hanagaki_ryuka

Synopsis:
In my first life, I was a broke background character who died after slipping on a banana peel (tragic).

In my second life, I reincarnated into a fantasy novel… as the villain’s wife?! The cold, cruel villain everyone fears — Theodore Hellgrave aka “The Blood Tyrant.”

But plot twist: the villain isn’t just obsessed with world domination.
He’s obsessed with me.

All I want is a peaceful life, maybe open a bakery or something, but this psycho villain keeps spoiling me to death — buying me castles, putting flowers in my hair, threatening anyone who looks at me (even the dog).

Every time I try to divorce him, the entire empire trembles. And the worst part?

… I think I’m falling for him...

Villain husband, please sign the divorce papers

After the suspiciously romantic breakfast, Verbena stormed back to her room, flopped onto her ridiculously expensive bed, and screamed into her pillow.

What is wrong with this man?!

He was supposed to be a cold-blooded villain who crushed kingdoms and kicked puppies (okay, maybe not puppies). But now, he was acting like some tragic male lead who accidentally read too many romance novels.

"This is dangerous," she muttered. "Dangerous for my heart and my divorce plan."

Which is why it was time for Plan B.

Make him jealous.

If Theodore saw her with some handsome, mysterious man, his possessive villain instincts would flare up — and he'd force the divorce out of sheer pride. It was flawless. Genius, even.

The only problem? Verbena had no handsome mysterious man.

"Fine. If I can't find one…" She struck a dramatic pose in front of the mirror. "I'll invent one."

And thus, her imaginary lover was born:

Count Raphael De Moonlight III. (Why III? It sounded classy.)

Exiled Prince of the Forgotten Isles.

Tall, mysterious, plays the violin under the moonlight while crying about his tragic past.

Hopelessly in love with Verbena.

Absolutely ridiculous — and absolutely perfect.

She dashed off to write love letters from Raphael, leaving them casually on her desk where Theodore would definitely see them. She even spritzed them with perfume for that extra romantic touch.

She floated into the dining room, fake-smiling like a woman with secrets, and placed her diary (conveniently open to a page gushing about Raphael) right beside her plate.

Theodore glanced at it once. Raised an eyebrow. And went back to his soup.

He didn't react. At all.

Panicked, Verbena coughed dramatically. "Oh, it's so hard being torn between two men. I wish my heart wasn't so confused…"

Theodore calmly passed her the bread basket. "That sounds difficult."

Verbena clutched her chest. "If only Count Raphael were here… his strong arms would comfort me in these trying times…"

"Raphael De Moonlight III." She fluttered her eyelashes. "My first love."

Then — Theodore smiled.

"Oh? Tell me more about him," he said, voice smooth as silk. "I'd love to meet this extraordinary man who has captured my wife's heart."

Abort mission. ABORT MISSION.

"Uh—well—he's—uh—traveling!" Verbena stammered. "Far away! On a heroic quest!"

"Interesting." Theodore leaned back, looking too amused. "Would you like me to send my knights to assist him? Or perhaps write a letter inviting him for tea?"

Why was he playing along?!

"No need!" Verbena shot up, accidentally knocking over her cup. "He's very shy! Hates tea! Allergic to knights! BYE!"

She bolted from the room, leaving Theodore chuckling behind her.

Meanwhile, in Theodore's head:

"She really thinks she can make me jealous with a fake man named Raphael? Adorable."

Because what Verbena forgot was that Theodore was a villain — and villains don't get jealous. They destroy the competition.

Chapter 15: Operation Make Him Jealous (Except It Backfires Horribly)