CHAPTER 2: Husband
"I'm sorry, Lady Hestia, for the commotion the other day," Cilia said, her tone apologetic as she invited me for tea again, this time just the two of us.
"I'm sorry as well, Lady Cilia. I might have unfairly included you in my frustration with the Duke," I replied, trying to smooth over the past incident.
"F-frustration? Do you hate the Duke, Lady Hestia?" Cilia asked, her eyes wide with curiosity.
"Well..." I hesitated, unsure how to express the truth. "Not exactly hate, but I certainly don't like him."
"Eh? But according to the rumors, you're madly in love with the Duke!"
I forced a smile, trying to mask my discomfort. "Rumors can be quite misleading, don't you think?"
"W-well, does that mean you don't like the Duke anymore?" Cilia asked, her voice tinged with concern.
"Perhaps," I replied, keeping my tone noncommittal.
"But don't you think that would be difficult, my lady? I believe you and the Duke should at least treat each other well, especially with the upcoming banquet."
A banquet? I paused to think. If it's a banquet following our wedding, it might be the one celebrating the Crown Prince's birthday.
I gave Cilia's words some thought. She was right; now that the Duke and I are married, we should at least maintain a formal decorum at the ball, right?
My frown deepened as I recalled how he had poured tea over me. Yes, we should treat each other formally— after I punch him in the stomach.
"Thank you, Lady Cilia, for the advice," I said with a smile. We both shared a pleasant conversation throughout the tea party and after exchanging a few more words, Cilia stood to leave, her presence lingering for a moment before she departed.
"H-Hestia!" I flinched at the sudden sound of Varustian's voice behind me. What now!?
I turned around to find him panting heavily, clearly out of breath, as if he had run all the way here.
YOU ARE READING
Resigned Villainess Just Wants a Peaceful Life
RomanceA normal girl with a boring life unexpectedly transmigrated into her least favorite novel, where she becomes the villainess instead of the heroine. With a husband who sees her as nothing more than a ghost, will she even survive in this world? She do...
