My Mistress Became My Wife (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 144

Herald deliberately approached me?

Lily thought it was even more absurd than the claim that the Second Prince was the one who desecrated his father’s grave, yet she couldn’t refute it—because there was no trace of amusement in those brown eyes visible through the clear glass. He didn’t look like someone telling a lie.

Then… Frederick’s words were true…?

Impossible. Setting aside whether she should doubt Herald’s sincerity, there was simply no reason for him to deliberately approach her. Lily vehemently denied it, suppressing the suspicion that kept creeping up from deep within.

“Right after Herald Brayden arrived in the capital, the very first thing he did was go to the Information Guild and request a full inquiry into House Benjamin. After that, he approached you, my lady.”

But it had all been futile. Frederick stated his conclusion—drawn from firsthand experience and investigation—while meeting her green eyes, clouded with confusion and anxiety.

“Herald Brayden likely approached you deliberately to recover an item belonging to the Second Prince that your late father-in-law took.”

Of course, just saying that wouldn’t convince Lily. Frederick clicked his tongue inwardly and proceeded to recount everything: how he’d met the Second Prince at the royal palace party, how the prince had asked him to retrieve his stolen belongings from Madison Benjamin, and how he’d even relayed this information to Herald—who had shown clear signs of already knowing it all.

But that was where he stopped. Frederick didn’t mention his suspicion that the Second Prince might have been the one who set fire to Viscount Benjamin’s mansion two years ago and killed Madison Benjamin. That suspicion was his last weapon and shield for preserving his own life. It wasn’t time yet to play that card.

“So, the Second Prince asked someone he’d never even met—me—to find his belongings, and Herald Brayden pretended to fancy you just to retrieve that item… It must be something incredibly important.”

Pretended to fancy you. Those words pierced Lily’s heart like a sharp dagger. Her face, already drained of color, turned deathly pale.

“Well, from the very beginning, I thought it odd that a man remarkable enough to marry a kingdom’s princess would show interest in someone like you, my lady.”

As if he hadn’t noticed her expression, Frederick kept digging deeper into her wounded heart. Unable to endure it any longer, Lily bowed her head deeply. Suddenly, she recalled Herald’s ghostlike emergence over the cold black water, offering gentle comfort.

Was all of that… a lie? Had he merely pretended to like her just to find that item?

‘I like you.’

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