When My Contract with the Misanthropic Duke Ended, I Filed For Divorce, But My Husband's Obsession and Doting Became Unbearable - Chapter 5

Is this a dream? A dream, right?

Yesterday, after I told the Duke everything that had happened, he looked at me with that ridiculously handsome face of his and asked me to delay the divorce. I couldn’t bring myself to refuse, so I agreed—and now, the next morning, I find myself staring at the Duke kneeling before me, bowing so low it looks like an apology from his soul.

The Duke. Bowing.

Honestly, I wanted to believe it was a fake. But when I hurriedly asked him to lift his head, the face that looked back at me was unmistakably his.

“Um… Duke, you didn’t do anything wrong, so you don’t have to apologize…”

Given the situation, I think I’m allowed to be confused. I have no idea what he’s apologizing for—but even the way he apologizes is unfairly handsome. It’s terrifying how easy it makes me want to forgive everything.

In the end, the one who falls in love always loses. And I’ve been the loser for years already.

“No, the reason you suffered was because of my attitude. I had so many chances to notice it, yet I ignored them. And to make it worse, I even forgot our contract…”

“N-no, no! Even if you forgot about the contract, you never broke your promises to me! And I chose to stay silent all this time, that was my decision!”

Honestly, aside from the violence, I had gotten used to everything else. It was a temporary situation anyway, something that would end with our divorce.

So, no—I never wanted the Duke to apologize.
If anything, it’s his sudden concern that feels strange and unfamiliar.

“You couldn’t tell me before because you didn’t trust me. I told the head maid to report everything to me, but I never gave her the chance to do so. I didn’t even allow you enough time with Tsong, the head butler. I didn’t do it on purpose, but it’s true that I neglected household matters. I thought as long as I kept up my duties as a Duke, as long as I maintained my authority, the rest didn’t matter. I left the basic management and finances to Tsong and called that enough. Saying I’ve never been good with people is just an excuse. I truly am sorry.”

The Duke really doesn’t need to apologize. But when he’s being this sincere… it only makes me fall for him more, and giving up this love becomes impossible. If he’s doing this knowing that—then he’s cruel.
But even so, I can’t choose not to forgive him.

It’s not like I was ever angry at him to begin with.

“If you say all that, then… I’ll accept your apology and forgive you. So please, stop bowing already.”

“Thank you… then, would you consider not going through with the divorce? Everyone who harassed you has already been dismissed—without letters of recommendation. As for the tutor and servants who used violence, I’ve prepared to press charges. For now, I’ve told the head maid to stay by your side and prioritize your orders above all else.”

Did he do all that just yesterday? But so many servants were involved… wouldn’t the mansion fall into chaos without them? I don’t want to cause trouble for the Duke.

And honestly, having the head maid—one of the few who actually worked hard—assigned to me seems a bit excessive…

“Um, that’s too much. Once we’re divorced, you won’t have to worry about me. There’s no need to go that far.”

“I went that far because I don’t want a divorce. Even if I dismissed many servants, the household can still run fine with a few long-time workers and Tsong. Those others were just people I hired to keep up appearances for the sake of the Duke’s family name.”

“I-I see… but why don’t you want a divorce?”

If I’m not a bother, then fine—but I can’t help but hope. Yesterday too, when he said he didn’t want to divorce, I felt that same flicker of hope. It’s that same hope that made me confess everything in the first place.

If he’s doing all this for me… then it’s okay to dream a little, right?

“…Other than loving my wife, there’s no other reason I wouldn’t want a divorce.”

“W–wait, what…?”

Sure, I expected something—but not that. My face burns as his words sink in. The Duke’s cheeks are slightly red too, yet his eyes never waver. I can’t meet his gaze; mine are darting everywhere.

This isn’t a dream… right?

Because even if I did hope for this, I’m just—me. Someone plain, not even close to his level. It’s hard to believe. But the Duke isn’t someone who jokes, which only makes it feel more unreal.

“I know I’ve shown you nothing but my flaws as a husband. But if you haven’t lost faith in me yet, please… give me a chance. A chance to make you happy as my wife.”

“I-I could never lose faith in you…!”

“Then, it’s settled. We won’t be divorcing.”

“Eh—uh, y-yes…?”

Wait. Didn’t we agree it was just a delay? Why does it feel like I’ve been tricked somehow?

“Thank you, Sharon. I love you.”

“F–feh—”

Before I could even react, he suddenly pulled me into his arms. He said my name.
He whispered love. And overwhelmed by everything—my heart, my mind, all of it—I fainted right there, in the Duke’s embrace.