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 was dimly lit, the chandeliers casting an eerie glow over the guests as soft whispers filled the air. Verbena sat gracefully at the center of it all, adorned in a deep crimson gown that accentuated her regal presence. Every movement she made, every flick of her wrist as she sipped her wine, was calculated.

Her gaze, however, was locked onto one person—Theodore.

Across the room, the duke stood tall, his usual cold and domineering aura sending chills down the spines of those around him. His sharp eyes, like molten gold, never left her. It was a silent battle of wills, a challenge between husband and wife, masked behind pleasantries and the clinking of glasses.

Verbena smirked inwardly. If he thought she was going to crumble first, he had another thing coming.

But just as she was about to make her move, a noblewoman approached Theodore, resting a delicate hand on his arm. Verbena recognized her instantly—Lady Estelle Beaumont, the woman who had once harbored an unrequited love for him.

"Your Grace," Lady Estelle purred, flashing a sickeningly sweet smile. "It's been far too long since we've spoken. How have you been?"

Theodore's expression remained unreadable, but he didn't shake her off immediately.

Verbena clenched her jaw, fingers tightening around her goblet. So that's how he wanted to play this game? Fine.

She set her drink down and leaned slightly towards the man seated beside her—Duke Everett Sinclair. A man notorious for his charm and scandalous affairs.

"You're quite the entertainer, Your Grace," she said with a small, teasing smile. "No wonder the ladies always flock to your side."

Duke Sinclair chuckled, clearly enjoying the attention. "And yet, I find myself intrigued by only one lady tonight."

A slow smirk formed on Verbena's lips. Perfect.

From across the room, Theodore's grip on his goblet tightened, his jaw flexing as he watched the scene unfold. His golden eyes darkened with something unreadable, something dangerous.

The moment Lady Estelle dared to laugh too sweetly at something he said, Theodore abruptly pulled his arm away from her grasp. His patience had reached its limit.

Within seconds, he was making his way toward Verbena.

She saw him coming, saw the way his expression darkened, and she reveled in it.

Duke Sinclair, unaware of the storm brewing, continued to lean closer. "Would you care for a dance, Duchess?"

Before she could answer, a strong hand clamped around her wrist.

"She's occupied," Theodore's voice was dangerously low, a quiet warning that sent chills down her spine.

Duke Sinclair raised a brow, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Oh? The duchess didn't seem particularly occupied a moment ago."

Verbena let out a small, amused hum. "Now, now, Your Grace," she teased, looking up at her husband with feigned innocence. "There's no need to be so possessive."

Theodore's golden eyes bore into her, his grip tightening slightly before he leaned down, his breath warm against her ear.

"You want to play games, wife?" His voice was a whisper, dark and dangerously alluring. "Let's see who loses first."

A shiver ran down her spine, but she refused to back down.

Chapter 79: A Dangerous Game