TEWRIT 61

Episode 61

Jane’s voice had a trace of hope. Eliano had asked a few times if Flint had come by—Jane had taken that as a sign of longing and had interpreted it romantically.

But Eliano pulled the blanket over her head.

Jane immediately understood what that meant. She backed away quietly, whispering that it was okay. Then, she went to Flint and spoke cheerfully.

“Her Ladyship has fallen into a deep sleep. Perhaps you could return tomorrow, Your Grace?”

Flint’s silver-gray eyes narrowed at Jane. She suddenly felt nervous, but forced herself to keep talking.

“She regained consciousness, but she fell asleep again not long after. The doctor also said she needs to rest. She walked a little but was very weak… and although the seizures have stopped, she’s still sensitive.”

Flint went quiet for a moment, then spoke calmly.

“She doesn’t want to see me.”

Jane bowed her head, feeling guilty. But it wasn’t her bad acting that gave her away—it was her inconsistency. Just that morning, Jane had offered to let Flint see Eliano for a short moment. Now she was saying to come back later. Of course he noticed.

Then Flint spoke louder, directing his voice toward the bed.

“I wanted to see you awake. I also… owe you an apology.”

Jane didn’t stop him. He wasn’t yelling—and the words weren’t harsh.

“I’m sorry about the letters. I read all of them.”

Eliano’s eyes flew open under the blanket. She was hidden from view, so Flint couldn’t see her.

In truth, Eliano didn’t know how to face Flint. Should she act proud and thank him? Cry and ask for comfort? Or act ashamed and look away like a proper lady? She didn’t know what was right.

“But Lady Eliano… those letters must never be made public. That can never be the way…”

Flint suddenly stopped. Eliano’s small voice had broken the silence.

“Are you disappointed? That a noble lady… wasn’t raised nobly at all.”

She had seduced him and pushed for a rushed marriage contract. She hadn’t told him she was a child born out of wedlock. In a way, it was all a lie.

She heard his footsteps draw closer. Eliano gripped the blanket tighter, speaking fast.

“There’s nothing more to ask. What you saw that day—that’s who I am. You must know that by now, after reading the letters.”

He was right next to her now. Her palms were sweaty from holding the blanket so tightly.

“I’m just my father’s property. He only pretended to love and protect me so he could boost my ‘value’ for marriage. The elegance and grace everyone praises… it was all created through his whips.”

Her voice was flat, full of self-mockery.

“Like you once said… I practiced etiquette every day just so I wouldn’t get beaten.”

Why was she saying this? Maybe she was afraid he would send her back. But honestly, she didn’t know what else to say. Her thoughts were tangled, and in that confusion, the words just poured out.

Flint stayed silent. Eliano’s heart beat painfully fast. She felt worthless.

“…You must have suffered greatly.”

Those few words broke the silence. His voice was quiet, as always. But those simple words—ones no one had ever said to her before—hit Eliano like a wave. Her chest ached.

“Don’t speak of painful things anymore.”

She felt him lift the blanket. Though firm, his touch didn’t feel threatening.

As soon as their eyes met, Eliano’s voice caught in her throat.

“That will never happen again. The Rosana family will never touch you again.”

His tone wasn’t gentle, but Eliano’s eyes welled up with tears. Flint’s hand twitched.

“…You don’t have to make me your Grand Duchess.”

She started to spiral again—falling into self-hatred.

“This all looks bad now, but when the gossip dies down… you can still back out. There have been cases where marriage contracts were broken…”

She knew she needed to marry him to avoid being sent back. That was the entire purpose of their rushed marriage.

“Eliano.”

Flint called her name like a warning. Her face was full of sadness, and he wanted her to stop.

She lowered her head, wiped her tears, and said in a steady voice,

“Then… let me expose my father. Let me tell the social circles everything. That’s what I prepared for. That’s why I worked so hard in high society.”

“No. Absolutely not.”

His firm rejection made her look up in shock. Their eyes met again—gray and green, locked together.

“I won’t throw you out there just to protect my reputation. I told you before… leave everything to me.”

His words meant he had no intention of canceling the marriage. Even though there was no wedding yet or official registration.

“Your Grace, please think carefully. Do you really want to be known as a kidnapper? Let me take the blame.”

“You’re trying to turn me into a coward,” he said coldly.

Eliano’s eyes trembled, but she spoke with strength.

“Then I’m the coward. Who would dare blame you? You rescued me from a cruel father. You’re a hero. Why avoid the simple path? Don’t get dragged into my father’s schemes!”

“You’re asking me to hide behind my wife like a shield. But I don’t fight that way.”

Eliano felt both happy and frustrated. He wasn’t backing out of their marriage—but his stubbornness made her want to shake him. Her emotions were all over the place.

“If I’ve caused trouble for my husband, then isn’t it natural for me to shield him?!”

Flint’s expression softened just a little. He glanced away and replied,

“I never said it was wrong. And… I accept your heart.”

His voice was gentler now. But to Eliano, it only added to her frustration.

“I’m the one who should protect you. You focus on recovering.”

“I—”

He cut her off.

“When I carried you out of that house… I made up my mind. I’ll never let Rosana touch even a single strand of your hair again.”

“….”

“That goes for anyone else, too.”

“….”

“I won’t put you on display just to prove my innocence.”

Then he added with a tiny smile,

“Besides, I did break into someone’s house, so I’m not exactly innocent.”

It was meant as a joke—but Eliano wasn’t laughing.

“Your Grace, you can’t underestimate my father’s power. He’ll destroy your reputation! He already is!”

Flint shrugged.

“He’s already called me a lowborn hostage. What’s a kidnapper on top of that?”

Eliano winced. That insult had come from her own father.

“Let’s just say I was blinded by love. It’s not like there aren’t dozens of men obsessed with you.”

That was something Prince Heriath had suggested. The prince had advised Flint to make it seem like he’d fallen helplessly in love with Eliano. That would help soften the public’s opinion.

“But Your Grace, this would be the perfect way to take my father down. I know I’m not the most… graceful Grand Duchess—”

“Eliano.”

Flint interrupted again. Eliano frowned—but he didn’t stop.

To be continued…