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 grand hall of the royal palace glittered under the warm glow of hundreds of chandeliers. Verbena, draped in a deep sapphire gown that matched Theodore's formal attire, stood gracefully beside him — the picture of a perfect duchess. Yet behind the elegant smiles and graceful bows, her mind was racing.

This banquet was crawling with nobles who thrived on gossip like bees to honey. Verbena could already feel their stares prickling her skin.

"Have you heard?" one lady whispered a little too loudly. "Lady Estella's been sighted near the Hellgrave estate again. How tragic! She truly can't let go of her feelings for Duke Theodore."

Verbena's hand twitched around the stem of her wine glass. Estella? She vaguely recalled the name from the memories attached to this body — a notorious noble lady who once shamelessly pursued Theodore, even after his marriage. The previous Verbena had detested her.

Another lady gasped. "My maid, who's friends with a maid at the Hellgrave duchy, said Estella sent love letters every week — even after the wedding!"

A wave of silent snickers rippled through the room.

Verbena bit the inside of her cheek. So this is the flavor of high society drama, huh? If this were her first life, she'd probably be writing down all these juicy details for her bakery customers. But this was real — and Estella sounded like trouble.

Theodore's hand slid around her waist, anchoring her thoughts. His grip was firm, as though silently warning the gossiping nobles. His gaze remained fixed on Verbena, dark eyes brimming with unspoken words.

Verbena smiled sweetly at him, though her mind was already crafting a plan to handle this Estella situation before it spiraled out of control.

Chapter 43 - Gossip at the Banquet