When My Contract with the Misanthropic Duke Ended, I Filed For Divorce, But My Husband's Obsession and Doting Became Unbearable - Chapter 16

I couldn’t decide what to do about the visitors.

I didn’t really mind seeing my brother, but the problem was whether I could prepare myself to face the Duke. No, even if I said no, that might just cause more trouble since I’ve already been nothing but a burden to him. Honestly, refusing might feel even worse.

“By the way, when are the two of them supposed to arrive?”

“…To be honest, in less than an hour.”

That was way too soon. My brain couldn’t even process that kind of information fast enough. Even if I wasn’t going to refuse, I still wanted a little more time to sort out my feelings.

“I think… I just need a bit more time to calm down first.”

“Alright. I’ll make sure to tell them that right away. You just woke up, so I’ll also make sure the meeting doesn’t last too long so you don’t get tired.”

“Thanks, Reed. I’m sorry, you must be busy.”

“It’s fine. My older brother is handling some of my work for me. He told me not to push myself when my best friend is going through something so serious.”

Reed looked a little proud as he said that. You could tell right away that the two brothers got along really well. And no—Reed didn’t have any forbidden feelings toward his brother. The person he liked was a completely different matter altogether.

The Crown Prince, his older brother, was the kind of person who always smiled when you met him, but you could never tell what he was thinking. Still, the fact that he cared so much during times like this showed that he truly cherished Reed as family.

“I should thank the Crown Prince too.”

“I want to thank him again myself, so let’s do it together when you’re feeling better!”

“Y-yeah… you’re right.”

When I thought about it, that meant I’d be spending time with not just Reed but two members of the royal family. The idea made me realize how nervous that would be. The only time I’d ever faced the Crown Prince was during that formal audience, after all. I knew he wasn’t a bad person, but feeling tense around someone of such high rank was only natural.

Still, I was relieved that I wouldn’t have to go and thank them alone.

“Well then, I should go. If I stay any longer, you won’t be able to rest. I need to deliver your message anyway, so take it easy. Don’t worry about changing clothes—just focus on resting, alright?”

“Okay. Thank you.”

I did feel a little bad for making Reed worry, but truthfully, I was glad to be left alone for a while. The timing worked out perfectly.

Even though part of me thought it might be rude to meet the Duke in sleepwear, Reed’s serious tone left no room for argument, so I decided to obey.

Besides, I had no idea where they even kept the clothes here—and honestly, I was too scared to touch anything in this place. The prices of everything here must be terrifying.

I mean, if it were my own clothes, fine—but this was the royal castle. There was no way anything here was cheap.

…Also, this sleepwear… it doesn’t look familiar. You know what? I’d better not think too much about that. Yeah. Let’s just not.