When My Contract with the Misanthropic Duke Ended, I Filed For Divorce, But My Husband's Obsession and Doting Became Unbearable - Chapter 33

“Still,” Reed continued, “since the duke’s always been someone we rely on heavily for work-related matters, if he catches up on the tasks he’s fallen behind on, I’ll prepare a little reward for him.”

“A reward…?”

“Three days of vacation,” Reed said, as if it were the simplest thing in the world. “For those three days, I won’t say a word about you staying by Sharon’s side. The servants can’t be dismissed, of course, but I’ll make sure they keep their distance.”

A reward was a reward, technically—but the part that came after didn’t sound like something that belonged in the same category. Still, when I glanced at the Duke, his eyes seemed to shine faintly, so maybe it wasn’t such a bad deal after all.

Well… I guess I can understand. He’s so busy that he hardly ever takes time off. Even during the three years we were married, that much was obvious. So having three full days off must sound pretty amazing to him. Though… this really shouldn’t have anything to do with me… right?

“Sharon.”

“Eh—yes?”

I jumped a little when the Duke suddenly called my name.

“For those three days of vacation… would you go on a date with me? Would you permit that?”

“D–Date?”

Three whole days… it was obvious he intended to spend all of them with me. Could that really be what counts as a “reward” to him? A date—with me?

“Of course, you don’t have to push yourself,” he said quickly. “Even just one day would be enough… or—or half a day, if that’s easier…”

The Duke’s tone grew increasingly hesitant, which felt uncharacteristic of him. But I suppose his guilt toward me was what made him act that way.

Wait—half a day? Does that mean he’s imagining a full day together from morning till night!? A date itself might be fine, but if that’s what he means, I’m not sure my heart could handle it!

“I… I’d like to try going on a date outside too,” I said timidly.

“Th–then, if I manage to take my vacation, you’ll go on a date with me?”

“If you… want to, my Lo—my lord husband…”

“Of course I do. I’d even get down on my knees and beg for it if I had to.”

“Please don’t do that!!”

There’s absolutely no reason for the Duke to debase himself just for a date with me! I can’t deny it—it makes me happy that he wants to spend time with me so badly… but still!

Anyway, I did say “outside,” so it should just be a normal outing… right? Nothing like a home date or anything more intense. We did live together for three years, but knowing how the Duke is now… he might even suggest sleeping together again—wait, what am I even thinking?!

No, no, no. I shook the thoughts out of my head, but every time I looked at him, his gaze seemed so earnest, so full of genuine affection, that my heart couldn’t stay still.

Can I really handle going on a date in this state?

W–Well, his work is apparently pretty backed up, so it’ll probably take him some time to catch up.
That means… I should at least have a little time to mentally prepare myself before then… right?