Chapter 112

‘Wait, then… what should I do now?’

I can’t use magic.
I can’t use spirit arts.
Even my appearance isn’t pretty anymore.

And Linus…

‘Maybe… he doesn’t love me anymore….’

If the curse is undone, things will be fine. If I become pretty again like Florence, then…

‘Then, doesn’t that mean Linus loved Florence’s body, not me?’

Enoch Haines’s voice rang in my ears.

“Linus claims Florence now is also his possession, do you know that? You didn’t run to him after stealing Mari’s body, because you already knew. You knew Linus wouldn’t love how you look now. To a man obsessed with beauty and strength, you’re nothing but trash.”

“…..”

No, that can’t be….

Enoch Haines knows nothing. He was just crazy about Florence. I still remember his hateful gaze when he instantly realized I wasn’t Florence—as if I were some demon. We weren’t even close. We never even spoke comfortably.

He only cursed me because he was jealous, because he was the only one who truly loved that woman. His words meant nothing. Why care? Who would believe them? Who would be shaken? Did he really think it would go his way?

Linus loves me. He only loves me. Right now, he’s just confused. He said he loved only me. He always hated people. I’m the only one he could ever love. He doesn’t even know other women’s names. Without me, he can’t sleep. He once told me he doesn’t even want to touch anyone else.

‘…I have to apologize….’

Without Linus, Hyunji couldn’t survive in this world. It was too dangerous. She was too weak. He was the only one she could rely on. She thought she had to go to him, even if it seemed he had grown tired of her.

If she apologized, he would accept her. He was always weak to her. Even when she made him angry again and again, if she acted cute and apologized, he would always give in—kissing her sweetly while warning her never to do it again. That was the kind of man he was.

The man who would cut ties with family just to protect me.

The man who never looked at another woman—or any person—but kept only me in his beautiful black eyes.

The man who clung to me obsessively, saying that no matter how much he had me, it never felt enough, always afraid I would leave.

Because to Linus, I was the only woman.

My love. He called me his love….

I had just been a little sensitive. Because I had lost everything once, I was insecure. That was all. He said my childish side was cute, didn’t he, Linus? You’ll forgive me, right? Let’s sleep together. Should I hold you? I’ll hold you until you fall asleep. No matter how hard things are, I won’t complain. You can do whatever you want….

Linus told me not to leave the bedroom. It was Hyunji’s bedroom, but they had always shared it as a couple. Linus rarely used his own room, always sleeping beside her, so his chamber was usually empty.

Now, he must be in the study alone.

Hyunji, wrapped in a blanket, carefully walked through the hallway. She passed a servant, but they pretended not to notice. She didn’t realize what rumors had already spread in the mansion. She thought once she made up with Linus, she’d punish those who looked at her like she was a monster.

‘He can’t sleep without me. Why did I drive him away!’

The door to the study was slightly open. Hyunji approached carefully. She wanted to surprise him.

‘Since I’ve never apologized first before, he’ll be shocked and happy, right?’

Expecting to see his smiling face, she touched the doorknob.

“Are you drinking again? Even though your wife has returned….”

It was Helen’s voice. Hyunji froze.

Why was Helen in Linus’s study?

‘Ah, maybe she came to report that I drove her away.’

Helen was a maid from the Baldwin mansion. When Linus became independent, he brought her from the Lindquist household. They must have known each other for a long time, so it wasn’t strange she was reporting to him.

‘But if she says anything bad about me… I won’t forgive her….’

Still, Hyunji couldn’t shake the unease. She should leave right away, but instead she held her breath and listened.

“This strong liquor… if you drink like this, your body will suffer, Master.”

“Helen?”

“Yes, it’s me, Master.”

“…I told you to look after Florence.”

“Yes, I tried, but…”

“…That on your cheek—what is it?”

“Oh. It’s nothing, ah—”

“It wasn’t there earlier, was it?”

“….”

“Were you hit?”

“…It was my fault. It’s all my fault.”

“Ha. So she raised her hand to you too.”

“It’s because I upset her. Madam did nothing wrong.”

Helen’s voice trembled. Hyunji felt suffocated, dizzy.

‘Linus… has never remembered another woman’s name before….’

He always said he had no reason to. He never called a servant by name kindly.

But just now, Linus had clearly said “Helen.” Even earlier in the day, he had said, “I’ll call Helen.” That had never happened before Florence returned. A few months ago, he only ever said “maid,” never her name.

“…I’m sorry. It’s a woman’s face.”

“What? Master, please, don’t apologize to a lowly maid like me… not for something like this.”

“This isn’t a small thing.”

“No, I really… really am fine.”

Hyunji finally dared to peek through the crack of the door. Her breathing was rough—Linus should have noticed, with how sensitive he was. But he acted like he hadn’t. That was strange.

‘Ah, he’s drunk….’

The sharp smell of strong liquor hit her. Three bottles were already empty.

She had only been locked away for a few hours, yet he had drunk that much. He sat leaning back in a chair, Helen standing across from him. Linus beckoned her closer. Hesitantly, Helen walked toward him.

“Show me clearly, Helen.”

“Master, I’m really fine. But drinking so much strong liquor without food—”

“That’s a long scratch.”

Linus cupped Helen’s face.

He was clearly drunk. His cheeks and ears were red. His words slurred, his voice was slow. Because of that, perhaps, his hand lingered gently on Helen’s face. Hyunji’s heart pounded.

“You’re drunk, Master…”

“…I can’t sleep, Helen.”

“Do you miss warmth? Even though your wife is here….”

“….”

“You promised it would only be when she wasn’t around. Even when you brought me, you said I’d stay only until the wedding.”

“She isn’t my Florence yet….”

“…She isn’t whole yet, is she….”

“Helen, come here.”

“If I can help you in any way, I will….”

Helen leaned into him. Then came the wet sound of lips meeting. Hyunji stared without blinking. Helen had been like an older sister.

Linus kissed her neck. Helen let out a faint moan, tilting her head. Fabric fell away easily. Linus caressed her bare skin, stripped off her clothes, and pulled her onto his lap. He moved like someone long familiar with it—this wasn’t their first time.

Helen had cherished me like a younger sister…

Linus had said he loved only me…

Moans, wet sounds, skin slapping against skin, and Linus’s satisfied groans pierced Hyunji’s ears. She watched blankly, listened, then stumbled backward.

Quietly, she returned to her bedroom.