When My Contract with the Misanthropic Duke Ended, I Filed For Divorce, But My Husband's Obsession and Doting Became Unbearable - Chapter 40

After that, we decided to separate for a while and meet again later. Even though it was our first date and I was a bit excited, I was also flustered by how sudden it all was—wondering what to wear and such.
I had no idea that this date would turn out to be a kind of trial for both of us.

“I couldn’t wear this outfit last time because our previous date got canceled, but maybe I’ll wear it today.”

Back then, I knew nothing about what was waiting ahead. After taking a bit of time to decide, I finally chose my outfit and headed to the meeting place.

When I arrived, the Duke was already there waiting for me—and before I could even admire how good he looked, I froze in surprise as tears suddenly streamed down his face.

“This is… an angel! You’re too adorable… I’m so moved, especially because I’m so happy about our date!”

“Uh… w-wait, what?”

Wasn’t this supposed to be training to help him keep a poker face…? It was already breaking down completely, and the guards at the castle gate, as well as the people coming and going from the royal castle, were staring in shock.

Well, there’s probably no one in the castle who doesn’t know the Duke, so their surprise must have been unimaginable.

“May I hug you?”

“N-not here, please!”

Now that the Duke had started crying, everyone’s attention was on us, and honestly, it was really embarrassing.

“Then, in the carriage.”

“I… guess that’s fine.”

Apparently, a carriage had already been prepared right outside the castle for our date. I thought he would just give me a light hug once we got in, but…

“U-um, my lord, could you please let me down?”

“It’s dangerous if you’re not sitting, isn’t it?”

Contrary to what I expected, I ended up sitting on the Duke’s lap, wrapped in his arms from behind.
And like that, our date began.

Even though there was no one else inside the carriage, this was too much for my heart.
He was too close—so close that I couldn’t stop my heart from pounding.

“Ah, I wish I could keep you all to myself like this.”

“U-uhm…”

To make things worse, he kept whispering sweet words right next to my ear, and I wasn’t sure I could handle it.

Did I underestimate what going on a date with the Duke would be like?
At this rate, I seriously doubted I’d survive the day without fainting from emotional overload.

“So cute. I love you. You’re so adorable I don’t want anyone else to see you. Haha, even your neck is red now—you look delicious.”

“Ugh…”

Delicious? What’s that supposed to mean!? If he meant it in that kind of way, was this really the same man who fainted during the “underwear incident”?

Or was he just fine as long as he wasn’t exhausted? Either way, when would I ever escape this situation!?

“Ah, what a shame. It seems we’ve arrived.”

Just when I thought I’d finally be free, the carriage stopped. Apparently, he had already decided where we were going, but I had no idea where we’d arrived until we stepped outside.

The windows had been covered with curtains the whole time, though honestly, I doubt I would’ve had the composure to look outside anyway.