I Like Another Man, Not the Male Lead - Chapter 37

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 37

“Reina, are you alright?”

Mother’s gentle hand brushed across my forehead. I had lost count of how many times she had asked this question.

Two days after the incident, my parents had set aside all their busy schedules to return home, and even after confirming I was safe, they continued to stay by my side.

Her worried gaze swept over my neck once again.

“Mother, I’m really fine. The doctor said the wound is healing well, and as you can see, I’m perfectly alright.”

“Sigh. Those damn bastards.”

Mother’s eyes grew moist as she looked at the bandage on my neck.

“How terrified our daughter must have been…”

Father pulled Mother into his embrace and called out to me.

“Reina.”

“Yes, Father.”

“It would be best if you rested at the mansion for a week. At least until your wound heals. We also plan not to go out during that time. Could you follow this father’s wishes?”

Father was currently spending extremely busy days. He was so busy that he had to adjust his work schedule down to the second. He had begun reorganizing the military forces based on the national defense report that the Crown Prince had written while touring the border. Since this was the first major project that the Crown Prince was leading entirely on his own, everyone’s attention was focused on it.

“You don’t need to do that, Father. You’re so busy.”

“No. Nothing is more precious to us than you and Rochester…”

I think you just bit your tongue while pronouncing Rochester’s name, Father.

Well, it was hard to imagine Rochester receiving anyone’s protection and care. Ever since he claimed the position of youngest Sword Master, he had never been injured or sick even once. People often said that Rochester had long since surpassed Father’s prime years.

“Just the fact that you’re safe is something to be grateful for. It would be good for you to rest comfortably at home for a week. We’re planning to take some rest during this opportunity too.”

“But Father, I’m really fine…”

“Reina.”

Father stroked my head. His large hand was warm and reassuring.

“As a father, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect you.”

“Father…”

I could no longer resist.

Actually, it wasn’t just my parents. Rochester had barely been sleeping since the incident. How could I not know about those footsteps pacing in front of my room all night? Rochester was watching over me with deep concern.

“Rochester is coming home today too, right?”

“Of course.”

Father smiled at my answer.

“I can’t remember how long it’s been since our whole family was together.”

And so I came to spend my time under my parents’ devoted protection. With the household atmosphere being what it was, the household servants also treated me like glass about to shatter.

It was while I was reading a romance book on the sofa with a cookie in my mouth, surrounded by their care.

“Miss, you have a visitor.”

Jane informed me.

As soon as Jane learned that I had been hurt, she grabbed my hand tightly and burst into tears. And recently, she had volunteered to stay by my side 24 hours a day. She wouldn’t listen no matter how much I told her not to.

‘Miss, you’re not just my source of income, but also my family. This might be rude to say, but right now it really feels like my little sister has been hurt and come home, so my heart is breaking.’

My words, spoken while stumbling and crying without proper pronunciation, must have sounded so absurd. Yes, seeing how I blurted out everything without distinguishing what should and shouldn’t be said, I suppose I am as comfortable as a younger sister to him. I decided to accept it that way and move on.

I sat up at Jane’s words.

“Who?”

“Princess Grace of Hailboard and Princess Selena. Your friends have come to visit you.”

Jane said with a bright smile. Her face showed how delighted she was that I had made friends. Her expression showed she was pleased that our friendship was deep enough for them to visit me while I was sick.

“They’re really good friends. Coming to visit you like this!”

Soon Grace and Selena entered. Both of them had worried expressions. Grace especially had puffy, swollen eyes. Oh my, she really has such a tender heart. She was still sniffling even now. As soon as she saw the bandage wrapped around my neck, tears poured out again.

“Reina!”

Grace rushed over and gripped my hand tightly.

“It doesn’t hurt too much, does it?”

“I’m fine, Grace. As you can see, I’m perfectly fine. There’s hardly any pain. Really.”

“Fine? You have a bandage wrapped around your neck!”

Selena also sat beside me and sighed. Selena patted my hand. Those who had been frozen like ice on that day seemed to be okay now.

Seeing them tear up while looking at me actually made me burst into laughter. Grace and Selena were genuinely worried about me. I truly had made friends.

That was really a heartwarming thing. The fact that people were seeping into my life that had always been lonely. I couldn’t even imagine losing them now. I was helplessly falling into this world that I had unexpectedly become part of. I was happy because it was so warm, so wonderful.

“I was really shocked. When Reina was taken hostage… I thought my heart would stop. Those terrible men. Reina’s blood soaked the entire floor.”

“Don’t exaggerate. If someone bled that much, they would die, Selena.”

“Exaggerate? The blood was flowing down your dress, so from where I was standing, it really looked like that!”

Selena said with a serious expression.

“Really… I was really scared. That Reina might die.”

Her eyes also reddened. Her usual haughty demeanor was nowhere to be found. Selena embraced me. A cozy rose scent drifted from her.

While the two were confirming my safety, Mother brought warm tea and refreshments. She did something herself that she could have had the maid do. She was probably curious about the friends who came to visit me. Her expression was gentle as she looked at Grace and Selena.

“Oh my, such pretty young ladies have come. Our Reina has made good friends.”

“Duchess…”

Grace and Selena greeted Mother. Selena held out the basket she had brought.

“This is… a get-well gift. Some fruit, chocolate that Reina likes, and a few desserts. I prepared it thinking it would be nice if the Duchess could enjoy it together with us.”

“Wow, thank you!”

She really brought only things I like!

When I tried to grab some chocolate, Mother intercepted it.

“Reina has agreed to eat only the prescribed medicine and the diet recommended by the nutritionist for a week. This comes after that.”

“Mother!”

“No. Until your neck injury is completely healed, stimulating foods are forbidden.”

Mother said firmly.

“Thank you so much, both of you young ladies.”

“Not at all, Duchess.”

“Have a pleasant time. This… I’ll eat it well. That’s okay, right?”

“Of course, Duchess. It seems like the gift I brought has found its true owner.”

Mother held up the basket and smiled brightly. After Mother left, Selena and Grace burst into small laughter. I pouted.

“But do you really have to stay home for a whole week?”

Grace asked worriedly.

“Yes. It’s Father’s request. He said that much would be necessary for him to feel at ease.”

“Then you’ll be bored.”

“That’s right. I’m already feeling bored. You’ll come visit again next time, right?”

Grace and Selena nodded their heads. Their visits alone would be the only source of dopamine during my boring week.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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