The Ex-Husband Demands Reunion (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 12
Philip seemed displeased that I was being escorted by Sir Mild.
I couldn’t help but scoff inwardly.
‘Even though he plans to divorce me and clearly has no lingering feelings for his wife, does he still care about what people think?’
After all, to the outside world, we’re still the Count and Countess.
Personally, I couldn’t care less about public opinion. But Philip’s reaction like this might negatively affect Sir Mild.
“Sir Mild was merely helping me walk.”
“I know. I followed you because your gait seemed different from usual.”
“Then why look at me like that?”
He held out his hand to me.
“Get on the horse. It would be best to return to the mansion and get treatment.”
His unexpected action left me bewildered.
Philip had just arrested the thugs who tried to steal his confidential documents—surely he had more pressing matters to attend to?
Surely something more important than merely helping his wife onto a horse.
I gave my dress hem a sharp flick and said,
“I’ll receive treatment at the nearby clinic. Unless there’s a serious issue, I intend to stop by Madame Hade’s boutique before heading home. That’s all.”
At my words, Philip slowly closed and opened his eyes once, his expression clearly saying, ‘There’s no changing your mind, is there?’
“Understood.”
I nodded, thinking we could now go our separate ways. But then Philip tapped the back of his saddle lightly and extended his hand again.
“Then let’s go to the clinic.”
‘Huh? Didn’t he hear what I just said?’
I couldn’t fathom his state of mind.
After a brief hesitation, I shook my head and stepped back. The moment I took his outstretched hand, he’d surely hoist me up behind him in one swift motion.
Riding a horse to the nearby clinic would indeed be faster, but if my already aching wrist got yanked suddenly, it would hurt quite a bit.
‘Which means he’d have to grip my wrist tightly…’
Though I was the very person Philip had agreed to divorce at the cost of his reputation, if I asked to be lifted up like some delicate princess, he’d probably do it—but with clear displeasure written all over his face.
It was obvious he wasn’t acting out of concern for me, but out of a sense of duty.
Of course, I understood why Philip disliked Ellen enough to have valid reasons for it. But seeing that emotion right before my eyes was unpleasant.
I shouldn’t give him even the slightest reason to say something outright unpleasant.
Since I didn’t reach for his hand—or even move—he looked genuinely surprised.
“Why are you acting like this?”
I gave a reason that wasn’t the real one.
“It looks too cramped.”
“There’s plenty of room for two.”
“……”
“Didn’t you always want to ride together?”
“Philip, you may be a charming supporting character, but I’ll pass.”
“……Supporting character?”
Oops. I’d carelessly uttered a word I shouldn’t have.
“I mean, a supporting character in my life.”
I quickly covered it up by folding my arms.
“Since we’re getting divorced, isn’t it better to keep our distance?”
“……”
My words made Philip’s pupils waver. His lips tightened slightly, clearly shocked by my unexpected behavior. I glanced at him briefly before clarifying my stance more firmly.
“That’s what I’d like.”
Surely this much would let Philip leave without feeling bound by obligation, allowing him peace of mind.
Yet Philip’s tone grew even gentler.
“Walking… isn’t it uncomfortable?”
“I’m fine. I can just continue with Sir Mild’s support.”
“……”
“……?”
Suddenly, Philip dismounted. Then, in a firm tone, he instructed Sir Mild.
“Sir Mild. Take my horse to the guard station, find or borrow a carriage, and then come to Smith Clinic.”
“Understood.”
Sir Mild swiftly mounted and quickly disappeared from sight.
“Then let’s go.”
Philip suddenly swept me up into his arms.
“Kyaa!”
Startled, I reflexively wrapped my arms around his neck. Passersby immediately turned to stare. Heat rushed to my face.
“What on earth are you doing?”
“Whether I’m the lead or a supporting character in your life, isn’t this the fastest way to get you there? It’s what you’d want.”
Ugh. Ellen may be the type who clings to Philip, but there’s a limit to self-sabotage.
“No! I can walk!”
“You don’t need to pretend you dislike it.”
He clearly didn’t believe my refusal.
“If you overexert yourself, your condition will worsen. Just stay still.”
“But people are watching! They’ll gossip about how improper and strange this looks!”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“Doesn’t matter? That’s odd. It matters to me! Put me down—I don’t like it!”
He stared down at me intently.
“Philip, you’re acting strangely.”
Philip looked as if he couldn’t believe his ears.
“You’re the strange one here.”
“Me?”
“Your attitude is completely opposite to how you were just a few days ago. It’s hard to believe—it’s like looking at a different person.”
“……”
A different person, huh?
Stung, I fell silent.
Philip gazed at me wordlessly.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“You seem genuinely sincere right now.”
“I am.”
He let out a soft sigh through his nose and, with a faintly disgruntled expression, strode forward briskly.
“Smith Clinic is only five minutes away. Whether you like it or not, just stay like this for five minutes.”
As my body swayed, his firm chest brushed against my face.
That night I’d thought was a dream suddenly came rushing back. Every sensation I’d felt in his arms seemed to revive. My face grew hot, and my heart raced. I grew uneasy, worried Philip might notice.
Everywhere we passed, people stopped and stared. Like the thief whose own feet ache, I was now too embarrassed to lift my head.
“Maybe I should just pretend to faint for a bit.”
“Pretend to faint?”
“I’m mortified to death.”
Realizing I’d blurted out a vulgar phrase, I covered my mouth. Philip tilted his head in confusion.
“What does that mean?”
Apparently, that phrase didn’t exist here.
“It’s a thing. Don’t talk to me.”
I closed my eyes and rested my face against Philip’s shoulder.
“……”
As I did, I could feel his heartbeat. It sounded unusually loud. Maybe he was remembering that night too?
“My lady, does it feel better like this?”
“It’s better since I can’t see anyone around.”
“People are still staring at us, though. Hiding your eyes doesn’t change the situation.”
“As long as I can’t see them, it’s fine.”
I heard Philip give a soft chuckle.
“For some reason, it feels just like a chicken being chased, burying its head in the sand.”
“……”
Well… it was kind of similar. I decided to just cover his mouth.
“I told you not to talk.”
“Understood, my lady.”
Philip lightly quickened his pace toward the clinic. Perhaps amused by the image of a chicken burying its head in sand, his quiet, repeated laughter somehow sounded oddly tender.
.
.
.
“It’s a mild sprain.”
The doctor who gave the diagnosis carefully applied ointment to my wrist and ankle, then wrapped them securely with bandages.
“You should feel more comfortable now.”
The previously throbbing areas cooled and soothed, and my movements became much easier.
Just then, Sir Mild entered the clinic and bowed politely to us.
“I’ve found the carriage.”
Perfect timing.
“Good. Let’s go.”
.
.
.
Now, two horses—including Philip’s—were hitched to the carriage waiting at the clinic entrance.
“Hup!”
As I tried to climb in, I let out a startled, low cry—Philip had grabbed my waist and lifted me up in one smooth motion.
Though it made boarding easier, my heart wouldn’t settle from his sudden action—and I couldn’t understand it either.
“Why are you doing this to me?”
“You looked uncomfortable.”
“……”
Such handsome features and a gentle tone—I couldn’t help but feel fluttered.
He looked just like a man courting the woman he liked, and without realizing it, my cheeks warmed.
‘Wait, don’t you hate Ellen? Weren’t you eager to divorce her as soon as possible?’
Weren’t you openly showing your displeasure before?
Kindness was certainly better than coldness, yet I couldn’t decipher Philip’s psychology when he showed such contradictory behavior.
Maybe this was exactly why Ellen clung to him so desperately. If he acted this gently, it was hard to imagine any woman not being charmed.
‘Anyway, now that he’s helped me into the carriage, he’ll probably take his horse and leave.’
Just as I tried to sit comfortably in the center of the carriage, Philip swiftly climbed in and took the seat beside me.
“W-wait, why are you getting in?”
Instead of answering me, Philip gave instructions to Sir Mild.
“To the boutique.”
“Huh?”
Sir Mild seemed just as bewildered by Philip’s sudden decision.
“Sir Mild, must I repeat myself?”
At Philip’s stern tone, Sir Mild hastily urged the horses.
“Ah, understood! Gee-up!”
The carriage began to sway gently. Unable to understand his intentions, I studied Philip’s expression. He sat calmly, facing forward, the corners of his lips softly upturned.
“Thank you so much for gracing us with your presence, Count Morris, and Countess.”
Upon hearing we’d arrived, Madame Hade herself came running out.
“This way, please.”
She led us to an elegant VIP reception room, her brown hair neatly coiled.
She personally brought out a booklet and brewed herbal tea with great care.
The booklet neatly displayed many items—camellia oil, perfumes, fans, parasols—but I thought it’d be better to see them in person.
Just as I started to rise, Philip closed the booklet he’d been browsing and said,
“New items arrived today, didn’t they? Bring us something worth recommending.”
“Certainly, my lord.”
‘Ah, so this is how VIP shopping works at department stores—just have them bring what you want to see.’
Thank goodness I was wearing a dress. I quietly settled back into my seat.
Madame Hade soon returned, wheeling in a gold-trimmed moving cart displaying several items.
The first product she introduced was a perfume in a beautiful crystal bottle.
A shimmering mist swirled inside, looking mysteriously magical, as if enchanted.
“This is the newly arrived Love Potion Perfume. It’s based on magnolia blossom.”
“Love Potion Perfume?”
Without thinking, I opened the bottle and sniffed.
It was an uplifting scent.
“Hmm. It smells nice.”
Instantly, Madame Hade’s eyes widened. Philip looked at me oddly and asked,
“My lady, did you just say it smells nice?”
“Yes. Would you like to try it too?”
Carelessly, I held the perfume right under his nose.
“……”
“Well?”
But Philip, after smelling it, remained silent, simply staring at me with a baffled expression.
“What’s wrong? Don’t you like it?”
“It’s not that—I’m just surprised you like this perfume so much.”
“I do like it. What’s so surprising?”
“It’s the first time I’ve seen you smile so innocently.”
“……Innocently?”
“And the first time you haven’t started by complaining.”
Oh right—I was supposed to be the villainess.
He was absolutely right.
Because the perfume was genuinely pleasant, I’d smiled brightly and praised it honestly. That must have struck Philip as jarringly unfamiliar.
“When have I ever…?”
I quickly changed my expression and closed the perfume bottle.
“Must be the Love Potion Perfume’s effect—making me see things that aren’t there.”
Philip’s expression crumpled slightly.
My abrupt shift in demeanor was too fast—but it wasn’t the first time, so it should be fine.
Even if things went badly in the territory, the worst that could happen was ending up in a two-story house in the slums. And I was certain I wouldn’t end up there.
I brazenly maintained my expression and looked at Madame Hade.
With a gentle smile, she explained the Love Potion Perfume.
“The first person to open the bottle and smell its scent will fall into a thousand-year love with the nearest person of the opposite sex…”
“Kyaa!”
The moment she began explaining, I shrieked in shock.
In panic, I snatched up the bottle and flung it away—it rolled across the carpet.
Male lead fell into her trap — and shattered when she walked away
This is also on my reread list!
This one is a slow burn, but when it burns, it burns hard.
Definitely worth a read, y’all!
The story follows a thousand-year-old seductive spirit who, on a bet, sets out to charm the male lead—a once-promising but unfortunate cultivator.
But just when she succeeds in making him fall for her, she heartlessly leaves, driving him to madness.
Determined to find her at all costs, he captures her, keeping her by his side no matter what, even if she hates him.
I love this kind of trope—I enjoy watching the male lead suffer in agony.
The ending drags a bit with unnecessary filler, but that’s fine.
As long as I enjoy the beginning, I’m good.
Intro
As an enchantress, Su Heng possesses captivating eyes and charming beauty, easily manipulating the joys and sorrows of living beings at her fingertips.
But to enchant a god, making him taste the bitterness of love’s separation, long-lasting resentment, unattainable desires, and inability to let go…
Do you dare?
Su Heng assists a divine lord in his cultivation, aiming to make him experience all the sufferings of love, so that he can attain the Great Dao.
Only after being chased down from the heavens by the divine lord, confined and completely possessed by him, does she realize how successful she has been.
The once gentle and polite youth has transformed into someone she no longer recognizes.
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Chapter Comments (3)
Inline Comments (27)
A gust of wind rustled black hair. And a pair of very startled purple eyes met m
A gust of wind rustled black hair. And a pair of very startled purple eyes met mine directly.
But Philip wasn’t foolish enough to believe that lie.
Unfortunately, Philip is foolish enough to believe that the truth is a lie.
Philip’s fists had already struck Alexandre’s face and abdomen in rapid successi
Ha! Instead of covering up Eileen’s actions, Philip added firewood to the fire. But the prince really deserves to be beaten. ദ്ദി(˵ •̀ ᴗ – ˵ ) ✧
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This is a repeat of an earlier chapter, not actually chapter 91 – please fix
This is a repeated chapter.
Repeat chapter