“Even if we proceed with the custody lawsuit later, I’ll need someone to prove that I consistently suffered abuse. And I’ll need someone to monitor my step-uncle’s or Claire’s movements. If I have someone on my step-uncle’s side, wouldn’t it be more convenient in the future?”
Facing those detestable individuals again for a moment of detestableness in the future was a repulsive idea, but it was something Riley could endure.
“Interesting, you said not long ago that you had no thoughts of revenge.”
“…Count Ermenz tried to kill me. Colluding with such a person again… it’s an action that shows no consideration for me, almost like holding a sword to my neck.”
It was okay if Claire did that, but Riley didn’t expect her step-uncle to show enmity so quickly.
Moreover, secretly colluding with Count Ermenz. The fact that the person involved in the collusion was none other than Count Ermenz shocked Riley with a sense of betrayal.
Of course, I never thought he would behave politely and meekly.
Given his greed and ambition, wouldn’t he try to exploit and manipulate me somehow?
That’s why I purposely avoided his contact and didn’t meet him. Just seeing his vulgar behavior made me nauseous.
Even if it’s like that, I never expected such a direct threat! And so soon! I was bewildered.
At least I thought the moment he would reveal his rotten intentions and threats might take quite some time.
Right now, I wasn’t even in a position to establish myself here, just watching and assessing the situation.
“I’ve always wanted to avoid unnecessary emotional consumption and disturbances as much as possible. Because mental stress is considerable. So, I always… didn’t want to do something. Even when provoked, I just endured it. Even with this welcoming party, I foolishly waited for a rescue without trying anything. I never thought about resolving the situation. If I stay quiet, at least half will go away… I was scared to try anything. I’m someone who is more accustomed to avoidance than resolution.”
If it weren’t for this welcoming party incident, he might have passed it over like other times, enduring and avoiding. Doing nothing and leaving it all to Givean.
“But if you just avoid, nothing changes. In the end, it can’t be a solution. I realized this only now.”
So, he didn’t want to stay quiet anymore.
“Isn’t it better to resolve my family’s matters on my terms?”
“What do you mean by doing what and how?”
“I’ll have to think about it later. Of course, I’ll make sure it doesn’t harm you in any way! So… leave this matter to me.”
“…”
“It may not be reliable, but still… I hope you can trust me.”
In response to Riley’s words, Givean gave a bewildered laugh. Then, he pinched her cheek.
“Is this bold or timid? Just choose one.”
“…”
“As I’ve always said, do what you want, without worrying about my opinion. And…”
“…”
“Trust me.”
In response to Riley’s calm reply, Givean’s eyes widened as if surprised.
Why is this indifferent statement resonating so much in his heart?
Riley pressed down the rising emotions, clenching her chest. Was it because she heard someone say ‘I trust you’ for the first time?
“Why are you crying when I say I trust you again.”
“…I don’t know, I just feel strange.”
“It’s foolish.”
“It’s probably because I’ve never heard such words before.”
“…”
“Happy.”
Givean looked at Riley who was shyly smiling, then took something out from his pocket and handed it to her.
“This is for you from Nuna.”
“What is it?”
“A birthday party invitation.”
“…”
“Should I not invite her?”
“No, not inviting her would be strange too. I’ll deliver it.”
“And this is a friend’s invitation from Nuna.”
“Hyla?”
“Yeah, come with me. I have many guests to attend to, so I can’t entirely focus on Nuna. It might get boring, so your friend can come and have fun together.”
“Thank you. Hyla will be very happy.”
Riley looked at the two invitations.
One from the person she detests, and the other from someone who makes her feel good just by delivering the invitation.
It felt somewhat amusing to experience ambivalent emotions with just a birthday party invitation.
Standing at the entrance of the mansion, Riley sighed long, leaning against the wall.
‘… What can I do?’
Although she asked Givean to trust her, to be honest, she didn’t have confidence. The thought of wanting to escape came to her mind as a habit.
It was not easy to change the habit of always trying to endure or escape rather than thinking about solutions when facing uncomfortable situations.
Perhaps due to tension, her stomach felt queasy.
‘I need to find a reason to visit this place frequently… or think of another solution. For now, I should look for someone willing to be bought.’
Although she came here under the pretext of delivering the invitation, she had a different purpose.
Searching for someone suitable to use as a spy.
After Being Cheated On, She Picked Up a Treasure (Female-dominant)
One-line summary: The husband I married on a whim had been secretly in love with me for a long time.
On the day when Jun Shao finally obtained the imperial decree for her marriage, Lan Qu, the person she had admired for six years, defied the decree and ran away.
Her gentleness and devotion, her promise of a lifetime together, were all disregarded by him. Instead, he dreamed of entering the palace to serve the Emperor’s sister as a sixth-rank attendant.
News of this incident spread throughout the capital, and the alleys in front of and behind the Lan mansion were crowded with people who came to watch the commotion.
Jun Shao should have been embarrassed and angry.
But someone stepped in to protect her dignity.
The figure was in a miserable state, yet still possessed an undeniable elegance and handsomeness.
The young lord struggled to climb the wall of the Lan mansion and shouted to her, “If he won’t marry you, I will!”
So, Jun Shao took advantage of the situation and married the person.
She thought the young lord did it to save the Lan family from the crime of defying the imperial decree, but never imagined that from beginning to end, what he coveted was her.
*
After the wedding, Jun Shao felt like she was living in a dream.
Her Wife-master was as beautiful as a fairy in a painting, skilled in the six arts, well-versed in poetry and literature, capable of being gentle and attentive, and also grand and dignified. Most importantly, she was the only one in his heart and eyes.
Jun Shao didn’t know how Lan Shiwu, as a illegitimate son without a father and blessed with beauty, had managed to preserve his purity, recklessly escape, and use his last ounce of strength to ruin his own reputation, all because of his love for her, just to stand before her.
She could only see him gazing at her with eyes full of love, and when she bestowed a name upon him, his eyes shone like stars.
“You have come to me like a weary bird perching on a branch. I shall call you A Qi.”
