When My Contract with the Misanthropic Duke Ended, I Filed For Divorce, But My Husband's Obsession and Doting Became Unbearable - Chapter 32

“I haven’t exactly forgiven you, but… one reason is that Duke Bandage keeps intimidating everyone around Sharon, so we needed an excuse for that.”

“I–Intimidating?”

I couldn’t help blurting it out. Honestly, there was that incident with the butler not too long ago—but did the Duke do something similar again?

Back then, I’d foolishly felt a little happy about it, but if he’s been doing that everywhere we go… even if it’s out of affection, I really don’t understand why he has to go that far.

What if—just as a wild thought—the Duke simply has… unusual preferences? If his type happened to be someone like me, then maybe he’s been overly anxious that others might also find me charming. So, he’s been acting like he did toward the butler to “protect” me?

The fact that Reed is talking about it with such a troubled look makes me think it’s not just an exaggeration. If he’s been doing the same thing behind my back, that’s definitely going too far.

Even if he likes me, that’s not normal behavior.
And if Reed has to invent an excuse like “we’re engaged” just to cover for him… maybe it’s worse than I thought.

“I was only making sure no strange insects were hovering around Sharon.”

“Sure, but don’t you think it’s a bit much to intimidate even the butlers and maids assigned to Sharon? I chose people who are mentally strong, but… no matter who they are, pressure from a duke is terrifying, you know?”

“…………”

Judging from the Duke’s expression, Reed’s not exaggerating at all. If he really acted like that toward everyone who approached me—even like he did to that poor butler—then yes, it’s definitely abnormal.
Maybe that’s why Reed decided to switch the story from ‘divorced’ to ‘engaged.’ He even stopped the matchmaking plans completely… which I guess is good, but still.

“Since I approved the engagement, I just want you to stop intimidating people for no reason, all right? And the other reason is that your work’s been falling behind lately. I wanted to give you a little breathing room.”

“Eh?”

I did wonder how he had time to visit every single day… but don’t tell me he’s been skipping work just to come see me?

If I count all the time he spends driving people away too, it’s no surprise his work started to fall behind.
Still, for the Duke—who used to be a complete workaholic—to do that… it’s hard to believe.

“At the moment, the delays aren’t serious, but if this keeps up, things will start to pile up. I want him to get back to his usual pace by easing his worries a little.”

“I… I apologize.”

The Duke seemed to know he was guilty of that, and though his face looked awkward, he apologized honestly.

I’m not sure if being engaged to me will really help his work, but Reed must believe it will.
It all happened so suddenly, yet since the whole “fake divorce” was also Reed’s idea, I can only trust him.
After all, he’s my closest friend—and I believe that what he’s doing is for my sake.