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

Verbena walked back to her chambers, her mind spinning with the weight of what she had just uncovered.

Martha had been feeding information to Belmont's informant.

But the question remained—who else was involved?

She needed to act carefully. One wrong step, and Theodore might not just suspect her—he might destroy her.

Yet, as she entered her chambers, she found herself face-to-face with the very man who held her fate in his hands.

Sitting in her chair. Holding a glass of dark whiskey.

"You're late," he murmured, swirling the glass in his hand. "I wonder… where have you been, dear wife?"

Verbena's heart skipped a beat, but she forced herself to remain composed.

"I went for a walk," she said smoothly, stepping closer. "Is there a problem, Your Grace?"

Theodore chuckled, but there was no warmth in it. "A problem? No, not at all." He leaned forward, his gaze locked onto hers. "I'm just curious. You see… I received an interesting report today."

Verbena clenched her hands behind her back.

"I'm sure you did," she said, tilting her head. "You always have people reporting to you, don't you?"

Theodore smirked. "That I do. And imagine my surprise when I heard whispers that my own wife has been sneaking around the servants' quarters, questioning the maids."

Damn it. Someone must have told him already.

She needed to turn this around—fast.

"So?" she asked, arching a brow. "A wife can't take an interest in her own household?"

Theodore stood, placing his glass on the table before slowly closing the distance between them.

"You know what's funny, Verbena?" he murmured, voice dangerously low. "Every time I try to pin you down, you slip away. Like a snake."

He reached out, fingers brushing against her jaw before gripping her chin firmly. "Tell me, dear wife… should I trust you?"

Verbena met his gaze head-on. "That depends. Do you want to trust me?"

The silence between them crackled with tension.

For a moment, it seemed like he might kiss her. Or kill her.

But then, Theodore released her, stepping back.

"I'm watching you," he murmured. "And if I find out you're lying to me…" His eyes darkened. "You will regret it."

Verbena smirked, masking the racing of her heart.

As Theodore left, she exhaled sharply, placing a hand over her chest.

It would cost her more than just her pride.

Chapter 77 – The Price of Betrayal