right?”

　

Albert always returns to the mansion in the early hours of the morning and leaves for work before I wake up.

I couldn’t interfere with my husband’s work, but since that was the case every day, I was actually very worried about him. If he can get a good night’s sleep from this time after eating, he will be much less tired.

　

“Yes, as such. Um… this night…”

　

I wonder why his face is so red. I’m worried if he’s sick.

I think so. I got up from my seat and walked up to him.

　

“Lord Albert, if you are not feeling well, you should retire early.”

　

I reached for his forehead to take his temperature, but he quickly grabbed my hand and put his mouth close to my ear.

　

“I’ll come to your room for the night.”

　

Quickly releasing my hand, he left the dining room with the Head Butler.

His breathless whisper lingered in my ear and wouldn’t leave.

When I thought about what it meant, my head heated up like it was boiling. I slumped down involuntarily, and the maids took care of me with their usual squeals and cries.

　

※

　

Polished from the tips of my fingernails to the strands of my hair, I sat frozen in place on the large double bed. The maids had prepared this for me. A pale pink negligee. The perfumed oil poured over my head was strangely unsettling to my nose.

It’s been a month since we got married. Oh my, Albert and I, for the first time, about to have a night together.

　

No, I can’t. After all, I am a bride for only 9 months. The one he really loves is not me, but my sister. But my sister would never refuse him. Should I keep my chastity? No, my future as the guardian of my sister’s baby is decided anyway. I can’t see myself marrying someone else… In the first place, wouldn’t it be bad if I got pregnant by any chance? Various thoughts come and go, floating in and out of my mind. I couldn’t help but feel the heat of my body.

I heard a knock on the door, and gave a strange “Hiyai!” as my reply,

　

“I’m coming in.”

　

The door opened and Albert came in, dressed in pajamas.

He gently sat down next to me and turned his gaze to me.

　

“P… please don’t look at me too much.”

　

After a moment of silence. Remembering my outfit, I hugged my knees to hide it. But that seemed to make him feel more degraded, so Albert put his hand on my shoulder and gently pushed me down onto the bed.

There he was, right in front of me, so beautiful. Albert took off his nightwear. And his muscular body was draped over me.

I can’t resist his explosive charm. Over the past month, I’ve grown fond of him. When I reached out and touched his cheek, he put his hand on top of mine and smiled beautifully.

　

“I love you, Margaret.”

　

For a moment. I found myself to be surprisingly drained.

The one he loves is my sister(Marguerite), not me(Daisy).

　

“What’s wrong? Does it hurt anywhere?”

　

His worried voice made my tears flow even more. I was miserable, sad, and frustrated.

　

“No, it’s not that… it’s not…”

　

Nothing’s wrong with that. It hurts. My chest.

Albert sat me up, put his jacket on me, and stood up.

　

“Lord Albert?”

“Let’s call it a day… good night.”

　

Without looking back, he left the room.

From that day on, he never sat down for dinner. He must be upset. It is shameful for a woman to cry on her first night.

　

※

　

It had been six months since I married into the Duke’s family. I fell ill and was bedridden.

This reminds me of my childhood.

I was a healthy child, but once I was bedridden with a terrible fever. Outside the window, my sister, who was unusually energetic, was playing in the snow with our parents. I remember being very sad, knowing that my sister would monopolize our parents’ love, regardless of my illness.

In our household, my sister always took precedence. The day of our social debut in society. My sister had a high fever. I was ordered by my parents to attend the party not as Daisy, but as Margaret. I behaved perfectly, not as myself, but as my sister, and made many connections. It was all for my sister. The only thing my parents praise me for is when I act for my sister. And that’s how I’ve always been.

Whenever my sister had a fever, I would attend parties on her behalf, and raise her stock. On the other hand, my sister seemed to have attended infamous gatherings such as night parties under my name. Thanks to her, my reputation has fallen. Before I become a guardian or not. Maybe there was no way for me to become a bride in the first place.

Come to think of it, once. As a child. I played with a boy at a party like that once. I was tired of pretending to be my sister, and tried to sneak a snack I had taken from the venue, but there was a boy crying in the garden at night. We ate sweets, chased each other, played hide and seek, talked a lot…

I felt a cold touch on my forehead and opened my eyes.

　

“Ah…”

　

It was Albert there. He took his hand from my forehead and he looked uncomfortable, but he didn’t leave.

　

“Lord Albert, your work…”

“I left. Or rather… I took a day off today.”

“Why…”

“Why, my wife is ill, of course. Fortunately, I didn’t have any urgent business to attend to.”

　

A stack of papers was spread out by the bedside. It was all a lie. I made him leave his work.

Wringing out a wet towel, Albert placed it on my forehead.

　

“Lord Albert…”

　

I’m fine. Don’t overdo it and go to work. I was about to say that, but I couldn’t open my mouth any more.

　

“What?”

“Don’t go, stay with me.”

　

For some reason, something completely unexpected came out of my mouth. Still, Albert took my outstretched hand and kissed it gently.

　

“Of course, I’ll be by your side all day today. So get some rest.”

　

I cried. Back then. Ever since that day when I was bedridden with a fever. I always wanted someone to be by my side.

Although not every day, there was much work to be done. Albert began to have dinner with me again.

We never shared a bed, but that was enough for me.

　

※

　

It was early spring when the news came that my sister had safely delivered a baby boy. It was a little earlier than 9 months, but both mother and child were in good health. Burning the letter, I sighed.

I made appropriate excuses to the Head Butler, and I will leave tomorrow. I had to go back to my parents’ house.

I would never come back here again. The Head Butler who was kind to me, the maids who became like friends, and the chef who made me delicious meals, I gave them a reason without revealing anything. I expressed my gratitude to them in a manner that was appropriate.

　

“Madam, believe it or not, it’s true that the boy is not fond of people. His mother passed away early. Our previous master never took a second wife. He was raised strictly as a successor. On top of that, because of his appearance, he was subject to stares and greed that were beyond his capacity from a very young age. No wonder he became a misanthrope.”

“But he’s been nice to me since the day we first met.”

“That’s why we were amazed. Why was he so devoted to you when he hadn’t opened up to even a few servants… so please, Madam. Please don’t let go of the boy’s hand. You are the only one he can trust. Please be sure to come back.”

　

As if he could see through something, the Head Butler looked at me tenderly and then bowed his head.

　

“Fufu… I’m just visiting home. I’ll be back soon.”

　

Lastly, I also wanted to see Albert, but he didn’t show up for dinner today.

That night. I had trouble falling asleep.

I will never sleep in this bed again. My sister will sleep here. It’s about her. The night I came to this house, I might have had relations with Albert here. Thinking about such a dainty thing, I couldn’t fall asleep.

It was late at night, and white began to peek out of the window. Finally, I dozed off. At that moment, the door to the room slowly opened.

I hastily pretended to be asleep.

Someone walked into the room with hardly a footstep. I opened my eyes slightly. In the window reflecting the room, I saw Albert kissing my hair softly.

No way……. could it be that he did this to me every morning? At the thought, my face heated up all at once. Albert smiled softly, turned on his heel, and left the room.

I jumped up with a start. I jumped to his back and threw his arms around him.

　

“Ma, Margaret, you’re awake…”

“Please don’t call my name!”

　

Even I was surprised by my loud voice. Only my tears wouldn’t stop, seeping into his jacket.

　

“…… Are you crying? What’s wrong?”

“…… I had a scary dream.”

　

If only going home had been a dream. How good it would have been. No, everything up to now has been a dream. It was fun, pleasant, and bound to end. Until now, I had been dreaming. I just woke up. I’m just so scared of it.

Albert pulled me off his back, grabbed me by the shoulders and looked into my face gently.

　

“…… Please don’t look.”

　

Covering my face with both hands, he gently brushed them away. From the dark circle, to the runny nose, to the tears. I wasn’t wearing makeup. Surely I look dreadful now. Still he wiped them away with his big palm and put his lips on mine.

I was so surprised that my tears stopped, he only let out an “Ah” as if he had come to his senses, and turned his face away in embarrassment.

　

“I’m sorry, you were too adorable. I just…you didn’t like it?”

　

I shook my head and buried my face in his chest. I can’t stop crying. I don’t want to leave this person. I don’t want to give him to anyone.

　

“It was my fault. No… I’m sorry. Haa…”

　

Albert sighed and picked me up. As I screamed “Kyaa!”, he lay down on the bed with me.

If he asks for relations now, surely I will not be able to refuse him. No, rather. I would end up seeking it. And would forever be profoundly attracted to him.

But he just lies down and doesn’t try to do anything more than that.

　

“Albert…?”

　

Forgetting the honorifics, I call out his dear name, but he pats me lightly on the back as if to soothe me.

　

“When I was young, I was a weakling, a crybaby.”

“You were…?”

“Yes, I was.”

　

I couldn’t imagine it, and my mouth loosened involuntarily.

　

“At such times, my mother would do this to quiet me down until I fell asleep.”

“Your mother…”

“Yes, she was very loving.”

“So, you’re just like your mother?”

“Me?”

“You’re very kind.”

　

The hand patting the back continued to beat a gentle rhythm. Then he hugged me gently until I fell asleep.

When I awoke, the sun had risen high and he was no longer beside me.

I inhaled his lingering scent that permeates the bedding and myself, and once again. I just cried a little.

　

※

　

“I’m home.”

　

When I returned to my parents’ house after a long time, my sister and parents welcomed me.

　

“Well, welcome back Dear Sister! Look at my baby! He’s cute, isn’t he?”

　

My sister was all wound up and shoved a little bundle upon me.

　

“Oh…”

　

I thought it was a package, but it was a baby wrapped in a swaddle.

The lovely child, who smelled of milk, opened his eyes and cried loudly.

　

“Oh my, what should I do? Hey, Margaret!”

　

I hurriedly tried to return him to his mother, but she wouldn’t accept him.

　

“No more! Sister, from now on you will be raising this child… so please make it stop crying.”

“That’s… you are his mother, right? At least when you’re together…”

“Stop it, please. Giving birth was certainly an unpleasant awakening, but you’re the mother! I’m the Duchess, after all. Don’t ever call me ‘mother’ again.”

　

My sister has no ill will. Absolutely none. That’s why she’s so ill-natured. I held the crying baby in my arms and tried my best to soothe him.

When he finally fell asleep, I put him in his crib and talked to my sister and parents about the future.

A week later. My sister will soon return to the Duke’s house. I suggested that we exchange information so the truth wouldn’t come out, but my sister didn’t want to bother with that.

　

“It’s okay. Yes, that’s right! Let’s say I fell down the stairs and hit my head. I’ll pretend to lose my memory. That way, I won’t have to reconcile information.”

　

That’s a good idea. Our parents praised my sister. I was sad. It was as if they were pretending that the 9 months that I spent in the Duke’s House had never happened. At the same time, I was happy. In fact, this feeling was much stronger. I don’t want her to take away the 9 months that I spent with him. It was a joy to be able to keep those memories to myself.

　

※

　

It was the fifth day after I returned to my parents’ house. As I was strolling in the garden with my nephew in my arms, I heard yelling from the mansion. Fortunately, my nephew didn’t wake up, and I turned to the direction of the voice to see what was going on.

A crowd of servants had already gathered in front of the room. The spirit of curiosity was vigorous. A familiar voice echoed from inside.

　

“I left work because I heard Margaret was hurt.”

“That’s why, Duke… isn’t this your wife, Margaret, over here?”

“You’re a completely different person, aren’t you? I came to pick up my wife. I don’t know this woman.”

“How terrible, Lord Albert… I am indeed Margaret. My memory is just hazy…”

　

The faint voices of my father and Margaret echoed from inside. And also, Albert’s voice.

When I asked a maid I am familiar with what had happened, she looked at me and the door as if she were troubled.

　

“When the Duke heard that Margaret had fallen down the stairs, he came to check on her, but he is making a fuss about her being a different person.”

“No way…”

　

I put my hand on the door. But it stops there. What am I supposed to do in this room? Should I scream that I’m Margaret and hug Albert? If I do that, he will know that we have been deceiving Albert until now. Besides, the person he really loves is my sister. He’s just confused right now, and I’m sure once he calms down, he’ll find her attractive.

The moment the hand loosened. Someone grabbed my wrist tightly. It was my mother.

Without saying a word, my mother violently dragged me to the upper storage shed and shoved me inside. I was holding my nephew in my arms and, unable to resist, I fell on my buttocks, trying to protect him.

　

“Daisy, if you wish for your sister’s happiness, you two will stay there until the Duke takes Margaret back.”

“Wait…!”

　

The door was closed and it was pitch black. I put my hand on the door, but it seemed to be locked, and I was not scared.

I soothed my nephew, who was crying.

　

“It’s dark, it’s scary… it’s okay. I’m here for you.”

　

I patted him gently on the back and hugged him tightly. After a while, I heard the sighs of his sleep.

It’s dark and scary here. Please, please, Albert. Take Margaret home. I’m sure she will make you happy. You will only feel uncomfortable at first. It’s her. You two will do just fine.

　

※

　

After a while, I woke up to the sound of my nephew crying. I must have fallen asleep too.

　

“What’s wrong? Your diaper isn’t wet… I wonder if you’re hungry. I’m sorry, there is no milk here… so you’ll just have to be patient a little longer.”

　

They wouldn’t starve a baby to death.

No, is that really the case? My presence and this child’s must be a hindrance to Margaret. There is even a possibility that she will be erased while she is still trapped here. I felt a shiver run down my spine at the thought.

It was at that moment.

I heard slamming noises outside.

The sound of doors being violently opened one after another. I heard a man and a woman yelling.

　

“Please stop, Duke!”

“Be quiet. If you are hiding her, I’ll just look for her.”

“That’s why! Margaret is me!”

“No, you’re not!”

“On what grounds…!”

“I know it! If you really loved a woman, you would know! Her tenderness and the gestures behind those eyes. They haven’t changed since that time. That’s what you don’t have! You are not the Margaret I know!”

　

My nephew cries aloud.

　

“Here!”

　

There was a gradual kicking sound and I moved away from the door. The door opened vigorously and light streamed in. I squinted involuntarily at the glare.

　

“There you are… Margaret!”

　

Albert, out of breath, hugged me with my nephew.

　

“Ah… oh…”

　

I swallowed hard as I tried to call his name.

　

“Please let go.”

　

I said, as coldly as I could. pushing him away.

　

“Margaret…?”

“Margaret is my sister. Isn’t that your wife there? I’m Daisy, her sister. As you can see, I have a child. How rude of you to suddenly hug me.”

　

Sighing, I leave the storeroom.

　

“Margaret!”

　

I mercilessly shook off the outstretched hand. A dry snapping sound echoes.

　

“Like I said, my name is Daisy. I don’t know what you are confused about. Please go home and take my sister with you. It’s milk time for this child, so if you’ll excuse me.”

　

This will do. With this.

　

“Father. Why don’t you send him on his way? Wouldn’t he settle down after some time?”

“Ah… y, yes. Duke. For now, please call it a day. Daisy has just given birth and is upset, and Margaret is still recovering from her injuries, so…”

“…… very well.”

　

The moment he went down the stairs. Gravely. I heard him mutter.

My chest was in agony.

I put my nephew, who had fallen asleep after drinking milk, down in his crib.

From the nursery, I had a clear view of Albert getting into the carriage. He looked expressionless and cold.

　

※

　

Shortly thereafter, Albert came to pick up Margaret up. “I was upset to hear that you were injured. Please forgive me.” he said, and Margaret gladly forgave him and rode back to the Duke’s house in the carriage.

It was all for the best. I’m sure it’s about now. The two of them are having a happily ever after.

　

※

　

Two years later.

　

“Mama…”

“What?”

“I love you sho much”

“You do? Mommy loves you too.”

　

My nephew doesn’t doubt me as his mother, talked a lot, walked a lot. He grew up to be a very active child. Even now, I sometimes feel sad when I think of Albert. It was the presence of this child that filled that void in my heart.

After Margaret left. My parents also noticed how adorable their grandson was. They dote on him. They seemed to care for me more than before.

It was such a time. Albert came to visit, with word that my sister had left the Duke’s house and had eloped with some young man.

　

“This time, my daughter… because of this…”

　

“No… it’s fine. I’ve been so busy working that I haven’t had a chance to talk to her. I, you know, I gave up even embracing her, even when she asked for it. So she sought such things elsewhere. Therefore, I would like you to recognize the divorce.”

　

My father accepted the separation on the condition that he would not pay alimony.

After that, Albert began to visit our house frequently for reasons such as the divorce proceedings.

He would play with my nephew, have lunch with us, make small talk, and go back to work.

One day, after a while of this life. My nephew called him “Daddy.” I was so surprised that I desperately tried to convince him that he was mistaken. But he looked at me curiously and tilted his head on Albert’s lap.

Albert put my nephew down from his lap and gently knelt in front of me.

　

“Miss Daisy, what he said. Please take it seriously. Will you make it true? I want to be the father of this child.”

　

How I longed for that hand to be extended to me. Still, I was hesitant to take his hand.

　

“I am the sister of Margaret, your wife. I love this child. I also think he needs a father. But the world wouldn’t think well of taking an unwed mother as a wife… and I don’t deserve your love.”

“Is it because you have deceived me?”

“Deceived…? What do you mean?”

　

After all, it must have been Margaret you spent those 9 months with. I’m Daisy. I’m not Margaret.

　

“Miss Daisy, do you know why I got engaged to a woman named Margaret?”

“Because Margaret was beautiful.”

“No, she was beautiful. But that’s not all. She was my first love.”

“Huh?”

　

Staring firmly into my eyes, Albert smiled mischievously.

　

“For a while after my mother died, my father was very strict with my upbringing. If I cried, he would whip me and tell me to be strong. My father would take me to parties. He was trying to teach me, a young boy, how to live in this world. But I couldn’t stand the unsettling eyes of the adults that I was subjected to at those times. That’s why I snuck out and cried alone. Then a girl appeared with sweets.”

“I wondered why that girl was there.”

“She said she was at the party as her sister instead of herself, and her parents would praise her for doing so. That’s what makes her happy.”

“Such terrible parents.”

“Yes. She said. No matter how hard she tried, no one saw her. If she doesn’t work hard as her sister, no one will look at her. She said that she was so sick and tired of it. I was dazzled by her strength as she said all that and still laughed.”

“What happened after that?”

“We had fun, we ate sweets, ran races, played hide-and-seek… it was enjoyable. That is my only childhood memory after my mother died. Then, one day as an adult. I found her at a social gathering. I recognized her at a glance. It was the girl from back then. I wanted to talk to her. I thought so, but…. she was surrounded by so many people, and being a misanthrope, I didn’t have the courage to jump in. I was a weakling. The same as I used to be.”

“So, your fiancée…?”

“Yes, apparently that person was still the older sister pretending to be the younger sister.”

　

Grinning, Albert reached out again.

　

“Miss Daisy, no… Daisy. I’ll ask again. Is it because you deceived me? I have done worse. I made your precious sister leave me, didn’t I? And? I never shared a meal or a bed with her, and I let another man get close to her, and I let her leave. Well, don’t worry. He is a quick-handed man but he is good at his job. He will make your sister a little happier. So I hope you will be happy too.”

　

I’ve been desperately looking for a reason not to take this hand. And yet, this man sees right through me and doesn’t stop talking. Was he this talkative?

　

“I love you Daisy. Please be my wife.”

　

As if not to miss my timidly outstretched hand, he welcomed it, grabbed it, and pulled it close.

And he hugged me tightly.

　

“Your answer is…?”

　

He whispered, and I kissed him softly.

My nephew stared at us with a smirk.

　

※

　

The son is running around the Duke’s house.

His father, who came home for dinner, picked him up.

　

“What’s the matter, you naughty boy?”

　

As his father hugged him, the son gave a ticklish chuckle.

　

“You know, you know, Father. I’m going to be a big brother soon.”

　

The father tilted his head for a moment, not quite understanding what his son was saying, but then it hit him and he looked at me.

I nodded a little embarrassed, stroking my belly.

My husband hugged me while still holding our son in one hand and kissed him and me many times. It’s ticklish and embarrassing, and full of laughter.

We are about to begin again. This time will be different. We are going to have a wonderful 9 months.

　

End