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 air between them was charged, thick with something far more dangerous than mere anger.

His lips were feverishly hot, moving against hers with a hunger that burned through every wall she had painstakingly built.

She could feel his desperation in the way his fingers curled against her waist, in the way his body pressed against hers, as if trying to mold them together, as if afraid she would disappear if he let go.

She should have slapped him and reminded him that she wasn't his anymore.

But instead, her treacherous hands pulled him closer.

His name was a whisper against his lips, a plea, a curse—she didn't know anymore.

Theodore groaned, breaking the kiss only to press his forehead against hers, his breath ragged.

A strained chuckle left him, but his grip on her waist never loosened.

Her hands were still clutching his coat, unwilling to let go, yet she forced herself to steel her resolve.

This… this wasn't how things were supposed to go.

She was supposed to make him suffer.

But why… why did it feel like she was losing herself instead?

She shoved at his chest, her voice sharper than before. "Let me go."

Her eyes flashed. "That means nothing!"

His golden gaze burned into her, as if daring her to say that again.

"You still feel something for me."

Her nails dug into her palms. "You think one kiss changes everything?"

"No," he admitted. "But it proves you're lying to yourself."

Verbena's lips parted, but no words came out.

But she would rather die than admit it.

She took a shaky breath and lifted her chin. "Even if I did feel something…"

Theodore's fingers twitched at her words.

She smiled coldly. "It wouldn't matter."

A flicker of something raw crossed his face—pain, regret, fear.

And for the first time in years, Theodore looked vulnerable.

But instead… it left a bitter taste in her mouth.

She laughed, though it sounded hollow. "I learned from the best, Your Grace."

Theodore inhaled sharply. "Then keep playing your games, Verbena."

He took a step back. The warmth that had engulfed her vanished.

But his next words sent a chill down her spine.

His gaze locked onto hers, dark and unreadable.

"You're not the only one who knows how to play dirty."

And then, with one final glance, he turned and walked away—leaving her more shaken than she ever wanted to admit.

Verbena stood frozen in the dimly lit corridor, her heart still hammering against her ribs.

Damn him for making her feel this way.

A frustrated breath left her lips as she pressed a hand to her forehead.

She couldn't let herself fall for him again.

Chapter 84: Fire and Ice