The End Of The Special Contract Marriage (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 184
Duke Vandermir lit his cigar. This was already the third one he’d smoked in succession. He took a deep drag and exhaled forcefully.
Smoke billowed from between his lips, yet inside, his chest still felt tightly constricted, as though utterly blocked.
Ever since their only heir had been murdered, the atmosphere in House Vandermir had grown oppressively gloomy. Though the Duke was deeply grieved by the loss of his son, something else troubled him even more.
What would become of House Vandermir now?
He had no other children to carry on his lineage. Damian existed in name only—and truthfully, he wasn’t even his son, but Monica’s.
If the Duke were to die without an heir, someone from a collateral branch would inherit the house. Or worse—Damian would somehow seize the ducal seat for himself.
“Better anyone from a side branch than Damian! No matter what, I must stop him at all costs…!”
But contrary to the Duke’s wishes, Damian ultimately returned victorious from the Northern War.
The Duke grew anxious. Though he and his house still stood strong for now, there was no guarantee they’d remain so. To make matters worse, even Crown Prince Frederick had begun distancing himself with lukewarm indifference.
He showed favor to House Leicester, keeping them close to his side, while treating House Vandermir with neglect.
“That ungrateful brat! Do you have any idea how much money I’ve spent on you!”
He’d even used his own funds to buy weapons and hand them over, as Frederick had requested. Even after Marquis Grant’s downfall, the Duke had remained steadfastly loyal.
The Crown Prince, who had been warm and amiable up until Damian’s punishment, had turned coldly indifferent as soon as spring arrived—as if their business were finally concluded. Of course, he wasn’t completely shunning the Duke.
Still, his attitude was distant enough to leave the Duke feeling painfully excluded. Instinctively, the Duke realized the Crown Prince had lowered their priority and was preparing to discard them if necessary.
“He must believe our house has no future. That greenhorn’s as sly as a fox…”
Turns Out He’s Been Secretly in Love with Me
One-line summary: He acts like he doesn’t like her but is actually playing hard to get.
Synopsis:
Xu Muzhou like her. He has liked her for a very long time, and through repeated schemes, he finally closed the distance with her.
But this is still far from enough.
He wants to be the one who stands out among her many suitors, to fight for her attention, and to make her take the initiative to pursue him.
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Thank you for translating/sharing this. Such an adorable story!