CH 173

Name:If I Disobey the Duke Author:
Excessive Punishment (5)

The amount of looking back on even the irreversible betrayal. It was difficult for her to hear the low-pitched sound coming from deep inside his stomach, squeezing through his clenched teeth.

Soon Lily avoided his gaze and lowered her head. Her voice was similar to the sound of rain, no, a little smaller than that, but still audible.

“You are the one who pushed me all the time. No matter where you go… you’re the one who goes too far.”

He pushed her away first.

He was like that from the beginning. If there was even a sign of her wanting to protest, he hurriedly backed away. If there was no place to retreat, block or push them away.

“I…” Her breathing was tight. Her heart pounded inside her small, fluttering chest. “If I bother you, please be honest.”

He stiffened for a moment, his handsome eyes wide. A strong shock struck him.

Someone swung an iron rod that had been set on fire, and there was a pain in his stomach. An indescribable pain rose from his stomach to his lips.

“Something like that…  does not exist.” He couldn’t even speak properly. He looked at her, barely coherent. “How dare I push you away?”

After all, that little mouth was a well-honed dagger. He knew it was something that could slash him, but it still hurt.

How worthless her life would be if she distanced herself due to a misunderstanding.

Suddenly, the thick raindrops rumbled on the roof of the carriage. His hair was completely mussed as the water hit him all over his body.

“I am still alone every day. Every morning, I wake up alone…”

She just wanted both of them to share a daily life together.

Is it a difficult task?

Every time she begged her husband, it didn’t hurt her pride.

So what I want to tell him is, actually…

“I am lonely.”

“…”

Lily’s silence in every conversation was like a guest who had come without an invitation.

Excited breathing with some kind of heat. His thick chest shook for a long time while only the sound of the heavy spring rain hitting the roof was loud.

The silence was replaced by the sound of rain hitting the carriage ceiling. She let out a sigh of relief and drove the silence away.

He let go of the hand holding the carriage door. Scattered pieces of wood in his palm were washed away by the rain.

“From now on, I don’t want you to think like that… I’ll do that. Certainly.”

He narrowed the distance one step further. The rain that ran down his jawline was now starting to drip at her feet.

“So don’t leave me. That’s all I need.”

Even if he killed all the humans in the world, he couldn’t just let her go. She had to be happy with him.

Although she was terrified of not being able to pursue the sudden passion, her eyes were full of concern.

Lily was a kind-hearted woman.

Was she worried about his body being hit by the pouring rain? Or maybe she was worried about the waves of emotions coming out of her shell in the end?

“That you won’t leave me. Please tell me now.”

Lily was perplexed.

She was like no other person. Where the hell had the iron-faced monarch gone?

She sneaked out of his sight. He apologized to her. He was like a crazy dog begging to have her kept by his side for fear of being abandoned.

He was a man who had it all… It was difficult to understand.

Her eyes fluttered aimlessly as she looked at her wet husband. Soon she lowered her head.

“If I am so precious, why… do you keep hiding yourself from me?”

“…It is because I am afraid.”

Lily felt as if pebbles had been poured into her head, making it heavy for a moment. When she lifted her head, she saw him.

He was unfamiliar. The atmosphere around him was fragile. As if a gentle breeze came, everything would crack. He lowered himself slowly. His hand clasping her cheek trembled softly. As if he was doing something blasphemous, painful hesitation was oozing out.

Vlad had no intention of leaving her alone with the things that had made her unhappy. Of course he had to be condemned.

“I’m afraid you will resent me.”

He didn’t want to be hated by her.

He didn’t like that she was afraid of him.

It was all for himself.

He was crushed by a woman. He had to admit it.

His slowly approaching lips touched her forehead. It was a kiss that was careful not to bother even let his breath touch her forehead.

As the smell of his wet body approached, the sound of rain hitting her ears subsided. The noise went far away.

Only water drops were close, dripping down his jawline and down to her face.

“I cannot live without you, Lily.”