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

The next morning, Verbena woke up to the scent of fresh flowers and something warm and heavy draped over her waist.

Her eyes fluttered open, only to find Theodore lying beside her — his face calm and handsome in the soft morning light. His hair was slightly tousled, and his shirt collar was loose, revealing a sliver of his collarbone.

Her heart did an embarrassing little flip.

"Why are you in my bed?" she whispered, even though no one else was around to hear.

"I'm your husband," came the lazy reply, his eyes still closed. "Where else would I sleep?"

"You have your room," she grumbled, trying to wiggle out from under his arm.

He only held her tighter, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips. "My room is lonely. This one is much warmer."

"Then get more blankets," she snapped, her face heating up at the intimate closeness.

But Theodore wasn't interested in blankets. His fingers traced light patterns against her hip, his warmth seeping into her skin through the thin fabric of her nightdress. "You're much softer than a blanket."

"Shhh," he whispered, nose brushing against her temple. "Let's stay like this a little longer. No plans. No scheming. Just us."

His voice was so soft, so unexpectedly vulnerable, that Verbena froze.

This wasn't the villain duke she was supposed to fear. This wasn't the cold man from the rumors. This was something else. Someone else.

The silence stretched between them, until finally, she sighed and let herself relax in his arms — just for a moment.

Just long enough to let her heart betray her again.

Breakfast was oddly comfortable after that.

Verbena sat across from Theodore at the grand dining table, her plate piled high with buttery croissants, fresh fruit, and scrambled eggs.

"Stop staring," she muttered, buttering her croissant.

"Why? You're very fun to look at," he said, completely unapologetic.

"Shouldn't you be reading reports or sending threatening letters or… whatever villain husbands do before noon?"

"I'd rather spend my morning watching my lovely wife pretend she doesn't enjoy my company."

Verbena nearly choked on her croissant. "I do not—"

"Of course you do." He leaned forward, resting his chin on one hand. "You let me sleep beside you. You blush every time I get close. And you're staring at my lips right now."

She snatched up her teacup, trying to hide her burning face behind it. "I was not!"

Theodore only laughed, and the sound was so warm and genuine it made her heart ache.

This wasn't fair. This wasn't part of the plan.

But before she could drown in confusing feelings, the butler appeared, clearing his throat politely.

"Your Grace, a letter has arrived from the palace," he announced.

Theodore's smile vanished instantly.

Verbena watched his expression sharpen into something unreadable — cold, calculating. The man who flirted over breakfast disappeared, replaced by the true Duke of Hellgrave.

She couldn't help but wonder… which version of him was real?

Theodore took the letter, breaking the seal with his thumb. His eyes scanned the contents quickly, his jaw tightening ever so slightly.

"What is it?" she asked, unable to resist.

"Nothing for you to worry about, little wife." He folded the letter neatly, tucking it into his coat pocket. "Just politics."

That answer wasn't nearly enough to satisfy her.

After all, she hadn't forgotten the letters she saw last night — the ones that mentioned a plan.

As soon as Theodore left the room, Verbena made a decision.

She would find those letters again.

She would uncover the truth about her villain husband, no matter how dangerous it was.

Because if she was truly falling for him — and she hated how much that might be true — then she needed to know exactly what kind of man she was falling for.

Even if the truth destroyed them both.

Chapter 34: Pillow Talk and Hidden Agendas