Spring in My Grasp - Chapter 49

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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(49) By Right, It Should Be Mine

Once I made up my mind, I could no longer bear to wait even a moment longer.
Layla dressed in her finest attire and set out. Cedric, his face still hazy with unfinished intoxication, mocked her about where she was going, but the moment she mentioned visiting her sister, he transformed entirely, sending her off with enthusiasm.
Cold wind brushed against my cheeks. Drawing a deep breath, I climbed onto the carriage.
‘I need to see this with my own eyes.’
That reckless fool couldn’t possibly have reformed. He was cast out from the Glister Earl Family, after all. Yet somehow, after marrying Rowan and becoming a Holy Knight, he severed ties with the Glister family and received his own independent house and title.
High Society had long whispered that Rowan received her husband’s utmost affection. A man who held both wealth and honor in one hand couldn’t possibly be satisfied with an ordinary woman like Rowan. Her life might be entirely different from what was known.
‘While I’m at it, I should ask him to help with Cedric’s situation too.’
Properly speaking, one should receive a response to a letter requesting a visit before taking action. Layla’s current behavior was something Aristocratic Society deeply despised—a reckless intrusion. She risked being turned away at the door and having future contact severed. But that suited her just fine.
‘If she refuses to see her own sister who came all this way after achieving success, what an image that would create.’
Layla’s face twisted into a grimace. The carriage raced swiftly toward Valerian Castle.
***
Meanwhile, upon hearing that Layla had suddenly arrived at the castle entrance requesting an audience, Rowan’s eyes widened as she was eating a light snack.
“What in the world is this about?”
Rowan murmured as she set down the snack she’d been eating. Lea, who had heard the rough outline of Rowan’s family circumstances through several drinking sessions with her, shuddered.
“This is absolutely improper! You know better than anyone that Lady Rowan has secluded herself and maintains no connection with High Society. To simply show up at the door without any warning whatsoever…”
“I was shocked too.”
The Butler seemed extremely uncomfortable about relaying this message in the middle.
“If Madam does not wish it… I shall immediately send someone to turn her away. However, if she insists and refuses to leave, then I’m afraid… well, a small amount of force might become necessary.”
Sighing, I wrapped my head in my hands. Then I rose from my seat and spun around before the Butler and Lea.
“First, check if my pregnancy is showing.”
Only Alexis, Lea, and the Butler knew of my pregnancy—a secret kept from everyone else.
There was no need to reveal it until it became obvious. Having experienced the Glister Family’s machinations, the three of us had bonded more firmly, and especially the Butler and Lea remained vigilant.
Whenever something unfavorable might befall my pregnant self, they would put their heads together to solve the problem. However, my stepsister’s unexpected arrival was something that couldn’t be hidden. Even though she was my stepsister, she was still my sister, and in this matter, it was right to defer to my decision.
“It won’t be particularly noticeable if you don’t mention it.”
“Your belly hasn’t grown that much yet.”
So I’ve gained weight, then. I closed my eyes. Very well—if she suspects anything, I’ll push through with that excuse.
“There’s no help for it. Let her in for now.”
At my words, both the Butler and Lea gave me worried looks. When the Butler hesitated, I shrugged helplessly.
“What else can I do? Unlike Alexis, I haven’t severed ties with my family, and I can’t let rumors spread that I’m treating my stepsister coldly. Setting that aside, I can’t burden Alexis with another scandal on top of everything else.”
The severance from the Glister Family was already an enormous topic of discussion. Though Alexis was somewhat of an outsider within his household, he hadn’t been without the benefits of a prestigious noble family.
This had sparked debate—some saying the Glister Family must have been terribly harsh for him to sever ties, while others argued he couldn’t simply cast aside the family that had protected him until now. If Alexis had severed ties purely on his own initiative without the King’s proclamation, it would have put him in an extremely disadvantageous position.
“Just hide the pregnancy and pretend to be ill or something.”
At my words, the Butler, his face troubled, left the room to give orders. Though this was my decision, if Alexis learned of it, he wouldn’t be pleased.
I had chosen not to engage with High Society and instead spent my time within the castle pursuing my studies and tending my vegetable garden as I’d always wished. But truthfully, Alexis loved this about me. When he came home, he had a family waiting to greet him.
And when evening came, I would sometimes cook with vegetables I’d grown myself in the garden, and the taste was exquisite. No matter how skilled the chef I employed as head cook was, Alexis thought my soup was the most delicious in the world. Before me, Alexis became a man whose smile came easily.
Knowing Alexis’s disposition, the Butler had no choice but to reluctantly order the Baroness Bedrick to be shown inside without delay.
Layla entered the castle with a somewhat bewildered expression. So magnificent and grand… wasn’t this practically the Royal Palace itself? Her face had turned pale.
“Welcome, Layla.”
Rowan, seated on the sofa in the Reception Room, greeted her. From the moment Layla stepped through the castle entrance to the path leading to the Reception Room, she had to swallow her astonishment. Moreover, so many servants bustled about everywhere, maintaining both the interior and exterior of the castle.
Even the Head Maid who had greeted her at the castle entrance possessed a dignity and elegance incomparable to ordinary maids. All the servants working here appeared to be highly educated, elite personnel. They were incomparable to the servants at the Baron’s residence.
“It’s been… a while, sister.”
I was so astonished that words barely came out. Layla sat across from Rowan and swallowed hard.
‘So that’s how it is…’
I thought to myself.
‘Originally, this should have all been…’
Mine. Throughout my unhappy marriage with Cedric, I had often regretted switching the marriages, but that was nothing. I had never felt such anguish—my insides twisted with such agony—as I did in this moment.
I could barely manage my expression, and I had to suppress even my breathing. I had to exert tremendous effort to keep my hands resting on my lap from trembling.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t attend the wedding. As he said, I wasn’t feeling well at the time.”
At Rowan’s words, Layla forced a rigid smile onto her stiffened face.
“No, it’s fine. If you’re feeling that much better… you should rest.”
If I made an issue of this and lashed out at Rowan, it would be like spitting in the face of Alexis’s reply. I had to pretend everything was fine. At that response, Rowan’s eyes widened in surprise for a moment before her lips curved upward.
“Thank you for understanding.”
Yet despite her words of illness, Rowan’s complexion glowed with health. The light from the chandelier in the Reception Room fell softly upon her skin. Her complexion was remarkably clear and luminous. The thin jawline from before had softened into gentle curves, and a subtle vitality played across her cheeks.
Her expression appeared utterly at ease. Most striking of all was her eyes. The old Rowan had always been observing something. She watched for the Stepmother’s and Stepsiblings’ moods, and her gaze toward her father, Marquis Hartwood, seemed to cling to him desperately.
But now her eyes held not the slightest wavering. Not a trace of anxiety or sorrow. Simply the eyes of someone existing exactly where she belonged. It was deeply irritating.
Layla unconsciously gripped her hands tighter. And upon closer inspection, her attire caught my eye. According to rumors, she didn’t go out, yet her clothing was not elaborate at all. She hadn’t overdressed.
Yet such simple elegance made her shine more brilliantly than any jewelry could. A well-tailored dress, a silhouette that fell gracefully, a garment with no unnecessary embellishment—one that existed solely to enhance her figure and presence. As someone who loved shopping, I could tell at a glance. How expensive that fabric was.
And Rowan, enjoying all of this, sat naturally on the sofa. As if this life had always been hers from the beginning.

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