The Black-haired Noblewoman, Who Disguised Herself, Seems To Have Been Doted On While Serving As The Caretaker For The Duke Who Dislikes Women - Episode 60

To my husband, who was quietly listening, I confessed everything about my days at the Everly estate. How my hair was cut off because they didn’t like the way I looked, and how I was forced to apply black dye every morning. How I was made to work as a servant and endured all kinds of abuse. How that day, Lord Steve pushed me down in the room, blamed me for it, and threw me out with nothing but the clothes on my back.

After finishing most of the conversation and a silence fell, my husband murmured in a low voice.

“I see.”

“The reason I was in the forest that day was because I was planning to pass through the Harrington Duchy and head to the royal capital. I thought that if I went to the biggest town, I might find some way to survive, even someone like me…… Looking back now, it was incredibly reckless. I was so tense, exhausted, and hungry that I couldn’t make a rational decision.…… But at that time, I thought that staying there would just mean waiting for death.”

When I honestly confessed, suddenly my husband pulled me close and hugged me tightly.

M-Master……?

In my confused state, my husband’s slightly hoarse voice resonates in my ear.

“Thank you for being alive, Michelle.”

Why does my husband say “thank you”?

In the arms of my husband, who has a refreshing and sweet scent, I ponder for a moment, feeling a small sense of emotion as I realize how much value he places on my existence.

I wonder if my husband values me so much as a maid at the Harrington estate…

I’m glad I’ve been working seriously. But…

“Michelle?”

I gently slipped away from my husband’s kind embrace and apologized once more.

“Dear Sir, out of fear that I might be sent back to the Count Everly’s residence, I lied to you to protect myself. I said I was a commoner, not a nobleman’s daughter. Once I started that deception, I could no longer speak about my parents or my true identity… I understand that it was unforgivable to hide such a thing and work under you, who dislikes noblewomen. I continued to betray you, who have been so kind to me despite the terrible injury

I should have left. In truth, I should have done it immediately.

After recovering my stamina, I should have left here immediately.

But, it’s very comfortable here. Both the master and Mr. Curtis, Ms. Amanda, and the other staff members are all very kind.

I pretended to be someone I’m not and took advantage of it. I thought that was the price I had to pay this time.

However.

“Ah! …M-Master…?”

My husband once again drew me into his embrace. Holding me tightly, his lips brushed against my hair.

My husband continued speaking as is.

“You don’t need to apologize for that, Michelle. Hearing about your circumstances, I can’t possibly bring myself to blame you. Rather, I am grateful to fate for bringing you into my life. Perhaps God guided you, who survived such harsh conditions, to me.”

“Master……”

While holding me and gently stroking my hair, my husband spoke to me with boundless compassion. New tears welled up at his kindness. My heart felt like it was about to burst with relief and gratitude.

For a mere maid to be treated with such sincerity… Am I being thanked for our meeting…? Does this person always treat each servant with such feelings? Rather than divine guidance, this person is truly a god…

My husband slowly pulled away, creating a slight gap between us. His blue eyes, which met mine, were endlessly clear and reflected only me.

What should I do…? I’m feeling incredibly nervous…

Embraced and gazed at by my husband, whose beauty seemed almost otherworldly, my heart continued to beat wildly. Because he kept staring at me so intently, my cheeks began to flush.

Gently stroking my heated cheek with his palm, my husband said to me.

“Michelle… From now on, may I take care of you? I want to protect you with these hands.”

Master…

Those words fill my heart with joy.

My husband has told me that I can continue working as a maid at the Harrington mansion.

As an employer, you protect my livelihood.

Moved by my husband’s compassion, tears flowed down my cheeks once again.

“Thank you very much, sir. Yes. Likewise, I look forward to working with you.”

When I replied with all my heart, my husband widened his eyes for a moment and then broke into a wonderful, radiant smile.

“I’m so happy, Michelle. … My Michelle. I won’t let anyone hurt you anymore.”

Saying that, my husband hugged me again.

Even while basking in the feeling of happiness, I couldn’t help but feel embarrassed.

Hmm… I’m already eighteen, though… The age difference with my husband is, if I remember correctly, six years. …Do they really think I’m that much of a child?

Both my father and mother used to hug me like this often. It’s been since I was a small child that I experienced something like this.

I’m happy, but… it’s a bit embarrassing.

Moreover, for some reason, my heart is racing uncontrollably. This is troubling.