My Contract Marriage Got Interrupted (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 7
Everything had gone exactly as Odette expected—right up until the moment she first entered the tea reception hall.
The sidelong glances she’d grown sick of over the past few days, and the hushed whispers.
“That must be the Fourth Imperial Princess. She truly takes after His Majesty, just as I’d heard.”
“Isn’t all the recent commotion because of her? I heard she’s been going around denying those rumors.”
“Who knows which version is true… really…”
“Either way, it’s been a very long time since we’ve seen her at an event like this.”
While most guests would immediately approach and greet newcomers upon entering the salon, no one came forward to greet Odette.
Only Duchess Pavel, who knew her as Cedric’s maternal great-aunt, met her eyes briefly to offer a nod—but even that was so fleeting it barely registered.
After all, the fact that Odette was holding hands with Cedric was a secret, and to the outside world, Odette was nothing more than a socially isolated bastard princess with no close noble connections.
Still, perhaps one small blessing was that there was at least one person here willing to speak to her.
As she moved toward the inner part of the conservatory, the silver-haired Emperor spotted Odette and greeted her warmly.
“Ah, the Fourth Imperial Princess has arrived. Come in, come in.”
“I greet the Sun of the Empire.”
“Enough with the formalities. We’re family, after all.”
Though they’d never sought each other out in their lives, the Emperor’s voice was unusually kind.
In fact, from his tone alone, they might have seemed like a close father and daughter.
“You’ve been absent from every tea gathering lately due to poor health—have you finally recovered?”
“Yes. Thanks to Your Majesty’s care.”
As Odette bowed politely, the Emperor’s gaze briefly swept over her.
Beside him, Catarina seized the opening immediately, smiling sweetly as she interjected.
“Your Majesty, Odette has grown so much, hasn’t she? Children grow up in the blink of an eye, don’t they? Though I’m not her birth mother, as the one who raised her, I’m always startled anew whenever I see her.”
“…Indeed, she has grown. I remember her being so young—now, I wouldn’t be surprised if she were to marry.”
Marriage.
At that word, Odette’s body tensed ever so slightly.
“…!”
The Emperor’s words were never spoken lightly.
That he chose to bring this up in front of everyone clearly meant he had an intention.
‘Just as I expected… he’s about to raise the topic of marriage to the Margrave.’
And Catarina, too, must have known this in advance—which was why she’d deliberately brought up how much Odette had grown.
“Marriage is hardly all. At her age, she’d likely already have children if things were as they used to be. If we don’t start looking for a suitable match soon, people will call me a neglectful mother. Don’t you agree, Fourth Imperial Princess?”
“…I…”
At Catarina’s feigned concern, Odette’s mouth went dry.
She’d anticipated this conversation—but not so soon.
‘So in the end, I’ll have to play my trump card?’
Just as Odette unconsciously clenched her fists and licked her parched lips,
a commotion broke out near the entrance.
Turning in curiosity, she saw the very face she least wanted to encounter.
Haughty features, lips pressed into a firm line, and eyes set deep in their sockets that barely concealed a look of detached scrutiny.
The man, taller than most by a full head, carried even his slightly downward gaze with such natural authority that it felt anything but flawed.
‘…Walter Ertman.’
What on earth was he doing here?
The moment she recognized Walter, Odette’s heart sank.
She’d been so preoccupied with thoughts of Louis on the way here that she hadn’t even considered the possibility of Walter attending the gathering.
‘Besides, Duke Ertman is famously reclusive in high society.’
In truth, she hadn’t even imagined they’d meet again.
Yet not only had they crossed paths again—of all places, it had to be right in front of the Emperor?
‘Surely he won’t bring up that absurd marriage proposal again today…?’
She now knew Walter was no longer aligned with the Empress—but even beyond that, there were many reasons Odette needed to avoid marrying him.
For one, he was a public figure, utterly incompatible with the quiet life Odette desired.
Perhaps it was because the first—and only—time she’d seen him was in darkness.
Or maybe because this was the first time she was seeing Walter from such a distance.
As he approached in a black tailcoat, Walter looked far sharper and fiercer than she remembered.
Yet his stride lacked roughness or heaviness—instead, it carried the elegance of finely tailored satin.
Even the way he bowed respectfully before the Emperor exuded the same refinement.
“I greet the Sun of the Empire.”
“Yes, I hadn’t expected the Duke himself to attend. I’ve been hearing your name quite often lately—never imagined you’d grace even this gathering with your presence.”
“My grandfather instructed me to engage more actively in social events now that I’ve returned to the capital. After all, isn’t the spring social season in full swing?”
“Ah, that’s right—the spring season is indeed at its peak.”
The Emperor chuckled heartily in response.
Each season in high society carried its own meaning, and spring was the season of courtship.
By deliberately mentioning the spring social season, Walter had subtly steered the conversation toward marriage.
“It seems Sir Arnold is eager to see his great-grandson soon.”
“Given his age, he grows more insistent by the day.”
“How delightful, how delightful! Not only have you brought news of military victory, but hearing such timely matters during this blossoming season fills me with boundless joy.”
Everyone chimed in with cheerful agreement, creating a convivial atmosphere as light conversation flowed.
Amid it all, only Odette stood frozen stiff.
Though she deliberately turned her head away, every mention of marriage and rumors among them felt like harpoons ready to drag her back to the surface at any moment.
Whispers from all around once again pierced her ears.
“The main characters of the rumor are all here together.”
“We might just hear something interesting.”
Hearing such eager, expectant murmurs—wondering if the “rumor” was true or false—Odette found herself unconsciously lifting her gaze toward Walter.
And then.
‘…Ah.’
Their eyes met.
Even as surprise made Odette’s body instinctively stiffen, Walter’s green eyes never wavered—not even for an instant.
It was as if he’d been watching only her all along, even before she turned her head.
Suddenly, their conversation at the victory banquet came rushing back.
—“Must there be a reason for a marriage proposal? It’s simply because I want you.”
—“From the very top of your head to the tips of your toes, Princess—everything belongs to me.”
His voice had been blunt and shamelessly forward, as if utterly unaware of modesty.
And even then, Walter had looked at her with those same eyes.
That faint furrow in his brow, as if parched by thirst.
‘Exactly like…’
As if every word he’d spoken had been utterly sincere.
Was that why? Or was it simply because she’d been so startled by their eye contact?
Thump. Her heart dropped heavily.
Just as Odette unconsciously moved to lick her lips again,
a mocking voice suddenly whispered by her ear, making her shoulders flinch.
Turning her head, she found Regina standing there, dressed more extravagantly than ever.
“Oh… Sister?”
“Look at that expression. He really does seem to dislike you, doesn’t he? I’ve never seen Duke Ertman make a face like that before.”
Though Regina hid her mouth behind a fan, shielding it from onlookers, Odette—standing right beside her—could clearly see the cruel smirk curling those red lips.
Seeing that smile, then glancing back at Walter, Odette noticed his expression had subtly shifted.
At first glance, his slightly furrowed brow seemed unchanged—but now, unmistakable displeasure clouded his features.
At that sight, Odette couldn’t help but feel slightly deflated.
‘He’d looked like that from the start—why did I ever imagine otherwise?’
For a fleeting moment, she’d actually wondered if Walter’s words might have been sincere.
Which was utterly impossible.
‘I must’ve been so flustered by how handsome Duke Ertman is that even his frown made me imagine things.’
She thought she had a good grasp of reality.
Now, embarrassment burned hot on her cheeks.
But one silver lining was that Regina, seeing Walter’s attitude, appeared thoroughly pleased.
“Honestly, I didn’t believe you when you said you had nothing going on with Duke Ertman—but now I do. Whatever you did, you’ve clearly earned his dislike. Otherwise, he wouldn’t be showing such obvious disdain.”
Chuckling, Regina added with a smirk that Walter’s rumored secret meetings with Odette were probably just him trying to avoid having to look at her.
Then, as if she hadn’t just been laughing, she whispered coldly,
“Stay quiet if you know what’s good for you. If you interfere today, I won’t let you off easily.”
With that warning, Regina gave Odette’s shoulder a sharp tap and strode forward.
Meanwhile, the conversation that had centered around the Emperor seemed to be wrapping up, and guests began dispersing to their assigned seats for the tea reception.
Only then did Odette finally snap back to her senses—albeit a beat too late.
‘…Well, maybe this is for the best.’
As Regina had said, it didn’t matter whether Walter disliked her or not.
At tea receptions, guests were seated at tables according to rank, and only members of the imperial family sat at the main table.
‘So I won’t have to pay any more attention to Duke Ertman.’
Relieved, Odette took her seat at the main table.
And at that very moment,
“Ah, Duke Ertman—please come sit here. Since Cedric isn’t coming, there’s an empty seat; you may take it.”
“If Your Majesty commands it, I won’t refuse. It’s an honor, Your Majesty.”
Walter, who had been following a servant to another location, gave a light bow and seated himself at the round table—
directly across from Odette, and next to Regina.
Odette watched as Regina brightened and immediately struck up a friendly conversation with him.
“I mentioned last time that it would be lovely to share another tea with Duke Ertman—I never imagined it would happen so soon.”
“Indeed, Your Highness—it seems fate has arranged a rather curious coincidence.”
Walter replied politely, then his gaze flickered briefly toward Odette.
“I’m glad we can be together again, Your Highness.”
Whenever their eyes met, the same thought inevitably invaded Odette’s mind:
That those words felt
as if they were meant
for her.
But was that just her imagination?
Flustered, Odette quickly averted her gaze—just as servants arrived, rolling trays laden with sweet, fragrant delicacies onto the table.
Imperial tea gatherings, where the Emperor personally hosted nobles, occurred perhaps once a season, and the quality of the refreshments was extraordinary.
Exclamations of delight and the clinking of porcelain filled the air, but Odette could barely bring herself to touch her teacup.
Just after she’d raised the half-cooled cup to her lips and set it down again,
the Emperor’s bored-sounding voice cut through the room.
“Now that I have all my dear ones gathered here, I’m reminded of a rumor I’ve heard recently.”
“A rumor…?”
“My daughters have reached marriageable age, so naturally, talk of suitors has begun to circulate. I suppose it’s only natural at their age, and I don’t intend to interfere—but I do believe such gossip should be avoided if it risks diminishing the dignity of the imperial house.”
Though he smiled, there was no warmth in the Emperor’s eyes.
“Given that my own reign was marred by ‘that incident,’ I feel we must be especially cautious… don’t you agree?”
At those words, the atmosphere around the table turned icy cold.
My Arch-enemy Sealed My Memory and Said That He is My Husband
This is an incredibly captivating story that you absolutely shouldn’t miss! I’ll give a brief introduction here, and below you’ll find a detailed synopsis of the plot.
The female lead is a fierce and powerful demon king. The male lead is a once-in-a-millennium celestial lord, admired by the entire cultivation world.
They are equally matched, legendary rivals who have battled for centuries.
In the final duel, the female lead is gravely injured. The male lead saves her, seals her memories, and hides her true identity. He tells her that he is her fiancé. His entire life has been flawless—except for the one thing he never expected, never controlled, and never wanted to control: falling for his greatest enemy. She is his inner demon, his obsession.
When the female lead regains her memories, she is furious at his deception.
She makes his life a living hell.
And somehow, the male lead—possibly a total masochist—doesn’t mind at all. In fact, he’s happy she’s paying attention to him.
Yep, we’re back to my favorite trope: male lead suffering. If you love this kind of story, jump into the pit with me now!!!
Intro
Dong Xia lost her memory.
Her handsome and extremely powerful fiancé Li Qing comforted her: “It’s okay if you can’t remember. I’ll always be with you.”
Everyone thought Dong Xia’s ancestors must have burned incense to get such a perfect fiancé. He was the number one person in the immortal realm, yet he remained chaste and only loved her.
…
The day before marrying her fiancé, Dong Xia finally remembered everything.
She wasn’t suffering from memory loss at all.
Her arch-enemy had made her fake her death, destroyed her cultivation, replaced her memories, and pretended to be her deeply in love fiancé.
No wonder he said, “It’s okay if you can’t remember”!
Dong Xia laughed coldly as she pulled out her long knife: Li Qing, prepare to die 🙂
*
Li Qing, as the supreme being of the immortal realm, was the people’s shining beacon.
The only unknown stain in his life was his affection for Dong Xia, the ruler of the demon realm.
In the final battle of the war between immortals and demons, the sky collapsed and the earth shattered. The ruler of the demon realm was finally slain under the sword of the supreme being of the immortal realm, and everyone in the immortal realm applauded.
The cultivation world lost a ruler of the demon realm.
And in the back mountain of Li Qing’s cave dwelling, he secretly hid away a fiancée.
Notes:
1. The female lead is white on the outside, black on the inside, and the queen of flattery; the male lead repeatedly tests the edge of darkness, a VIP guest at the crematorium.
2. Fantasy cultivation world setting.
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
But wouldn’t it be the perfect time to speak with Xavier in a safe manner? There are plenty of people around and she needs information from him.
He isn’t suspicious of Duke Ertman? Considering the rumors the Duke amplified, he has motive to drive a wedge between Louis and Odette. Yet Louie doesn’t question Walter’s words? I’d think he’d be suspicious of Walter casting the curse. Walter’s motive for doing so might be unknown but his words, seemingly knowledgeable about the curse itself and blaming it upon Odette, whom the Duke has insinuated a relationship with while Odette says otherwise, gives plenty to be wary about.
Is this woman serious saying ‘I lied to them, why won’t they believe me?’ Wow she seems a bit delusional.