- 7 hours ago
- #video
- #drama2026
- #movie2026
- #hotmovie
- #halixe
#video #[Dubbed] Irresistible Warrior Husband - FULL | Reelshort #drama2026 #movie2026 #hotmovie #halixe
Category
š„
Short filmTranscript
00:00I was born with huge boobs.
00:02My lady feared her husband would touch me,
00:04so she sent me off to General Bennett,
00:05who came back from the war half-dead.
00:06As she walked me out, she kept guiltily talking me into it.
00:09Sure, Leon Bennett can't get it up.
00:11At least you'll dodge the agony of childbirth, so relax.
00:13If a guy's useless in bed, maybe he shines elsewhere.
00:17But I ended up begging for mercy every night.
00:19I really wanted to ask her,
00:20why is General Bennett so good at everything?
00:21Leon Bennett, the young war hero,
00:24was dragged back, drenched in blood, barely alive.
00:28He was the Bennett's only son.
00:29Madam Bennett was widowed young
00:30and was about to bury her only child.
00:32Someone suggested she arrange a ghost marriage for him.
00:35My lady, Fiona Clark, loved playing matchmaker,
00:37so she offered me to Madam Bennett.
00:39She held my contract, so I couldn't say no.
00:42She warned that if I refused the match,
00:44she'd hand me to some retired eunuch.
00:46She still resented my past involvement with her husband,
00:49so I knelt and swore to the heavens
00:50I'd never lust after him again.
00:52She jabbed my forehead in fury.
00:53An oath means shit.
00:55Look at those boobs.
00:56Know how much trouble they cause?
00:57Hunched my chest.
00:58Silent tears sliding down.
00:59Dragging these two giant boobs around
01:01right in front of men.
01:03Who wouldn't be tempted?
01:04It's not that I don't trust you,
01:06I just don't trust men.
01:07Her face finally softened.
01:09She bent and wiped my tears.
01:11The Bennett family's topped a tear.
01:13If my mom weren't friends with Madam Bennett,
01:15someone else would have snapped up
01:16this match ages ago.
01:18Choking back tears, I rasped.
01:20Miss, I don't want a ghost marriage.
01:23Worst case, I'll hide in the kitchen.
01:24I'll never, before I could finish,
01:26two loud slaps smashed across my cheeks.
01:28My face burned like fire.
01:29Elaine, don't you know what's good for you?
01:32If I hadn't vouched for you with that slutty look of yours,
01:34Madam Bennett wouldn't even spare you a glance.
01:36You wouldn't even qualify to be his ghost bride.
01:38I was about to tell her that I'd already bound my chest flat,
01:41kept myself tightly covered,
01:42and even suffered heat rashes in midsummer.
01:44I begged her for mercy.
01:45At that moment,
01:46the house matron came rushing in, panting.
01:48Miss, the general's manor just sent word.
01:50General Bennett's awake.
01:52At that moment,
01:53the house matron burst in, panting.
01:55Miss, the general's manor just sent word.
01:57General Bennett's awake.
01:58My lady dragged me to the general's manor.
02:00Only a screen separated us,
02:01and the frail silhouette flickered behind it,
02:03and sometimes a soft cough drifted over.
02:05Madam Bennett wept uncontrollably,
02:06gripping my lady's hand.
02:07Fiona, thank you for everything you've done for Leon.
02:10He's out of danger now.
02:11The ghost marriage is no longer needed.
02:13You've worked so hard these days.
02:14My lady's dark eyes shifted craftily.
02:16Mrs. Bennett, the wedding still has to happen.
02:18Maybe Elaine's horoscope is just that strong.
02:20The moment the engagement was set,
02:21General Bennett woke up.
02:22If they actually marry,
02:24General Bennett will bounce right back
02:26and win more military glory.
02:27Adam Bennett wavered, glancing over at me.
02:30She was about to speak
02:31when a physician stepped out from behind the screen.
02:33He looked torn.
02:34Madam, General Bennett is...
02:35No outsiders here.
02:36Whatever it is, speak freely, sir.
02:38General Bennett may be conscious,
02:39but an arrow struck deep in his inner thigh.
02:41I fear from now on he won't be able to.
02:42Won't be able to what?
02:43My lady was even more anxious than Madam Bennett.
02:45He can't perform sexually.
02:46The words hit like a bolt of lightning.
02:48Madam Bennett's knees buckled.
02:49I lunged to steady her,
02:50keeping her from collapsing.
02:51Her bloodshot eyes were fixed on me,
02:53full of despair.
02:54Girl, are you...
02:55Are you willing to marry a man like that?
02:57Don't worry, I'll never let you suffer.
02:59Just think of it as becoming my daughter.
03:01My lady blurted out,
03:02She's willing, totally willing,
03:04with her slave status wiped clean.
03:05Why wouldn't she be?
03:06For a moment, I was speechless.
03:07I was born free, actually.
03:09My dad was an imperial physician.
03:10I was his concubine's daughter,
03:11and lost my mother young.
03:12Luckily, dad was always gentle and kind.
03:14After he died,
03:15his principal wife,
03:16eyeing the estate,
03:16decided to sell the concubine's daughters
03:17to traffickers for cash.
03:19The night before they came,
03:20I begged for help from a poor scholar
03:22I'd fed every day.
03:23I'd heard he'd just become an imperial scholar,
03:25yet he refused me outside the door.
03:26He stood inside the door,
03:27not even bothering to open it a crack.
03:28Miss Hart,
03:29I'm engaged to the grand tutor's daughter.
03:30We should keep our distance.
03:31It's improper to open the door.
03:32Here's a bag of silver.
03:34Consider it repayment for the meals you gave me.
03:36Please leave.
03:36A money bag was tossed out from over the wall.
03:38My heart felt like it was pricked by a needle,
03:40aching dully.
03:41Later, on the street,
03:42I struggled with my stepmother.
03:44She threatened me.
03:44If you resist again,
03:45I'll sell you to a brothel.
03:46Fortunately, the grand tutor's wife passed by.
03:48She bought my freedom
03:49and kept me as a maid in her household.
03:50Soon, that scholar
03:51became my young lady's husband.
03:53I acted as if I'd never known him,
03:55serving my young lady diligently.
03:56But unexpectedly, she found out.
03:58Resisting further was pointless.
03:59I lifted my skirt
04:00and knelt respectfully before Madam Bennett.
04:02Madam, I'm willing to marry General Bennett
04:05to bring him luck
04:05and serve you until old age.
04:07Adam Bennett kept her word.
04:08She prepared a decent dowry for me.
04:10My young lady specifically chose a day
04:11when her husband was away on business
04:12to marry me off.
04:13She stuffed my contract into my hand
04:15and said guiltily,
04:16Although Leon Bennett can't perform as a man,
04:18at least he spared the pain of childbirth.
04:19Don't worry.
04:20A man who's lacking in that area
04:22might excel in other ways.
04:23Don't worry.
04:25A man who's lacking in that area
04:26might excel in other ways.
04:28Honestly, that never even crossed my mind.
04:30I thought I'd serve a new household.
04:31The bridal sedan stopped.
04:32The matchmaker carried me
04:33into the general's manor.
04:34General Bennett looked half dead.
04:35I exchanged vows with his sword.
04:37On our wedding night,
04:38other brides would have sat on the wedding bed
04:39waiting for their grooms
04:40to lift the red veil.
04:41I pushed the door open
04:42and saw my husband in a crimson robe,
04:43already half reclining on the bed.
04:45General, I whispered,
04:46barely audibly,
04:47afraid a louder voice might break him.
04:48He turned toward me,
04:49his face breathtakingly handsome,
04:51yet drained of all color.
04:52Never meant to take a wife.
04:53If you don't mind,
04:54we can just be like siblings.
04:56He gestured to the bed nearby.
04:57It's our wedding night,
04:58but to keep Mom from worrying,
04:59could you crash there for tonight?
05:00You can sleep in the guest room tomorrow.
05:03He thought of everything.
05:04Nothing like I'd imagined.
05:06Before I left home,
05:07the matron whispered to me,
05:08Between husband and wife,
05:09you don't always have to use that spot.
05:11There are other ways.
05:12Learn a few tricks.
05:13It's just that you can't get pregnant.
05:14Might come in handy someday.
05:16What?
05:17She'd slipped a little booklet into my hand.
05:19I opened it,
05:20blushing as my heart pounded.
05:21Are you feeling warm?
05:22Leon's clear eyes were locked on me.
05:25Flustered, I muttered,
05:26The wedding robe was too heavy,
05:27so I felt warm.
05:28Then wash up and get some rest early.
05:29I'll turn in first.
05:30He yanked the quilt closer
05:31and lay down to sleep.
05:33He must have been beat,
05:33because soon I heard his soft,
05:35steady breathing.
05:36I walked to the vanity,
05:37took off the phoenix crown,
05:38and shed the wedding robe
05:40layer by layer
05:40until only a sheer slip was left.
05:42Staring at myself in the mirror,
05:44full breasts,
05:45a tiny waist,
05:46red lips,
05:46slender arms,
05:47eyes shimmering with tears.
05:48My lady always said,
05:49A woman like this
05:50is shamelessly wanton
05:51and should stay wrapped up tight.
05:52Suddenly,
05:52I spun around,
05:53about to duck behind the screen,
05:55and met a pair of eyes.
05:56Leon's face was even redder,
05:58his chest heaving,
06:00Adam's apple bobbing.
06:01I snatched the robe from the floor
06:03and shielded my chest,
06:05murmuring nervously,
06:06General,
06:06weren't you asleep?
06:08After a pause,
06:09his voice came low and strained.
06:10Can sleep later.
06:11My heart lurched,
06:12and I froze as he rose,
06:14his tall,
06:15lean frame looming over me.
06:16After a pause,
06:16his voice came low and strained.
06:18Can sleep later.
06:19My heart lurched,
06:20and I froze as he rose,
06:21his tall,
06:22lean frame looming over me.
06:23My heart pounded like crazy.
06:25My head was full of those images
06:26from the little booklet.
06:27We were even breathing in sync.
06:28After a moment,
06:29Leon turned toward the door.
06:31The night breeze rushed in,
06:32snapping me back to reality.
06:33He'd already vanished into the dark.
06:35I wondered why his eyes
06:36were full of shock
06:37when he was looking at me just now.
06:39Did I scare him?
06:40Before bed,
06:41I decided to bind my chest
06:43even tighter tomorrow.
06:44Half asleep,
06:44I sensed Leon come back.
06:46Water still dripped from his hair,
06:47so he'd just taken a bath.
06:49Next morning,
06:50when I woke,
06:50he was already gone.
06:51The maid,
06:52Nina,
06:52came in to do my hair.
06:53Outside,
06:54a man kept sneezing again and again.
06:55The nanny asked,
06:56concerned,
06:57General,
06:57you wanted to bathe last night.
06:58Why didn't you have me heat the water?
07:00It may be summer,
07:01but the nights are still chilly.
07:03Look at you,
07:03frozen from that cold bath.
07:05You've probably caught a chill.
07:06I'll make you some ginger tea right away.
07:08Look at you,
07:09frozen from that cold bath.
07:10You've probably caught a chill.
07:11I'll make you some ginger tea right away.
07:13Looked up,
07:15and asked Nina,
07:15Does the general really like taking cold baths?
07:17I don't know,
07:18my lady.
07:18I told her to leave.
07:19Then I locked the door.
07:20I bound my chest,
07:21layer after layer.
07:22These days,
07:22frailty was the fashion for women,
07:23but I was all curves.
07:24No wonder the general
07:25hadn't been interested in me.
07:27I went to pay my respects to Madam Bennett.
07:28Leon was already sitting beside her.
07:30She greeted me with a warm smile,
07:32but the moment Leon coughed,
07:34her face fell.
07:34Leon,
07:35I need a few
07:35private words with Elaine.
07:37Go rest for now.
07:39Leon nodded
07:39and left.
07:40Madam Bennett waved me over
07:41and had me sit close to her.
07:43She took my hand,
07:44her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
07:45Sweet girl,
07:46Leon's lucky to have you.
07:48Given his condition now,
07:50it must feel terribly unfair to you.
07:52Her smile faded,
07:53and her words grew wistful.
07:55The physician said,
07:55his vitality is gone.
07:56No one knows how long he has left.
07:58Some in the clan have urged me
08:00to have him adopt a child
08:01just for an heir.
08:02But wouldn't that ruin your whole life?
08:04But wouldn't that ruin your whole life?
08:06I'm so thankful you'd marry him
08:08to help him get better.
08:09I can't hold you back
08:10for the rest of your life.
08:11I've thought it all through for you.
08:12If that day really comes for Leon,
08:14I'll have him write you a release letter
08:16so the rest of your life in peace.
08:18I'll also add some land
08:20and a house in your name.
08:21I wiped the tears from her eyes,
08:22my heart aching.
08:23Mother-in-law,
08:24thank you for thinking of me.
08:25I only thought I was here
08:26to serve as a maid.
08:27Never dreamed she'd plan
08:27so far ahead for me.
08:28And then,
08:29I thought of the mother
08:30I'd never met.
08:31If she were alive,
08:32if I'd grown up under her care,
08:34I wouldn't have ended up like this.
08:35Madame Bennett broke
08:36into a tearful smile.
08:37Look at me.
08:38How did I even make you cry?
08:40Elaine,
08:40don't be so formal with me.
08:41Just call me mom,
08:42like Leon does.
08:43Sweet girl,
08:44I have one more favor to ask.
08:45Fiona said you can cook
08:46medicinal meals.
08:47From now on,
08:48for Leon's daily food and care,
08:50I'll have to trouble you.
08:51I just want him to live
08:52a bit longer.
08:53That's my little selfish wish.
08:54As she went on,
08:55her voice started to crack again.
08:57I nodded.
08:57Her voice started to crack again.
08:59I nodded.
09:00I'll head to the kitchen
09:00to prep the ingredients.
09:01The last time I made medicinal meals
09:02was years ago.
09:03Back then,
09:04Gregory wasn't yet Fiona's husband.
09:06His parents were both gone.
09:07He lived alone
09:07in a run-down courtyard
09:08behind my house.
09:09To save money for his studies,
09:10he often lived on just one meal a day.
09:12One day,
09:12he collapsed at my back door.
09:13I was the one who revived him.
09:14I felt sorry
09:15seeing him study so hard.
09:16I dug through my dad's medical books,
09:17made him medicinal meals daily
09:18to soothe his stomach.
09:19Only he and I knew about this.
09:21It must have been him
09:21who told Fiona,
09:22just so he could drive me away,
09:23he really went to a lot of trouble.
09:25I carried the steaming food
09:26to the bedroom.
09:27Leon was telling the help
09:28to pack his clothes.
09:30General,
09:30what are you doing?
09:31Didn't we agree
09:31I'd move to the guest room?
09:32His handsome face
09:33didn't show the slightest change.
09:35In a low voice,
09:36he said,
09:36I don't own much.
09:37I should be the one moving.
09:38General,
09:38eat first,
09:39then pack.
09:39I set the dishes on the table.
09:40He gave them a cursory glance,
09:42then sat down by the table.
09:43From now on,
09:44let the servants handle this.
09:45Can do it.
09:46No, you can't.
09:46His voice was still cold.
09:48From now on,
09:48let Nina do it.
09:49His voice was still cold.
09:50From now on,
09:50let Nina do it.
09:51He downed the soup
09:51in a few gulps,
09:52then instructed the servants.
09:53He brushed past me
09:54like the wind.
09:55At that moment,
09:56I was sure of one thing.
09:57He probably didn't want to see me.
09:58I did exactly as he said,
10:00having Nina take the medicinal meals
10:01to his study every day.
10:02Each morning,
10:02when I went to greet Madam Bennett,
10:04she kept praising me.
10:05During his daily visit,
10:06Imperial Physician Scott
10:07said Leon's pulse
10:08was far steadier.
10:09He looked much healthier to me.
10:10It was all thanks to you, Elaine.
10:12She was so pleased
10:13that she gave me a gold bangle.
10:14Back in my room,
10:15I put it into my jewelry box.
10:16Inside were all sorts of ornaments
10:18Madam Bennett had given me.
10:20Nina said,
10:20Mrs. Bennett,
10:21you don't usually wear these.
10:22Isn't it a waste
10:23to keep them stored?
10:23How is that a waste?
10:24One day,
10:25I'll trade them for cash.
10:26That's my rainy day fun.
10:27These were all gifts
10:28from Madam Bennett.
10:29Really selling them all?
10:30Not now,
10:31but if we ever part ways,
10:32I'll definitely sell them
10:33and keep cash for myself.
10:34Nina looked baffled.
10:35As she turned to leave,
10:36she whispered,
10:37General,
10:38turned and met Leon's eyes,
10:39dark as ink.
10:40Madam Bennett's eyesight
10:41must really be failing.
10:42I turned and met Leon's eyes,
10:43dark as ink.
10:44Madam Bennett's eyesight
10:45must really be failing.
10:46Leon looked even paler than before.
10:48His eyes were razor sharp.
10:49He fixed an icy stare on me.
10:50It had freaked me out a little,
10:51but I hadn't let it show.
10:53General,
10:53what brings you here?
10:54Left some old things in this room.
10:56Came to pick them up.
10:57Let me help you,
10:57General.
10:58Somehow,
10:59Nina was gone.
11:00Leon said,
11:01It's a notebook.
11:02General,
11:03do you remember where you put it?
11:05No idea.
11:06Dug through boxes and drawers,
11:07making random small talk
11:08as I went.
11:08After a bit,
11:09spotted a notebook shoved
11:10at the back of the top shelf.
11:12The moment I stretched up
11:13on tiptoe to grab it,
11:14another hand landed on it too.
11:15The skin he brushed
11:16instantly burned hot.
11:17For the first time,
11:18I gazed at his face up close.
11:19He was gorgeous.
11:20Skin like porcelain,
11:22strong brows,
11:22starry eyes,
11:23deep as a mountain pool
11:24with no bottom in sight.
11:25I swallowed hard
11:26and turned to take the notebook,
11:27but lost my balance on tiptoe
11:29and tumbled right into his arms.
11:30In that split second,
11:31my chest crashed into his.
11:33I scrambled up,
11:34flustered.
11:34Leon's chest heaved violently.
11:36His face was on fire.
11:38Leon's chest heaved violently.
11:40His face was on fire.
11:41General,
11:41here's your notebook.
11:42I won't see you out.
11:43He took it
11:44and walked off without a word.
11:46Now he probably thinks
11:47even less of me.
11:48After that day,
11:49I did everything
11:49to avoid running into Leon
11:51so I wouldn't upset him.
11:52He was a patient.
11:53He needed to stay cheerful.
11:54But I got a new headache.
11:56Gregory kept sending people
11:57with notes.
11:58He wanted to see me.
11:59I never even read them.
12:00Just stuffed them into a box.
12:01Today,
12:02Nina slipped a note
12:02into my hand
12:04and whispered,
12:04Mrs. Bennett,
12:05this time it's more than a note.
12:06He's waiting at the side door.
12:08He says if you won't see him,
12:09he won't read.
12:10I clenched my fists
12:11and stormed out,
12:12fuming.
12:12I glimpsed a figure in the yard
12:13trailing me,
12:14but I ignored it.
12:15I opened the door.
12:16Gregory was standing there.
12:18Elaine,
12:18you finally agreed to see me.
12:20Neighbor's son-in-law,
12:20you should be calling me
12:21Mrs. Bennett.
12:22He paused,
12:23then lowered his voice.
12:24Mrs. Bennett,
12:24do you realize
12:25asking to meet me like this
12:26over and over
12:27could ruin my name?
12:28I know.
12:28I just wanted to tell you
12:29I'm about to get promoted.
12:31I know.
12:31I just wanted to tell you
12:32I'm about to get promoted.
12:34By then,
12:34I won't have to rely
12:34on my father-in-law anymore.
12:35Elaine,
12:36I'll buy us a mansion.
12:37Stick with me.
12:38It's better than sticking
12:38with that sick man.
12:39As he got more worked up,
12:40he even reached out
12:41trying to hug me.
12:42I stepped back
12:43and sneered.
12:43So you want me
12:44to be your mistress?
12:45Gregory nodded
12:45in all seriousness.
12:46I burst out laughing.
12:48Why would I give up
12:49being the general's wife
12:50just to be your mistress?
12:51Everyone in the capital knows
12:52Leon Bennett's got
12:53one foot in the grave already.
12:54He won't last much longer.
12:56Besides,
12:56he's not even a real man.
12:58His eyes drifted to my chest.
12:59Wouldn't that be a waste on you?
13:01Felt a surge of disgust.
13:03Gregory,
13:03I know exactly
13:04what you're after.
13:05I once saved you,
13:06but when I needed you most,
13:07you shut the door on me.
13:08Now,
13:08to ease that tiny bit of guilt,
13:10you want to screw up
13:11the rest of my life?
13:12He grew even more anxious.
13:12Give me some time.
13:13I'll convince Fiona
13:14to let you in as a concubine.
13:16I'm not going to be
13:16anyone's concubine,
13:17and I'll never be your mistress.
13:18So stop pestering me.
13:19My husband's a war hero,
13:20a celebrated general.
13:22If he finds out,
13:23what future will you have left?
13:29I'd hit where it hurt.
13:30What he cared about most
13:31was his own prospects.
13:32The second I finished,
13:33his face went pale.
13:34You'd rather marry a cripple
13:35than pick me?
13:36Glared at him.
13:37My husband fights
13:38to defend this land.
13:38Those scars are his medals.
13:40You benefit from his sacrifice,
13:41so you've got no right
13:42to badmouth him.
13:43In my eyes,
13:43he's a real man.
13:45Unlike you,
13:46sound body,
13:47filthy heart.
13:48At that,
13:48I slammed the door.
13:49I turned and saw Leon
13:50draped in a teal robe.
13:52He stood tall
13:52less than half a foot from me.
13:54General.
13:55I stammered.
13:56Guilty.
13:56A faint razor edge
13:57flickered in his gaze.
13:58Weren't you just calling me
13:59your husband?
14:00Why so distant now?
14:02Don't get me wrong,
14:02General.
14:03As long as I live
14:04in your manor,
14:04I'll keep to a wife's duty
14:06and never stray.
14:07It's getting late.
14:08I need to prepare
14:09your medicinal meal.
14:10Head lowered.
14:11I spoke while walking off,
14:12just wanting to bolt.
14:13As I passed him,
14:14his big hand clamped
14:15around my arm,
14:16and before I steadied myself,
14:17I fell into his arms.
14:18His big hand clamped
14:19around my arm,
14:20and before I steadied myself,
14:21I fell into his arms.
14:22My eyes met Leon's
14:23dark, unfathomable gaze.
14:24He only had to lean in a little,
14:25and our lips would touch.
14:26His warm breath
14:27brushed my face.
14:28My heart went wild.
14:30Heat rushed to my cheeks.
14:31Leon swallowed hard.
14:32Word by word,
14:33he asked.
14:33What's with
14:34as long as I live
14:34in your manor,
14:35so you'll leave one day?
14:36Couldn't very well tell him
14:38that I'd leave
14:38when he was dead,
14:39so I denied it flat out.
14:41No, that's not what I meant.
14:42General, it hurts.
14:44Was everything
14:44you just said for real?
14:46Blinked.
14:46Which part?
14:47He sighed softly
14:48and let go.
14:50I felt like a kid
14:51caught red-handed
14:52and bolted.
14:53For the first time,
14:54his face held some color.
14:55His cheeks were burning.
14:57That night,
14:57I had a strange dream.
14:59In it,
14:59Leon's lips brushed
15:00against my cheek,
15:01his hand tugging
15:01at my underrobe,
15:02his voice low
15:03and tempting.
15:03Want it, m'lady?
15:05Spellbound,
15:05I nodded.
15:06His kiss crashed
15:07into mine,
15:07fierce and hungry.
15:08A soft silken drizzle
15:09wrapped around us.
15:10I jolted awake,
15:11flustered.
15:11My heart hammered
15:12in my chest.
15:12A soft silken drizzle
15:13wrapped around us.
15:14I jolted awake,
15:15flustered.
15:15My heart hammered
15:16in my chest.
15:16Nina knocked
15:17and stepped in.
15:18I told her
15:18to fetch a basin
15:19of cold water.
15:19She stared at my
15:20sweat-damp hair,
15:21muttering to herself,
15:22It really is
15:22getting hotter and hotter.
15:23Scooped up cold water
15:24and slapped my face.
15:25Suddenly,
15:25I remembered how Leon
15:26took a cold bath
15:27on our wedding night.
15:28Could he also?
15:29No way.
15:30He's injured.
15:30He should be keeping
15:31his desires in check.
15:32At noon,
15:33Madam Bennett's maid
15:34brought me a message.
15:35Madam Bennett wants
15:36dinner in the garden tonight
15:37and she insists
15:38you be there.
15:38Lately,
15:39to dodge Leon,
15:40I'd been skipping meals
15:41in the main hall.
15:42Now that Madam Bennett
15:42had sent word,
15:43I couldn't refuse.
15:44I stepped into the garden
15:45where a pomegranate tree
15:46blazed in full bloom.
15:47A breeze swept through,
15:48making the fiery blossoms
15:49flare like flames.
15:50A few blood-red petals
15:51drifted onto the stone table
15:52in the pavilion.
15:53It was piled high
15:54with all my favorite dishes.
15:55Madam Bennett motioned
15:56for me to sit.
15:57Leon said,
15:57Today's your birthday
15:58and he had the kitchen
15:59make all this for you.
16:01Leon said,
16:02Today's your birthday
16:02and he had the kitchen
16:04make all this for you.
16:05Looked up and met
16:06those smoldering eyes.
16:07My cheeks went hot.
16:08Leon calmly slid
16:09the chestnut cake
16:10right in front of me.
16:11I asked him,
16:12General,
16:12how did you know
16:13it's my birthday?
16:13Even I forgot.
16:15My birth mother
16:15had died in labor,
16:16so no one had ever
16:17marked the day for me.
16:18He dropped his gaze,
16:18avoiding my eyes,
16:19and murmured,
16:20It's on our marriage contract.
16:21Your birth details.
16:22My heart fluttered
16:23for no reason.
16:24Elaine,
16:24this jar of peach wine
16:25is my prized stash.
16:26I'm opening it just for you.
16:28You too,
16:28don't drink yourself silly.
16:29With that,
16:30she stood and added,
16:31Summer nights
16:31are breezy.
16:32Then she left us
16:32to drink alone.
16:33The moment Madam Bennett
16:34walked away,
16:35the air seemed to freeze.
16:36To break the awkward silence,
16:37I started knocking back
16:38cup after cup.
16:39The peach wine
16:40was sweet but strong.
16:41Before I knew it,
16:42my head was spinning.
16:43I groped for the empty plate
16:45and looked up
16:46and asked Leon,
16:46Where's the last piece
16:47of chestnut cake?
16:48His lips twitched
16:48as he whispered,
16:49I ate it.
16:50God knows where
16:51I got the nerve,
16:52but I leaned in
16:52close to his face.
16:53His lips twitched
16:54as he whispered,
16:55I ate it.
16:55God knows where
16:56I got the nerve,
16:56but I leaned in
16:57close to his face.
16:58I said crossly,
16:59Who allowed you?
17:00Spit it out.
17:00Leon instantly
17:01opened his mouth.
17:02Come get it yourself.
17:03I bent down,
17:04peering into his mouth.
17:05Leon chuckled,
17:06You're not going
17:06to find it.
17:07Tipped my head back,
17:08staring at him,
17:09and asked,
17:09Then how do I find it?
17:10Its faint blush
17:11rose on his cheeks.
17:12Keeping a straight face,
17:12he said.
17:13Try using your mouth.
17:14My gaze slid
17:14to his slightly
17:15reddened lips.
17:16I swallowed hard.
17:17Without thinking,
17:17I kissed him.
17:18Leon froze.
17:19His breathing quickened.
17:20He soon took control,
17:22clasped the back of my head,
17:23pulling me in
17:24and deepening the kiss.
17:25We didn't break apart
17:25until footsteps
17:27sounded behind the flowers.
17:28General,
17:28the night's getting chilly.
17:29Madam sent me
17:30to bring you two cloaks.
17:31No idea how much she saw.
17:32I shot to my feet,
17:33but the next second,
17:34the world spun
17:35and I collapsed.
17:36When I woke
17:36with my head splitting,
17:37it was already morning.
17:38Shot to my feet,
17:39but the next second,
17:40the world spun
17:41and I collapsed.
17:42When I woke
17:42with my head splitting,
17:43it was already morning.
17:44I remembered
17:45I'd promised Madam Bennett
17:45to go with her
17:46to Grace Abbey
17:46and offer incense.
17:47I scrambled to get ready.
17:49Mrs. Bennett,
17:49take it easy.
17:50Just now I saw the coachman
17:51still hitching up the horses.
17:52Sina,
17:52you helped me back
17:53last night, right?
17:54No, Mrs. Bennett.
17:55The general carried you in.
17:56I turned and stared
17:57at her to make sure.
17:57She nodded seriously.
17:59I didn't babble
18:00anything crazy, did I?
18:01Oh, you did.
18:02After General laid you
18:03on the bed,
18:03you grabbed his sleeve
18:04and wouldn't let him go,
18:05calling him your husband.
18:06The general's face
18:07went bright red.
18:08Tina, stop talking nonsense.
18:09She covered her mouth,
18:10laughing as she ran out.
18:11I headed to the front gate
18:12to meet Madam Bennett.
18:13Grace Abbey was on Lion's Hill
18:14outside the Capitol.
18:15I sat in the carriage,
18:16spaced out,
18:16replaying the kiss
18:17I forced on Leon.
18:18Madam Bennett might have read
18:19too much into it,
18:20she said.
18:20Elaine,
18:21do you have someone you like?
18:22These days I've seen you
18:23dodging Leon.
18:24Please don't blame me
18:25for arranging that dinner
18:25for you two yesterday.
18:26These days I've seen you
18:27avoiding Leon.
18:28Please don't blame me
18:29for setting you two up
18:30for dinner yesterday.
18:31Figured if you can't be
18:31husband and wife,
18:32you can still be friends.
18:33If you feel uncomfortable
18:34or want out,
18:34just say so.
18:36I'll make him divorce you.
18:37I won't hold you back.
18:38Mom, no.
18:39I was thinking about
18:40something else.
18:41What is it?
18:41I was trying to figure out
18:42how to say it.
18:43Suddenly the carriage
18:43lurched violently.
18:44A shrill whinny
18:45pierced the air.
18:45The horses bolted,
18:47racing toward the woods.
18:48I stuck my head out the window.
18:49The coachman was already gone.
18:51The horses tore through
18:52the mountains like crazy.
18:53We were tossed around inside,
18:54flung up, down,
18:55side to side.
18:56It hurt like hell.
18:57Mom screamed and burst into tears.
18:58Elaine, Elaine,
19:00what do we do?
19:00Braced myself,
19:01leaned farther out the window.
19:03Shit,
19:04there was a cliff ahead.
19:04Mom, don't panic.
19:06Hold on to me tight.
19:07I'll protect you.
19:08Let's jump.
19:08We can't.
19:09We'll get hurt.
19:11Mom, the cliff's
19:12right in front of us.
19:12If we don't jump,
19:13we're dead,
19:14shielded her.
19:14And the moment
19:15the horses stumbled,
19:16we leaped off
19:16and tumbled down the cliff.
19:17Luckily,
19:18I grabbed a branch
19:19jutting from the cliff
19:20with one hand
19:20and clung to
19:21Madam Bennett with the other.
19:22I grabbed a branch
19:23jutting from the cliff
19:24with one hand
19:24and clung to
19:25Madam Bennett with the other.
19:26Below her yawned
19:27a bottomless abyss.
19:28Mom, don't look down.
19:29Hold on to me.
19:30Nina and the others
19:31are right behind us.
19:32They'll be here
19:32to help us any second.
19:34The branch creaked.
19:35Through her sobs,
19:36Madam Bennett said,
19:37Elaine, let go.
19:38You can't hold us both.
19:39That branch is going to snap.
19:40I'm already old.
19:41Not much time left.
19:42You have to keep living.
19:43Rush of grief
19:44flooded my chest.
19:45How could I just let go?
19:46In my heart,
19:46she'd long been my real mom.
19:48Mom,
19:49I'd rather die with you
19:50than stand by
19:51and watch you fall.
19:52Hang on, please.
19:53They'll be here any second
19:54to pull us up.
19:54Truth was,
19:55I wasn't sure we'd make it.
19:56It felt like my body
19:56was about to tear in two.
19:58The pain so bad
19:59it had gone numb,
19:59hopeless.
20:00I started hearing things.
20:01It was Leon.
20:02Elaine, don't move.
20:04I'm coming down to get you.
20:05He'd never called my name before.
20:06Suddenly,
20:06a strong arm caught me.
20:07He tied the rope
20:08around my waist,
20:09then climbed down
20:10and secured Madam Bennett.
20:12Everyone up top
20:12hauled together.
20:13We were saved.
20:14It wasn't just my imagination.
20:15Everyone up top
20:16hauled together.
20:17We were saved.
20:18It wasn't just my imagination.
20:19Leon really saved me.
20:20He held me in his arms
20:21and said, frowning,
20:22Why is there so much blood?
20:23Madam Bennett said,
20:24Elaine shielded me.
20:25When we leaped,
20:26she shielded me.
20:27I'm completely unscathed.
20:28She's the one hurt.
20:29She covered her face and sobbed.
20:30My eyelids were as heavy as lead.
20:32Elaine, don't fall asleep.
20:33I'll get you to a doctor.
20:34He lifted me into the carriage.
20:36I curled up against his chest.
20:37Tiny beads of sweat
20:38dotted Leon's forehead.
20:39He cracked the whip with one hand
20:40while he kept talking to me.
20:42Elaine, stay awake.
20:43I'll buy you chestnut cakes.
20:44I'll load you up with gold and jewels.
20:46Okay?
20:47You needn't wait till I die.
20:48I'll write the divorce letter right now
20:49so you can leave any time.
20:51My heart clenched again and again.
20:52Something wet,
20:53a drop,
20:53landed on my face.
20:54I forced my eyes open
20:55and caught a flash of the blue sky.
20:57But it wasn't raining.
20:58The next moment,
20:59everything went black.
21:00I opened my eyes.
21:01My whole body felt like it had fallen apart.
21:03Mrs. Bennett,
21:03the imperial physician said you mustn't move.
21:05The pain in my body told me
21:06I was still alive.
21:07Nina brought over a bowl of medicine
21:08and fed me slowly.
21:10Mrs. Bennett,
21:10thank goodness you didn't break any bones.
21:12Nina brought over a bowl of medicine
21:13and fed me slowly.
21:14Mrs. Bennett,
21:15thank goodness you didn't break any bones.
21:16But you're covered in scrapes and bruises.
21:18If you don't want scars,
21:19you'd better stay in bed.
21:20Your wrist dislocated too.
21:21She kept rambling on,
21:22but my eyes and thoughts
21:24were already been at the door.
21:25When I finished the medicine,
21:26I asked her,
21:26Where's the general?
21:27He went to look into the runaway horse.
21:29Was it intentional?
21:30Yes.
21:30They found cold food powder in the feet,
21:31a drug that hypes the horses up.
21:33Who'd have been gutsy enough for that?
21:34Dared mess with General Bennett?
21:36Delayed in bed for a whole month.
21:37I hadn't seen Leon once.
21:39Madam Bennett had been so shaken,
21:40she kept her door shut day and night.
21:41Everyone in the house was tense and cold.
21:43Like something awful had happened.
21:44I asked Nina,
21:45but she said nothing.
21:46Today,
21:46I finally was able to get up.
21:47I opened the door
21:48and ran right into a cool,
21:49aloof figure.
21:49Leon stood there in a dark blue robe,
21:51making his features look even sharper than before.
21:53He handed me a wooden box.
21:54Puzzled,
21:54I opened it.
21:55Inside was a land deed,
21:56a house deed,
21:57and a divorce letter.
21:58My whole body went rigid,
21:59like some invisible force was holding me.
22:01I wasn't able to move.
22:02General,
22:02are you kicking me out?
22:03My whole body went rigid,
22:05like some invisible force was holding me.
22:07I wasn't able to move.
22:08General,
22:08are you kicking me out?
22:09When Leon looked at me,
22:10his eyes were cold.
22:12No,
22:12you've waited for this a long time.
22:14You avoid me whenever you can,
22:15because you don't want any ties to me.
22:17When I die,
22:18will you be able to leave freely?
22:19I'm just setting you free a bit early.
22:21Elaine,
22:21just go.
22:22From now on,
22:23you've got nothing to do with me.
22:24A sour ache flooded my chest.
22:26My mouth opened and closed,
22:27and only after a while did any words come out.
22:29So in your eyes,
22:30that's what I am.
22:31He turned his back to me,
22:32never once looking back.
22:33Get out,
22:33now.
22:34I don't want to see you again.
22:35Leon's figure vanished from the courtyard in a flash.
22:37The servants practically shoved me out of the gate.
22:40Just as I was leaving,
22:41Nina climbed into the carriage with me.
22:42Mrs. Bennett?
22:43No.
22:44Miss,
22:45General said you're used to me here,
22:46so he wants me with you.
22:46I was speechless.
22:47We moved into a small courtyard.
22:49The next day,
22:49the authorities posted a notice.
22:50Leon Bennett had lost the battle a year ago.
22:52We moved into a small courtyard.
22:53The next day,
22:54the authorities posted a notice.
22:55Leon Bennett had lost the battle a year ago.
22:57They said he betrayed the nation
22:58and sold the defense map to foreign forces.
23:00His majesty had sentenced him to death
23:01and threw him in prison.
23:02The general's manor had been sealed off.
23:04Everyone was awaiting judgment,
23:05but Leon was a man of real integrity.
23:07How could he possibly be a traitor?
23:08He'd been so desperate to send me away.
23:10Was that why?
23:11Nina was pacing in circles,
23:12frantic.
23:12She'd grown up in the general's manor,
23:14so she wanted the...
23:15I'm safe.
23:15Miss,
23:16is there anything we can do?
23:17I forced myself to calm down
23:18and tried to remember.
23:19When dad had still been alive,
23:20he'd once saved a man dying of tuberculosis.
23:22He was with the Ministry of Justice.
23:24He'd even come to our home to thank dad.
23:26I ran into him that day.
23:27He'd even praised me a bit.
23:27I remembered his surname was Grant.
23:29After asking around,
23:30I stopped Mr. Grant's sedan
23:30on his way back from court.
23:32Do you still remember me?
23:33I'm Elaine Hart.
23:34He stroked his beard and chuckled.
23:36You're all grown up now.
23:37Sir, to be straight with you,
23:38I'm here to beg a favor today.
23:39That's why I had to stop you.
23:40My husband's locked up
23:41in the Imperial prison now.
23:42Please, let me see him just once.
23:44Mr. Grant frowned.
23:45Who's your husband?
23:46Leon Bennett.
23:47His face tightened.
23:48I kept begging him.
23:49Mr. Grant frowned.
23:50Who's your husband?
23:51Leon Bennett.
23:52His face tightened.
23:53I kept begging him.
23:54He finally agreed.
23:54The guard who led me in
23:55kept warning me.
23:56General Bennett is a serious felon.
23:58You can stay no more than an hour.
24:00The lock clanked open.
24:01Leon rose to his feet.
24:02Surprise.
24:02Flickered across his face.
24:03What are you doing here?
24:04My chest tightened with grief.
24:05I peered at him through the misty air.
24:07General, is this why you kicked me out?
24:09You were framed, right?
24:11Think about it.
24:12Do you have any proof of your innocence?
24:13I'll dig around.
24:14I'll find it.
24:15I swear I'll get you out.
24:16Leon's gaze grew deeper.
24:17Suddenly, his arms shot out,
24:19pulling me into his arms.
24:20Elaine.
24:21My heart pounded wildly,
24:22but time was ticking.
24:23This was no moment for romance.
24:25I braced my hands against him,
24:26but couldn't push him away.
24:27He only tightened his hold.
24:29His voice was barely a murmur,
24:30like a feather brushing my ear.
24:31Elaine, once you're out,
24:32do nothing.
24:33Walls have ears.
24:34I can't say more.
24:35I promise.
24:35In seven days,
24:36we'll watch the sunrise together.
24:37Okay?
24:38His eyes were unwavering.
24:39Not like he was lying to me.
24:40I nodded.
24:41As I walked out of the prison,
24:43I ran into Gregory on official business.
24:45I nodded.
24:45As I walked out of the prison,
24:47I ran into Gregory on official business.
24:49He blocked my way
24:49and curled his lips in a sly grin.
24:51Elaine, it's not too late to back out.
24:53Being my mistress beats being alone
24:54and trashed by everyone.
24:56Slapped him hard.
24:58Yet lost.
24:58He lunged to grab me,
24:59but I slipped past him in a flash.
25:01If you keep pestering me,
25:01I swear I'll take those notes
25:03you've been sneaking me lately
25:04and dump them at the Grand Tudor's estate.
25:05See if the Grand Tudor
25:06and his wife let you off.
25:07You used to poison Miss Clark
25:08against me, didn't you?
25:10You wanted her to kick me out,
25:11figuring I'd be cornered
25:12and crawl back to you.
25:13Too bad you never thought
25:15she'd marry me to General Bennett,
25:17a guy you can't afford to cross.
25:18His face flushed and then paled.
25:19While he was stunned,
25:20I bolted.
25:21Scum like him,
25:22the farther away, the better.
25:23Even though Leon kept swearing
25:24he wouldn't break his word,
25:25I still tossed and turned for five nights.
25:27By the sixth afternoon,
25:28Nina and I spotted an imperial notice
25:30at the court gate.
25:30Turned out the traitors were
25:31the second prince and the chancellor.
25:33The second prince coveted
25:34the crown prince's throne
25:34and Leon was the crown prince's right-hand man.
25:36The second prince coveted
25:37the crown prince's throne
25:38and Leon was the crown prince's right-hand man.
25:40So he planted a mole into Leon's ranks
25:41to steal the defense map.
25:42He even meant to get Leon killed.
25:44So Leon had been faking sickness
25:45the whole time.
25:46Why fake being sick
25:47and claim you can't get it up?
25:48I kept thinking about all this.
25:49Didn't sleep a wink all night.
25:50By dawn, the sky was turning bright.
25:52A knock came from the door.
25:53I dashed over and flung it open
25:54and dove straight into Leon's arms.
25:56He froze like he'd been struck by lightning.
25:58Standing stiff as the board,
25:59not hugging me back,
26:00I followed his gaze down.
26:01Oh, fuck.
26:02I'd run out so fast,
26:03I'd forgotten to bind my chest.
26:04I spun to leave,
26:05but he yanked me back.
26:06Running off?
26:07You don't want me?
26:08Face burning,
26:09I dropped my head
26:10and pointed at my full chest.
26:11Who said that?
26:12He chuckled.
26:13I looked up at him.
26:15Leon leaned down.
26:15His face inches from mine,
26:17our lips almost touching.
26:18Elaine,
26:18I like every inch of you.
26:20Our eyes locked.
26:21The heat between us could melt steel.
26:24Suddenly,
26:24he swept me up
26:25and headed for the bedroom.
26:26I thumped his chest.
26:27Didn't you say
26:28we'd watch the sunrise?
26:29I want to see you first.
26:29We crashed onto the bed together.
26:31I want to see you first.
26:32We crashed onto the bed together.
26:33Leon slipped the tie
26:34at my chest loose.
26:35I covered his eyes with my hand.
26:36Don't look.
26:36I'm a mess.
26:37He moved my hand away.
26:38His breathing turned quick.
26:39His voice was gentle and soft.
26:40Oh, you're gorgeous.
26:41Leon's eyes was sparkling.
26:43My heart was pounding like crazy.
26:45I pressed my hand to his rock-hard chest.
26:46Didn't the physician say,
26:47you can't perform?
26:48He leaned over me and kissed my ear.
26:49You'll see it for yourself.
26:51In that instant,
26:52everything in my vision started to spin.
26:54Through the drowsy haze,
26:55I tried to focus on them.
26:56Only for Leon's gorgeous face
26:58to block my view,
26:59he murmured in my ear.
27:00Elaine,
27:01I once had a dream.
27:02What dream?
27:03He recounted it in a low, husky voice.
27:05And it was exactly the same as mine.
27:07I was speechless.
27:08My thoughts were a tangled mess,
27:09boiling over like a pot on the stove.
27:10Right before I drifted off,
27:11I cursed that physician silently
27:13who'd taken Leon's pulse,
27:14calling him a quack.
27:14He'd really dared to lie through his teeth.
27:16Leon was definitely more than good.
27:17Once the general's manner had been unse-
27:18Leon had taken me into the palace
27:19to meet the crown prince.
27:20Once the general's manner had been unse-
27:22Leon had taken me into the palace
27:23to meet the crown prince.
27:24The prince gave me a long,
27:25appraising look.
27:25He teased.
27:26So I finally get to see you.
27:27Elaine, your charm is something else.
27:29You even melted this block of ice.
27:30Your highness, I'm flattered.
27:32Your husband helped wipe out traitors.
27:33You deserve credit too.
27:34I'll ask his majesty to grant you a noble title.
27:37Thank you, your highness.
27:38Mrs. Bennett,
27:38don't blame your man.
27:40Pretending to be sick
27:40was just part of our plan.
27:42Too many people want Leon dead,
27:43so we had to make them think
27:44he was already on his last legs.
27:46As for the rumor he's impotent,
27:47I told the imperial physician to spread it.
27:48We grew up together.
27:49He's never had a woman by his side.
27:51Always so ascetic and aloof,
27:52so I figured I'd mess with him a bit.
27:54Cynical smile flickered
27:54across the crown prince's face.
27:56Then it all clicked.
27:57It was just friends messing around,
27:58so when we fell off the cliff,
27:59that was your highness.
28:00Yeah.
28:01He nodded lazily.
28:02They tried to make it an accident,
28:03but never thought they'd hurt you.
28:05Don't be scared, Mrs. Bennett.
28:06They tried to make it an accident,
28:07but never thought they'd hurt you.
28:09Don't be scared, Mrs. Bennett.
28:10This time, we rooted it out,
28:11wiping out those damn traitors for good.
28:13Your husband's safe.
28:14Took a deep breath.
28:15Thinking of it still scared me.
28:17Court politics were downright treacherous.
28:19Back from the palace,
28:20we barely stepped inside
28:21when we heard a woman sobbing.
28:22Nina said,
28:23Mrs. Bennett, please go take a look.
28:24Ms. Clark burst into tears on entering.
28:26Madam Bennett can't bear it anymore,
28:27said to Leon.
28:28Go to the study.
28:29I'll deal with her.
28:30He nodded.
28:31Days ago, I heard Gregory
28:32was in the second prince's crew.
28:34Since the grand tutor knew nothing,
28:35his majesty had let him off the hook.
28:37Fiona and Gregory were already divorced,
28:39so why was she bawling in my place?
28:40I sat down beside her.
28:42She still couldn't stop sobbing.
28:43Her haggard face streaked with tears,
28:45eyes swollen and red,
28:46with none of her usual fire left.
28:48If you keep crying,
28:48I'll have someone carry you out.
28:50Fiona shut up at once,
28:51though her shoulders kept shaking.
28:53I misjudged him.
28:53I thought marrying a man
28:54from a humble family
28:55meant he'd bend to my every whim.
28:56Never thought he'd turn out
28:57to be such a traitor.
28:58I warned you ages ago,
28:59he is bad news.
28:59I rolled my eyes.
29:01Now that I was no longer her maid,
29:02I didn't need to hold back.
29:04Now that I was no longer her maid,
29:06I didn't have to be so restrained
29:07when I spoke.
29:07Your warning was too subtle.
29:09She just turned
29:09and looked at me tearfully.
29:10Back then,
29:11I treated you like crap.
29:12Did you hate me for it?
29:12No, miss.
29:13You just say what you think.
29:14You're not a bad person.
29:15I did curse you in my head,
29:17but I don't hold grudges.
29:18What?
29:18You cussed me out in your head?
29:19I shrugged.
29:20Yeah?
29:21You gonna punish me?
29:22Fiona shot me a glare,
29:23then gave a tearful smile.
29:24Sorry.
29:25To force you to marry,
29:26I even slapped you.
29:26Did it hurt?
29:27I forgot ages ago.
29:28Then slap me back,
29:29so we're even.
29:30She closed her eyes
29:31and bit her lower lip.
29:32I lifted my hand
29:33and gently brushed her cheek.
29:35Her eyes flew wide
29:35and stared at me in shock.
29:36Already got Gregory back
29:38for that slap.
29:39Then stop calling me Miss.
29:41Call me Fiona.
29:42Can we be friends from now on?
29:43Forget it.
29:43I don't like crybaby friends.
29:45Fiona bugged me for ages,
29:46and I only escaped
29:47once it was dark.
29:48Heading back to my room,
29:49the candles were still burning
29:50in Leon's study.
29:51I pushed the door open
29:51and walked in.
29:52Someone suddenly jumped out
29:53behind me
29:53and put an arm around my waist.
29:55Bastard!
29:55I'm the general's wife,
29:56and you still dare.
29:57Someone suddenly jumped out
29:58behind me
29:59and wrapped an arm
29:59around my waist.
30:00Bastard!
30:00I'm the general's wife.
30:02Still dare act up?
30:02I've been drooling over you
30:03for ages, ma'am.
30:04Tonight,
30:04I'm finally tasting those lips.
30:05Leon is really into this.
30:06His lips crashed onto mine.
30:07Ink, brushes,
30:08and paper clattered
30:09off the desk.
30:10I started to panic.
30:11I braced both hands
30:12against his chest.
30:12Really doing this here?
30:13Mmm, right here.
30:14My mouth kept saying no,
30:16but my body was all in.
30:17Before I knew it,
30:17my hand was tracing his abs.
30:19He murmured in my ear.
30:20Elaine,
30:20you don't even know.
30:22In this study,
30:22I've dreamed of you
30:23over and over.
30:25Wanted to curse him out,
30:25but with all the rocking,
30:26I couldn't get a single word out.
30:28When I came to again,
30:29dawn was already breaking.
30:30Leon was already awake.
30:31He was sitting up in bed,
30:32his eyes on me.
30:33His gentle gaze
30:34was almost too much.
30:35Wake?
30:35He asked softly.
30:36He brushed the stray hair
30:37off my forehead.
30:38I nodded
30:39and rubbed the sleep
30:40from my eyes.
30:41Suddenly,
30:41I remembered he'd said
30:42we'd watch the sunrise.
30:43The sunrise!
30:43Shot upright.
30:44A bit anxious,
30:45I blurted out.
30:46Leon chuckled.
30:46He reached out
30:47and pressed me back down.
30:48Don't rush.
30:48There's still time.
30:49Leon Bennett had chuckled.
30:50He reached out
30:50and pressed me back down.
30:51Don't rush.
30:52There's still time.
30:53He sat up,
30:53swung out of bed,
30:54and grabbed some clothes for me.
30:55Carefully,
30:55he helped me dress.
30:56His hands were gentle and smooth,
30:58like he'd done it
30:58a thousand times before.
30:59We left the room side by side.
31:01The dawn air was crisp and fresh.
31:03A faint scent of grass
31:04drifted around us.
31:04The sky was already
31:05been pale gray.
31:06Distant peaks
31:07faded in and out
31:08of the morning mist.
31:09It looked like
31:09an inkwash painting.
31:10We stopped beneath
31:11a pomegranate tree.
31:12Leon slipped his arms
31:13around me from behind.
31:13His chin rested lightly
31:14on my head.
31:15Together,
31:15we gazed at the lightning sky.
31:16Slowly,
31:17the sun lifted
31:17over the horizon.
31:19Gold lights
31:19sliced through the fog
31:20and spilled across the land.
31:21The sky flared
31:22a brilliant orange-red.
31:23Clouds gleamed
31:24with golden edges.
31:25It was breathtaking.
31:26Sunlight bathed us,
31:27wrapping us
31:28in gentle warmth,
31:29as if every shadow
31:30and worry
31:31had melted away.
31:32You like it?
31:33Leon whispered
31:33in my ear,
31:34as if every shadow
31:35and worry
31:36had melted away.
31:37You like it?
31:38Leon whispered
31:38in my ear,
31:39Like it?
31:40I nodded,
31:41overwhelmed with emotion.
31:42A view like this,
31:43a moment like this,
31:44and the one I love
31:44right next to me.
31:45Maybe this is what
31:46real happiness felt like.
31:47He tightened his arms,
31:48holding me even closer.
31:49From now on,
31:50I'll watch every sunrise
31:51and sunset with you
31:52and be here with you forever.
31:53I turned around,
31:54rose on tiptoe,
31:55and kissed his lips.
31:56Deal!
31:57Sunlight sifted
31:58through the pomegranate leaves,
31:59dappled the ground
31:59with light and shadow.
32:01Our figures froze
32:01in that lovely morning glow,
32:03like an eternal picture.
32:04In the days after,
32:05the General's manner
32:06regained its old bustle.
32:07Madam Bennett
32:08was also on the mend,
32:09pulling me aside
32:09to chat every day.
32:10A kind smile
32:11never left her face.
32:12The servants
32:12finally breathed easy,
32:14their smiles returning too.
32:15One afternoon,
32:16I was in the yard
32:17trimming the plants
32:18when Nina came racing over.
32:20Madam.
32:20I was in the yard
32:21trimming the plants
32:22when Nina came racing over.
32:24Madam,
32:25Miss Clark's here again.
32:26She brought a bunch
32:26of stuff this time.
32:27Hearing that,
32:28I paused,
32:29then gave a helpless smile.
32:30Ever since Fiona
32:31had showed up crying last time,
32:32she'd been popping
32:33into the General's manner.
32:34She said she was making up
32:35for what she owed me,
32:36but honestly,
32:36she was just bored
32:37and wanted someone
32:38to chat with.
32:39Let her in.
32:39I set the scissors down
32:41and brushed the dirt
32:41off my hands.
32:42Soon enough,
32:43Fiona followed Nina in.
32:45She was in a plain,
32:46elegant dress,
32:46less edge than before,
32:48a bit more gentle.
32:49Her maid had lugged
32:50several food boxes behind her,
32:51packed with all kinds
32:52of pastries and fruit.
32:53Elaine,
32:53I made your favorite
32:54chestnut cake today.
32:56Brought it over for you to try.
32:57She stopped in front of me,
32:58smiling like she wanted
32:59my approval.
33:00After divorce,
33:01she'd calmed down a lot.
33:03She'd finally realized
33:04how ridiculous she used to be.
33:05I nodded,
33:06motioning for Nina
33:07to take the boxes.
33:08Thanks for the trouble.
33:09Come on,
33:09no need to be formal.
33:10Fiona waved it off,
33:11glancing around the yard.
33:13Where's General Bennett?
33:14He's not home?
33:15Fiona waved it off,
33:16glancing around the yard.
33:18Where's General Bennett?
33:19He's not home?
33:20He went back to the barracks.
33:21There's urgent business today,
33:22I said,
33:23then turned and sat
33:24at the stone table.
33:25Fiona sat down with me.
33:26She passed a piece
33:27of chestnut to me.
33:28Try it.
33:29I asked the Imperial Kitchen Chef
33:30just for this.
33:31It's gotta taste better
33:32than what the General's Kitchen made.
33:33I took the cake from her
33:34and took a small bite.
33:35Soft,
33:36sweet,
33:36and chewy.
33:36It was better than
33:37the General's Kitchen.
33:38It's amazing.
33:39Thanks.
33:39If you like it,
33:40have some more.
33:40Fiona's eyes curved in a smile.
33:42She grabbed another piece
33:43for herself.
33:44Honestly,
33:44being stuck at home lately
33:45is boring as hell.
33:46My dad keeps pushing me
33:47to pick another fiancƩ,
33:48but I'm just not interested.
33:49Hearing that,
33:50I looked up at her.
33:51Marriage is a big deal.
33:52You should think it through.
33:53I know.
33:54Fiona sighed.
33:55A hint of loneliness
33:56crossed her face.
33:57But after what happened
33:58with Gregory,
33:59I'm afraid to trust people
34:00so readily now.
34:01She paused
34:01and looked at me,
34:02eyes tinged with envy.
34:04She paused
34:04and looked at me,
34:05eyes tinged with envy.
34:07You're the lucky one.
34:08You snagged a great guy
34:09like General Bennett.
34:09He dotes on you
34:10and has your back.
34:10And he's a war hero.
34:11It was just a stroke of luck,
34:13I said softly.
34:15When it comes to love,
34:16it's all about destiny.
34:17You can't force it.
34:18Fiona nodded
34:19and said no more.
34:20She just quietly nibbled
34:21on her chestnut cake.
34:21The courtyard went still,
34:23only the wind rustling the leaves.
34:25After a long while,
34:26she suddenly called my name.
34:27Elaine,
34:28about that slap I gave you before,
34:29do you really forgive me?
34:30I set down the chestnut cake,
34:32met her earnest gaze,
34:33and gently shook my head.
34:35Really don't.
34:35The past is past.
34:37No need to dig it up.
34:39Honestly,
34:39I'd forgiven her ages ago.
34:40She was not bad at heart.
34:42She was just spoiled
34:43and a bit willful.
34:44When Fiona heard that,
34:46her eyes reddened.
34:47Thank you, Elaine.
34:48Back then,
34:49I married you off
34:49to General Bennett.
34:50Partly I feared you'd
34:51rekindle things with Gregory,
34:53and partly I truly believed
34:54General Bennett was a good,
34:56he'd treat you right,
34:56and partly I truly believed
34:58General Bennett was good,
34:59he'd treat you right.
35:00I just never thought
35:01he was only faking sick.
35:03Speaking of that,
35:04she looked a little embarrassed.
35:05I cracked a smile.
35:06It's all in the past.
35:07Things are pretty good now, right?
35:08Yeah, everything's great.
35:10Fiona nodded.
35:11Relief spread across her face.
35:12From now on,
35:13let's be friends.
35:14Is that okay?
35:15I won't treat you like before.
35:17Sure.
35:17I nodded.
35:18Warmth bloomed in my chest.
35:20Letting go of old grudges
35:21and becoming friends
35:22might be the perfect ending.
35:23So we just sat in the courtyard,
35:25snacking and chatting.
35:27From daily trivia
35:28to gossip from the Capitol,
35:29nothing off limits.
35:30Sunlight streamed
35:31through the gaps in the leaves,
35:32warm and comfortable.
35:33Moments like this
35:34are quiet and beautiful.
35:35Toward evening,
35:36Leon came back from the barracks.
35:37He spotted us in the yard,
35:39surprise flashing across his face.
35:40Then he smiled gently.
35:41What are you two talking about?
35:42You look so happy.
35:43We're talking about you.
35:44Fiona laughed,
35:45saying you are a big liar,
35:47that you fooled everyone
35:47by faking ill.
35:48Leon sat down beside me,
35:49that you fooled all
35:50by faking ill.
35:51Leon sat down beside me.
35:52He reached out
35:53and took my hand.
35:54His eyes sparkled with joy.
35:55Fooling my wife into marrying me
35:56was my greatest stroke of luck.
35:57My cheeks flushed.
35:58I shot him a light glare.
35:59Seeing that,
36:00Fiona couldn't help but laugh.
36:01All right, all right.
36:02I'll stop crashing your couple time.
36:04I should head back.
36:04She stood up
36:05and said goodbye.
36:06Elaine,
36:07I'll swing by again tomorrow.
36:08Okay, take care.
36:09Nodded.
36:10And watched Fiona walk away.
36:12Leon turned to me.
36:13Too made up, huh?
36:14Nodded.
36:15What's past is past.
36:17No need to cling to it.
36:18Leon smiled,
36:19squeezing my hand.
36:20And he said,
36:21that's great.
36:22He knew I'd suffered a lot before.
36:23Now that I could finally let go
36:25and live happily,
36:26he was genuinely happy for me.
36:27The sun began to set.
36:28Golden light spilled
36:29across the courtyard,
36:30washing everything in warmth.
36:32We sat together
36:33by the stone table,
36:34gazing at the distant horizon.
36:35Our hearts brimmed
36:36with peace and joy.
36:37The days drifted by
36:38just like that,
36:39quiet and beautiful.
36:40Leon stayed busy
36:41with the army and court affairs.
36:42Leon stayed busy
36:43with the army and court affairs.
36:45But he always made time for me.
36:46He'd watch every sunrise
36:47and sunset with me.
36:48He'd wander mountains
36:48and rivers by my side.
36:49He made me the happiest
36:50woman alive.
36:50Madam Bennett was healthy as ever.
36:52She wore a smile
36:52every single day.
36:53The whole general's manner
36:54was full of harmony.
36:55Not long after,
36:55the crown prince did seek
36:57the emperor's edict
36:57and I was titled
36:58Madam by imperial decree.
36:59On the day the decree arrived,
37:00the general's manner
37:01was decked in red,
37:02overflowing with joy.
37:02Leon personally helped me
37:04into my new court robes.
37:05His eyes brimmed
37:06with pride and adoration.
37:07My wife is truly
37:08the most beautiful.
37:09I gazed at my reflection
37:09in the mirror,
37:10draped in splendid robes,
37:11my hair glittering with jewels.
37:13My heart overflowed
37:14with emotion.
37:14From a helpless concubine's daughter
37:16to the Madam
37:16by imperial decree,
37:17only I know how hard
37:18that journey was.
37:20All this happiness
37:20came from the devoted man
37:22beside me.
37:23After the celebration,
37:24Leon whisked me away
37:25to Southmere.
37:25Its clear rivers
37:26and green mountains
37:27were breathtaking.
37:28Far from the capital's
37:28din and stripe,
37:29for the rest of our lives,
37:30year after year,
37:31we would stay side by side,
37:33taste life's purest beauty
37:34and grow
Comments