The Stand-In Villainess's Contract Marriage: I Was Divorced After a Year, But For Some Reason, My Ex-Husband Seems to Be Looking for Me - Chapter 22

Everyone knew about the scandal that occurred in the Kirina Duchy, but many were displeased that Carlyse chose to make the infamous “villainess Liana” his duchess.

To make matters worse, Liana, who was not well-versed in noble etiquette, made a mistake in the order of greetings when addressing the host, turning the disdainful glances of the onlookers into open mockery.

She didn’t even know basic manners.

She was the daughter of the debt-ridden Count Karota, and on top of that, carried the reputation of being a notorious villainess. They mocked her for allegedly not even graduating from the aristocratic academy, and people expressed their disgust, saying they couldn’t bear to even see her.

Despite this, Liana pretended not to hear any of it. She smiled at young men and even cast flirtatious glances at married men accompanied by their wives. Since she was now a member of the Kirina Duchy, she actively tried to engage in conversation.

Her heart grew weary, but she somehow managed to endure until the end.

On the ride back in the carriage, she was utterly exhausted, unable even to lift her head.

Fortunately, since it was a party filled with relatives of the Kirina Duchy, no men dared to approach or flirt with her, the new duchess. Even so, the malicious gazes and words deeply hurt her.

What hurt her the most, however, was hearing the insults aimed at her sister, the Earl of Tweed—who had been a benefactor to her and their parents.

After returning to the mansion, Liana quickly changed out of her clothes, wiped off her makeup, and slipped into bed.

(So tired…)

She realized she would have to endure this kind of situation several more times over the course of the next year. As much as she wanted to cry from the misery, she had to avoid breaching the contract, which would require her to pay a hefty penalty.

(It’s only a year. My sister endured five years of this. I have to stay strong. I absolutely have to see this through…)

Even though she steeled herself, the emotional wounds were not so easily healed. Liana cried herself to sleep.

She must have been completely drained because she didn’t wake up until after noon the next day. Bright sunlight streamed through the window, as she had fallen asleep without closing the curtains.

(I should wash my face…)

Her eyelids felt hot and swollen, so she assumed her eyes were puffy from crying. After washing her face and getting dressed, she still didn’t feel motivated to do anything. She spent the morning staring out the window in a daze.

When lunch arrived, she had no appetite, so she asked the maid to take it away.

The pain in her chest resurfaced when she thought about the events of the previous day, but she reminded herself that her sister must have had it even worse.

Her thoughts drifted to Kararize.

Indeed, Liana and her sister had suffered due to the debt their parents had left behind, but during their lives, their parents had showered them with love and affection.

Even after their deaths, Liana still had her sister.

Though she had relied on her sister a great deal as a child, she had worked hard to support her in return. Together, they had always found a way to get by.

The Earl of Tweed had also been kind and supportive to both of them.

It had been a harsh environment, but she was never truly alone.

But Kararize had no one.

The parents who should have loved him had each started new families and abandoned him. His fiancée, who was supposed to stand by him and support him after their marriage, had easily switched her allegiance to his half-brother.

His mother had abandoned everything and was now living a different life, as a mother to another child.

Thinking of his loneliness made Liana’s chest ache.

Unconsciously, she clasped her hands together in silent prayer.

(I hope, somehow, his heart can find peace…)

That day passed in a blur, but the next day, Liana resumed her sewing. She realized that the trial period for the medicine had ended the day before.

Amalia, the female physician, had likely visited the Karota household to examine her sister. Thanks to Kararize, a year’s supply of the medicine had been secured, so a new batch of medicine must have been prepared as well.

Liana decided she needed to visit the convent to hear about her sister’s condition.

She wanted to finish all the children’s clothes before going. Immersing herself in this work would also help her forget the painful memories.

By the end of the day, she had completed all the children’s clothes. After eating a light dinner, she left a note requesting permission to visit the convent.

To her surprise, Felice visited her the next morning and granted her permission to go.

However, they would not provide a carriage from the duchy. It seemed they were concerned about gossip if the scandalous duchess, who was set to be divorced, became known for her charitable work.

Of course, Liana had no intention of using the duchy’s carriage. She donned the plainest dress among the old clothes she had brought and tucked her neatly styled silver hair under a hat.

With her appearance concealed, no one would recognize her.

She also received permission to stop by the town tailor on the way back, and she boarded the small carriage prepared for her, heading toward the convent.

When she arrived at the convent, which was located a bit outside the capital, she thanked the driver and stepped down from the carriage by herself.

In her hands, she carried clothes that had been repurposed from her own childhood garments.

A little unsteady from the weight, she made her way to the convent entrance.

“Mother Superior, it’s been a while,” she called out, and an elderly woman with a gentle expression appeared from the back.

“Oh, welcome. A letter arrived for you,” the Director of the orphane said.

“Thank you. I’ve also brought some gifts for the children,” Liana replied, handing over the clothes.

“So many, and made from such fine fabric! These will last quite a while. Thank you as always,” the Director said as she handed Liana the letter, which had apparently just arrived that morning.