The Obsessive Male Lead Wants To Become My Husband - Chapter 19

“If we follow sister’s plan, we will not be able to escape for very long, and we will be caught.”

“….”

I had nothing to say. It was because what Ophelia said was true.

“But, if I change clothes, put on a white veil, and get into the carriage right away, everyone will be fooled. At least, until I get to the Duke’s mansion.”

Perhaps Ophelia was also nervous. She swallowed her saliva as she finished her sentence.

“Once they know that I am not sister, Lord Cassius will let me go… I will follow you right away.”

I swallowed dry saliva.

Ophelia’s plan was not perfect, but it was pretty good. Unless my parents or Cassius find me, this plan will surely succeed.
​​
‘When did she start thinking about this?’

Come to think of it, there was one strange thing about Ophelia’s luggage.

‘Did she take the turtle…?’

The beloved turtle was nowhere to be seen, only a bag was there. Realizing that, my blood ran cold. If Ophelia did not take care of the turtle in the first place, that means…

‘…She had no intention of leaving from the beginning, Ophelia.’

She had always intended to be the bait for me.
​​
I had a hunch.

…Maybe Ophelia might not follow me later.

“What the hell. I am left here alone… What are you going to do?”

I muttered blankly.

I knew I did not have time, though I had to listen to the answer to this.

At my words, Ophelia seemed surprised that I had noticed her own plans to remain at the Countess alone, but she replied calmly.

“I will save money and catch up with sister.”

“How can a child who does not get paid…!”

She then laughed softly. “If it is for you, heaven will forgive me for borrowing a few gold coins.”

“….”

Speechless, I stared at Ophelia for a moment.

The angel heroine who could not kill a single ant said she would steal money for me.

For what reason could I deny the sincerity of Ophelia, who made such a big decision? ​​So, in the end, I had no choice but to change her clothes as she said. Though she had never worn the formal robes of a noble maiden before, so I had to help her with every move.

Ophelia seemed somewhat pleased as she meekly entrusted herself in my hands. Even though she will have to bear the wrath of the Countess and Duke in a little while.

Her figure in the gorgeous dress was dazzlingly beautiful.

Even more than me.

The accessories, which I felt were excessive, matched her as if she had been wearing them since she was born, and the long, enticing dress made the beauty of Ophelia shine like a halo.

‘I cannot believe she is thinking of disguising as me with this look…’

It was fortunate that the fiancée could cover her face, as it was customary to wear a white veil over her head.

I mumbled quietly as I gazed at Ophelia, who was shining more than ever.

“Are you really okay?”

No matter how much the plan was led by Ophelia, it was unavoidable for my guilt to creep in. It was a feeling of shame and guilt for not being able to protect one of my younger sisters, who only looked at me.

“It is true that I have to run away. But, Ophelia, what about you? Not only father and mother, but also the Lord…”

“I am fine.”

The child in front of me struggled to smile.

“It is not like Lord Cassius wants to marry me, anyway.”
​​
“Still, there might be sparks…”

“It does not matter.”

Ophelia replied firmly. “It is nothing compared to what sister has done for me so far. So, I can do everything.”

“….”

I bit my lip.

…What the hell did I do for Ophelia?

In my head, I could only think that that would not be considered kind, even with empty words. Of course, the most regrettable thing was the slap of Ophelia on the cheek.

‘I should have never done that…’

No matter how desperate I was, there are things I can do and things I could not do.
​​
I broke that line…

Nevertheless, Ophelia still defended me.

Ophelia gazed at me and smiled. In her hand was a white veil that I did not even know when she had gotten it.

“You have to stay healthy and well.”

“….”

The words, ‘How can I do that without you,’ welled up to my throat, but I had no choice but to swallow it.

Ophelia quietly continued. “And… I will miss you, sister.”

“…Me, too.”

I did not want her to see the tears already welling up in my eyes, so I bowed my head and answered.

“I will miss you, Ophelia.”

* * * 

The engagement procession from the Countess of Garneid to the Duke of Brudenell was a grandiose ceremony.

It was because Count Garneid wanted to show off their wealth and a new relationship with the Duke.

The carriage, adorned as lavishly as the Young Lady, was running slowly down the road.

How long has it been?

While all the members of the Duke’s family gathered to welcome the fiancée of the successor, the future bride in a white veil got off the carriage.

Even though she was not the famous daughter of the Countess, her movement felt somewhat powerful.

Cassius Brudenell walked up to her with her faint smile.

However, when he became less than a few steps away, Cassius’ handsome face twisted horribly. He roughly ripped off the white veil of his fiancée.

Without a sign of surprise, this beautiful woman stared at him with a straight gaze…

It was Ophelia.

Clearly not Evelyn Garneid!

Cassius’ golden eyes gleamed with strange emotions.

“…Ha!”
​​
“Now, what the…!”

The Duchess’s angry voice echoed through the courtyard.

“Looking at her, she must be the maid of Count Garneid.”

Naturally, Duchess Brudenell knew fully well who Ophelia was.

There was no aristocrat who did not know about the beautiful illegitimate child of Count Garneid. Nonetheless, the Duchess of Brudenell pretended not to know her identity, as she intended to insult Ophelia.

And, it was an accurate decision.

It was because Ophelia, who had been confidently staring at Cassius just a moment ago, shrank in an instant.

“….”

Ophelia bit her lips tightly.

She was prepared for his anger, though he was filled with emotions colder than anger.

Contempt, disregard, and…

‘…Indifference.’
​​
Ophelia knew.

Cassius Brudenell did not really care a single bit about her. She was rather relieved because she had no intention of being the opponent of such a scary man.
​​
‘I have never seen my sister so afraid of anyone.’

To her, Evelyn Garneid has always been a shining person.

Even when she was ridiculed by everyone for being a lunatic, Evelyn was proud and confident. These were two virtues that Ophelia never had.

“Where is Evelyn?”

Finally, Cassius Brudenell opened his mouth.

“I do not know.”

“…You do not know?”
​​
At her words, one of Cassius’ eyebrows rose. Ophelia’s words didn’t seem believable at all.

“Yes.”

She bit her lips again.

Ophelia tried not to show off her impatience, but having enemies on all sides left her breathless.
”
“You had better not lie.” Cassius said, giving a soft warning.
​​
It was only then that she seemed to understand why Evelyn was so afraid of him.

This man…

Had it not been for the gaze of others, he would have broken her neck right now.

Trying to calm herself down, Ophelia shut her eyes tightly then opened them.
​​
‘I cannot die like this!’

She will have to meet Evelyn again.

Ophelia was able to overcome any difficulties when she thought of Evelyn, who was finally relieved after arriving at the port earlier.

‘My sister threw everything away. She is not going to come back…’

…Because of this man in front of her.

Her position, Count Garneid’s Young Lady, was a yoke that forced Evelyn to marry Cassius, so she threw away her identity as well.
​​
The place Evelyn cherished so much…!

Ophelia lowered her head.

It was due to her face that was constantly distorted in a strange way. Perhaps because of this choice, she will never be able to see Evelyn again.

But, it was okay.

Because she was doing it for Evelyn.

Ophelia, who barely managed her expression, raised her head and met her gaze with the man in front of her.

“…So, I am sorry…”

The sight of a beautiful maiden, like a blooming flower crying and apologizing, made the surroundings quiet. Even the Duchess, who had been blustering, seemed to have grown sympathetic and a little softer.

In fact, everyone did.

Anyone can tell that this poor illegitimate child was only caught up in the eccentric and crazy Count Garneid’s Young Lady’s journey.

But, Cassius Brudenell was an exception. He still looked down at Ophelia with a cold gaze.
​​
“What do you want to say?”

“I…”

Ophelia answered with a trembling voice.

“Lady Evelyn did not want her to marry Lo, Lord Cassius.”

The courtyard quickly became a commotion.

Is there a woman who does not want to marry Cassius Brudenell, the most noble aristocrat in the Empire…?

Again, it was clear that Evelyn Garneid was definitely crazy.

The Duchess touched her forehead.

‘I knew it,’ she groaned.
​​
“So?”

Meanwhile, Cassius did not blink even when he heard his fiancée rejected him.

“I did not ask why Evelyn was not here. I asked you where she is now.”

“As I said before, I have no idea.”

Saying so, Ophelia pulled up her last remaining courage.

“But, I can tell you one thing.”

‘…Now, to say this.’

“The reason I helped her was because…”

As if he had guessed what was going to happen, Cassius’ mouth opened.

However, Ophelia was faster.

She continued without breathing.

“Because I love you, Lord Cassius.”