When My Contract with the Misanthropic Duke Ended, I Filed For Divorce, But My Husband's Obsession and Doting Became Unbearable - Chapter 37
Yes… in the end, it all ended with just talking. Partly because I couldn’t find the right timing, but more than that, I realized how hard it is to gather the courage to act.
That’s why the next morning, I woke up early and went straight to the Duke’s room. If I didn’t do it now, I felt like I’d never be able to — and it would just keep bothering me forever.
“E-excuse me… My Lord, may I come in?”
“That voice… Sharon? Of course! I didn’t expect you to visit me this early in the morning!”
Even though it was still early, it seemed he was already awake, and I felt relieved hearing the warmth in his voice as he welcomed me. Still, just thinking about what I was about to do made my hands tremble, and I stepped inside the room nervously.
“Um… good morning. Are you already heading to work this morning?”
“Yes, though I still have some time. But to think I’d see you first thing in the morning… I feel I can work harder than usual today.”
“S-saying things like that…”
He sounded completely serious, and I didn’t know how to reply. But seeing that he looked full of energy made me glad — I had been worried he might still be forcing himself. After all, I couldn’t stop him from working if he overdid it again…
“So, did you come for something? Not that I’d mind if you didn’t.”
I tried to calm myself and prepare for what I was about to do, but of course, from his point of view, it must have seemed strange for me to visit him so early. I had expected he’d ask that.
“U-um! My Lord, there was something I forgot yesterday… and, uh…”
“Something you forgot?”
The Duke tilted his head slightly, clearly puzzled. Naturally, he wouldn’t be able to guess — even if he was the one who’d originally brought it up.
“Could you please… crouch down a little?”
“I don’t mind, but…?”
Because the Duke was tall, I needed him to lower himself a bit to do this properly. He still didn’t seem to realize what I was trying to do — whether that was a good thing or not, I wasn’t sure anymore.
But now that I’d come this far — I’m a man too, so I had to do it!
“This is your reward… for working so hard!”
“!?”
With my resolve set, I quickly leaned forward and kissed the Duke on the cheek. It probably lasted only a second, but for me, that was already my limit — as pathetic as that sounds.
The Duke’s eyes widened as he turned toward me, but I couldn’t bear to face him any longer and bolted for the door.
“P-please do your best at work! But don’t push yourself too hard! Bye!”
I left those words behind — and ran.
As I fled, I didn’t hear the Duke’s voice at all. Maybe I missed it in my panic, or maybe he was too surprised to speak — or maybe he didn’t say anything at all. Either way, I didn’t have the courage to look back and find out.
Still, I really did keep my promise. He was the one who first suggested and agreed to this reward — so he wouldn’t hate it… right?