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