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 moment Theodore left the estate for his "political business," Verbena slipped out of her room like a shadow.

She had barely finished her breakfast, but curiosity burned hotter than any hunger pang. That letter — the way his expression changed — she had to know.

Verbena froze mid-step as the head maid appeared from around the corner, holding a basket of fresh linens.

"Oh! Good morning," Verbena smiled, voice a bit too high-pitched. "I was just… uh… going for a morning walk!"

The head maid's eyes sparkled with knowing mischief. "A morning walk toward the Duke's private study?"

Verbena's whole body stiffened. "I-I—"

"Don't worry, my lady. Sometimes curiosity is healthy in a marriage." The maid gave a quick wink before continuing down the hallway.

Verbena stood there, blushing furiously. Is everyone in this mansion a hopeless romantic?

With a deep breath, she gathered her courage and pushed open the door to Theodore's study.

The room smelled faintly of leather, ink, and sandalwood. Shelves lined with books, maps pinned to the walls, and a large oak desk stood in the center — neat and intimidating, just like him.

Verbena tiptoed inside, heart pounding as if she were a thief. Which, technically, she was.

She opened drawers, rifled through papers, but nothing seemed particularly scandalous.

Until her hand brushed against a thick leather folder, hidden beneath a pile of ledgers.

She flipped it open, eyes widening at the contents.

Letters. Dozens of them. All addressed to the palace. Some even signed by… the Crown Prince?

Her fingers trembled as she read them.

"Concerning the Duchess Hellgrave…"

"Ensure her safety until the time comes…"

"The Duchess must not discover the truth before the banquet…"

Before Verbena could read further, the door creaked behind her.

She whirled around, folder clutched to her chest.

Theodore stood there, leaning lazily against the doorframe, arms crossed. His gaze flicked to the folder in her hands — and for a terrifying moment, his expression was completely unreadable.

"Are you enjoying my private correspondence, little wife?"

Verbena swallowed hard. "I-I was just… organizing!"

"Organizing?" He stepped closer, the air in the room growing thicker with every step. "I don't recall asking for your assistance."

Her back hit the desk, trapping her between cold wood and warm husband.

"I was curious!" she burst out. "You always hide things from me, and I'm your wife, so I deserve to know!"

His hand came up, brushing a stray curl from her cheek. His touch was gentle, but his eyes were sharp.

"Some secrets are meant to protect you, Verbena."

"I'm not some fragile doll, Theodore!" she argued, though her heart betrayed her by beating faster under his gaze.

"You're my wife." His voice was low and dangerous. "That makes you my greatest weakness."

For a moment, neither spoke. They just stood there, tension crackling between them like a storm about to break.

Then, to her utter disbelief, Theodore leaned down, lips brushing against her forehead — soft, lingering, far too tender for a villain.

"Stay out of my study," he murmured.

Leaving Verbena alone with her thoughts — and a heart she could no longer control.

Chapter 35: In the Villain’s Study