The Secret Affairs of the Fake Duke Couple (Completed Main Story) - Chapter 2
In truth, the silence that followed hadn’t lasted very long—but to Jane, it felt like an eternity.
“As you know, Jane, His Majesty’s wrath is beyond words.”
Duke Hastings spoke. The opening was grim. Yet Jane clasped her hands and waited, inwardly praying desperately that he would grant her request.
“I can’t give you a firm answer, but I’ll try.”
“Really?”
Jane jerked in surprise, her shoulders twitching. Even as she made her plea, she hadn’t expected Duke Hastings to agree so readily.
Everyone knew how furious Helena Royal Strain—crowned queen at an advanced age—was toward the rebels, for their actions had nearly cost her the throne itself.
Thus, aiding Earl and Countess Whitney, who’d been arrested for supporting the rebels, was no ordinary act of compassion.
Tears of gratitude spilled freely from Jane’s eyes as she bowed repeatedly.
“Thank you… so much. How can I ever repay this kindness…? Thank you, thank you so much, Your Grace, Duchess.”
Duchess Hastings’ expression turned sour as she watched Jane, soaked in tears.
“Stop crying.”
Duke Hastings nudged his wife lightly in the ribs. He abruptly turned his head away with a displeased look.
Duchess Hastings let out an inaudible sigh, then moved to sit beside Jane and gently stroked her back.
Jane’s sobs gradually subsided. Duchess Hastings took Jane’s hand in hers.
“Jane, since we’ve agreed to your request, will you grant us one in return?”
“Anything, my lady. I’ll do whatever I can.”
Jane wiped her tears as she spoke.
“Jane, I know this is hard for you…”
Duchess Hastings gently smoothed Jane’s disheveled hair. The warmth, reminiscent of a mother’s touch, made Jane’s eyes close involuntarily.
Jane didn’t know yet—this very warmth would soon turn into a blade piercing her heart.
“Jane, please break things off with Cain.”
“…!”
Jane’s eyes flew open. She thought she must have misheard.
“Break up with Cain, Jane.”
Duchess Hastings repeated the words clearly, as if etching them into Jane’s mind.
Jane hadn’t misheard. Her pupils trembled violently. She gripped the hem of her dress tightly—afraid she’d lose her mind if she held onto nothing.
Cain Hastings was Jane’s fiancé.
He’d been her betrothed since the age of six—and her first love.
He was kind, gentle, and exceptional in every way. No amount of praise could ever suffice.
At just six years old—too young to understand love—Jane had fallen for him at first sight.
Cain felt the same. Though he’d once treated her only as a little sister, at some point his gaze began to betray a man’s longing. Exactly when that shift occurred, he couldn’t recall—but he, too, loved Jane.
Jane and Cain were a rarity among nobles.
It was uncommon for someone to truly love the fiancé chosen by their parents.
In truth, Jane had endured this ordeal solely because of Cain.
She could hold on for just two more years—because then they’d marry, and because if she fell apart, it would hurt him…
When passing through a dark tunnel, imagining the brilliant sunlight beyond gives one strength. To Jane, Cain was that very sunlight.
He was the one who lifted her up and gave her courage.
Asking her to give him up was no different than asking her to abandon her life.
Jane wriggled slightly, trying to pull her hand from Duchess Hastings’ grasp—but the duchess wouldn’t let go.
How could a hand that had felt so gentle become so unyielding? Jane realized yet another truth.
“Did… did I do something wrong?”
Jane finally managed to ask, her voice trembling badly.
“Jane, you’re not at fault. The blame lies with your parents.”
“Then why…?”
Her voice was pitiful.
“We’re asking this… not because we dislike you.”
“I’ll try harder! I’ll do better!”
“Jane!”
As Jane clung to her, weeping, Duchess Hastings sharply raised her voice—then immediately forced a strained smile, as if regretting her outburst.
“Jane, you’re a clever girl, aren’t you? And you love our Cain, don’t you?”
Even amid her confusion, Jane nodded confidently. Her love for Cain was utterly genuine—pure and untainted by even a trace of falsehood.
Tears blurred her vision, making Duchess Hastings’ face hazy.
“Just as your parents value you above all else, we simply care most about Cain. If you let go of him—if you help Cain give up on you—we promise we’ll spare your parents’ lives.”
“I…”
Lost for words, Jane hesitated—when Duke Hastings interrupted, running a hand through his hair.
“It’s execution by hanging. And your parents’ heads will be displayed outside the city walls.”
His voice was unnervingly dry as he stated the fate awaiting Earl and Countess Whitney.
Jane’s face turned deathly pale.
All the arguments she’d rehearsed to sway Duke and Duchess Hastings slipped from her mind.
Jane had received boundless love from her parents.
Gillian had defied noble custom by breastfeeding her daughter herself, and James had severed all ties with his gentleman’s club after Jane’s birth, personally teaching and playing with her.
From her parents, Jane had received not only material abundance but also profound emotional fulfillment.
So much so that she often felt she must be favored by the gods themselves.
Abandoning her parents was never an option for Jane.
With a heart torn asunder, she nodded.
“…I’ll break up with him.”
She barely managed to reply.
“I won’t see you off.”
Duke Hastings issued his dismissal as if he’d been waiting for her answer.
[This is the timeline separator]Upon returning home, Jane immediately wrote a letter to Cain, conveying exactly what Duke and Duchess Hastings had requested.
She never imagined writing the four words “Let’s break up” could be so difficult.
Tears streamed down her face as she looked at the dozens of crumpled paper balls littering the floor.
Each failed letter—blurred by tears, smudged by lingering ink after she couldn’t release the pen, or ruined by trembling hands.
“I hope he doesn’t come.”
But she held little hope. Ever since yesterday, everything had gone contrary to her expectations.
True to form, despite her fervent prayers, Cain arrived in a rush.
Jane locked herself in her room, refusing to see him.
“Jane, what’s going on? Please open the door.”
Cain pounded on her door.
“Go away, Cain!”
Jane pressed her back against the door, resolved never to open it.
“You have something to say to me, Jane. Are you serious about breaking up?”
“Yes. I’m serious.”
Before lying, Jane bit down hard on her lower lip—a lip already raw from days of nervous chewing, now split open.
“There must be a reason, Jane! Please, open the door!”
“I’ve grown tired of you!”
Sinking to the floor, Jane clutched the doorknob tightly, gritting her teeth to hold back sobs.
“Miss…”
Her maid El looked down at her with silent sorrow—watching Jane cry without tears.
“Jane, just come out so we can talk face to face.”
Cain was persistent.
“I’ll wait here until you do.”
A rustling sound came from beyond the door—Cain settling onto the hallway floor, prepared for a long wait.
Silence followed. Cain truly meant to wait until Jane emerged.
Restless, El finally spoke.
“Miss, perhaps you should go out.”
“And if I do? What should I say to him?”
Even El found no easy answer. If Jane chose Cain, Earl and Countess Whitney would die. If she chose her parents, her own heart would die.
“I’m sorry, El. I’ve burdened you too.”
Seeing El unable to respond, only choking back tears, Jane steeled her resolve.
After a long internal struggle, Jane rose. Before stepping out, she glanced in the mirror.
Her reflection looked utterly wretched—dull skin, tear-streaked face, disheveled and pitiful.
Normally, she’d never let Cain see her like this.
‘Maybe it’s for the best. If he sees me like this and loses affection, that would be good.’
Jane grasped the doorknob. She took a deep breath. But as she slowly turned it, her hand froze.
Her love for Cain held her back.
‘I don’t want to break up. But what if I don’t?’
She asked herself—and gave a hollow, bitter laugh.
The only thing she could do right now for her family and parents was to end things with Cain.
A haunting vision of her parents crying out in despair flashed through her mind.
Her jaw tightened. There was no more time to hesitate. Jane opened the door.
Cain stood right outside.
He looked as if he’d run straight here upon receiving her letter—still in casual attire, sweat glistening on his brow, unbothered by his unkempt state.
Yet he was still handsome.
His refined, symmetrical features and radiant golden hair dazzled even at a glance.
His eyes sparkled like sunlit waves—whenever their gazes met, Jane felt irresistibly drawn into their depths.
Why did he have to look so perfect even on a day like today?
Unlike usual, even his slightly disheveled shirt annoyed her. Or rather—she wanted to hate him.
Out of habit, Jane almost reached for a handkerchief—but clenched her fist instead.
“Jane!”
Cain sprang to his feet and instinctively reached for her. Ever since he’d come of age two years ago, their greetings had evolved from light kisses to warm embraces.
Jane twisted away, avoiding his hand. Cain awkwardly lowered his arm and forced a smile.
He needed to say something—but his mind felt as if struck by a blunt object, numb and empty.
Only after repeatedly wiping his face with trembling hands did Cain regain his composure. He finally spoke, voice strained.
“I knew you’d come out, Jane. You’ve been through so much, haven’t you? It’ll all be fine now. So please, don’t say things you don’t mean.”
“No. I mean it—about breaking up.”
Jane kept her head bowed low.
“You mean it… why?”
Jane bit her lower lip again.
The silence as he awaited her answer stretched like an eternity. Cain wiped his sweaty palms on his trousers.
“If I tell you the reason, will you accept it and leave me?”
Cain hesitated. With a frustrated sigh, he gave his delayed reply.
“Yes, Jane. Alright, I will.”
He spoke gently, as if soothing her—firmly believing that once this moment passed, she’d return to him.
Foolishly—tragically—certain of it.
Jane took a deep breath. She hadn’t expected him to accept the breakup so easily.
If their roles were reversed, she herself would never have let him go.
That was why she’d prepared harsh words in advance—to push him away cruelly.
She hadn’t revealed the reason outright because she knew it would wound them both—deeply.
More than a wound—it would carve out their very hearts.
But for her parents’ sake, Jane opened her mouth as if tying a noose around her own neck.
“What can you do for me?”
Cain was momentarily stunned.
“Anything. I’d do anything.”
Jane bit down harder on her lower lip.
“No. You can’t do anything—because you have nothing.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Can you get my parents out of prison, Cain?”
“That’s…”
“You see? You can’t. Then can you at least gather signatures pleading for their pardon? You can’t. You’re powerless.”
She didn’t truly want him to start a petition—quite the opposite. If he tried, she’d stop him. She couldn’t bear to put him in danger.
“Cain, it wasn’t you I loved—it was your family’s power.”
The lie slipped out smoothly. But as her words flowed freely, her heart turned to stone.
‘Cain, please curse me. Call me hateful, call me cruel.’
Jane silently pleaded, clutching her chest—but Cain disappointed her.
“Do you hate me because I’m powerless?”
“Yes. I do.”
“Is the Hastings name not enough for you?”
“It’s not yours to give.”
Cain fell silent. He’d always equated himself with the Hastings name—but Jane’s words laid bare the truth.
He couldn’t give her what she wanted. A hollow void opened in his chest. Helplessness consumed him.
Yet he couldn’t let her go—not like this. Even if he couldn’t save Earl and Countess Whitney, he could still protect her.
If only she’d let him.
“Look me in the eyes and tell me, Jane. Do you really want to break up with me?”
Jane squeezed her eyes shut, then lifted her head. Cain watched her quietly. She looked fragile—as if the slightest touch would shatter her. He ached to pull her into his arms and comfort her.
“Tell me, Jane—do you really want to leave me?”
“Yes. I want to leave you. I never want to see your face again.”
Her reply came instantly—as if she’d rehearsed it.
Cain’s jaw tightened. He rubbed his face repeatedly, his expression heavy with thought. He turned away, clenching and unclenching his fist, then gripped his shirt collar as if gasping for air.
“You’re serious.”
He murmured to himself like a whisper. Then, having reached a decision, he turned back to Jane.
“Can’t I wait a little longer?”
“…”
Cain’s Adam’s apple bobbed visibly.
“I must have hurt you deeply. I’m sorry, Jane.”
He offered not reproach—but an apology. Resignation darkened his eyes.
Cain turned and walked away, leaving Jane alone in the hallway.
It was truly over.
Jane’s mouth fell open. Though no sound escaped her throat, she screamed inwardly.
He remained kind to the very end.
But Jane had shattered everything. The gentle Cain vanished from the world—killed by her perfect rejection.
And the next day, Jane killed the part of herself that had loved Cain.
The execution date for Lord and Lady Whitney was set.
Male lead is reincarnated to save his wife
I’ve also read this one twice already. The female lead is kinda soft and gets embarrassed easily—not really my type, but the plot is definitely worth reading. Hurry up and read it, y’all!
Intro
When Shen Yuan encountered Su Jin again in his previous life, she had already become the Prime Minister of the current dynasty. As for him, the former top young master of the capital, he had long since fallen into the abyss, becoming a singer on a pleasure boat.
After a song ended, he was redeemed and sent to the Su Residence.
Su Jin respected and cherished him, gave him a roof over his head, and bestowed him with warmth. Shen Yuan fell deeper and deeper, but before he could express his feelings, Su Jin passed away.
Shen Yuan died to follow her in death, but instead, he returned to when he was fifteen years old.
At that time, he was not yet engaged, and Su Jin was just a poor scholar.
Shen Yuan gritted his teeth, casting aside all his pride, and thought of ways to coax and entice her every day.
The colder and more indifferent Su Jin was towards him, the more proactive Shen Yuan became.
He was not afraid of being mocked by the world, only wanting to marry his Wife-master early, to hold her hand and never let go for a lifetime.
[Note: This story will not specifically point out the male lead’s reincarnation time point; it’s all in the details. Whenever you feel that the male lead is acting strangely, he has most likely been reincarnated.]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
MANGA DISCUSSION
2 Comments
Chapter Comments (2)
I feel like Cain has been working behind the scenes to get Jane back. I bet he sent the loan sharks to harass her too so she woild take him up on his offer
Sure later Cain wil regret everything he’s done to jane..he only looked the bad side from opposite but never looked inside
Inline Comments (94)
“D-d-did I… make a mistake? I-I mean, d-did I do something wrong?”
Ohh, this poor kid. It’s never a good sign when a child reacts like this.
“Y-you don’t look strange at all! You’re… you’re pretty. L-l-like an angel.”
Ahhh!! What a lovely child, kids really do give the best compliments.
A thrill of euphoria surged through her.
Really, the best word to describe this woman is witch. There is not a single thing pleasant about her.
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So Ri
I don’t know if Both jane and cian were innocent or fool..jane’s parent crime is treason act.. it’s not weird if cain’s parent asked jane to break off the engagement.. how can both of them couldn’t see that would happen especially cain😑
KaykatFTW
Jeez l’m full of emotion and that was only the first chapter…