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If My Husband Is a Narrow-Eyed Villain, I’m in Trouble — Chapter : 06
To the respected Miss Diana Wellington.
I am writing this letter because I cannot forget our pleasant meeting. Did you return home safely yesterday?
First, I apologize for my rudeness last night. My heart was too rushed, and I ended up committing a serious discourtesy.
As an apology, I am also sending a bouquet of flowers that I believe suits Miss Diana well.
Our previous meeting left a deep impression on me.
Your careful words and thoughtful actions made me realize once again that they are an example for others.
After spending such an enjoyable time together, my curiosity about you only grew.
It would be enjoyable to slowly build our relationship, but since there are already discussions between our families regarding marriage, there is no need to take a roundabout path.
If it is alright with you, may I send an invitation? I would like to visit the Wellington Count’s household.
It would make me very happy if I could spend more time with Miss Diana within proper limits.
If you choose a convenient date, I will adjust my schedule accordingly.
I will await your reply.
— Ian Crawford
The letter, written in elegant handwriting, was filled with affection.
Anyone reading it would easily misunderstand.
It was not strange that her mother had been unable to hide her excitement.
“…After spending such an enjoyable time together, my curiosity grew?”
Diana muttered in a hollow voice.
But only for a moment.
Just as liquid reaches its limit and turns into vapor, Diana’s confusion quickly turned into anger.
“That’s a lie…! That’s not what he’s curious about!”
Whether she had overheard the casino management conversation!
Whether she had truly heard nothing—or was pretending not to know!
He was testing her to decide whether to kill her or not!
I know that much! Do you think I’m stupid? Who does he take me for!
Diana had been terrified ever since returning home.
But in this moment, her rational mind was briefly overwhelmed, and her fear faded.
“So that’s how it is, huh?”
This was an unexpected turn of events—the narrow-eyed villain had turned into a cursed doll of a problem.
But what mattered most was still how to survive this situation, and Diana quickly found an answer.
“Fine. Then I’ll just act like I know nothing!”
No matter what was said, she would smile and brush it off.
She would pretend it was all a pleasant meeting, just like before.
She would act like nothing had ever happened—just watch her.
Several days later
A week later.
In the afternoon, a carriage bearing the ducal crest sped through the gates of the Wellington Count’s estate.
Diana tightly gripped her fan as she watched it approach.
I am happy. I am joyful.
Diana desperately tried to hypnotize herself.
I didn’t hear anything that day. And I’m happy that the young duke still came to see me. I’m so excited for this meeting I could go crazy!
She had to force excitement.
Act cheerful. Act happy. Act clueless.
Like those noble ladies in possession stories who act overly talkative to avoid becoming annoying flies to a villain.
If I do that, maybe I can get his attention off me.
She had already become an extra in a possession story—she could not afford to die on top of that.
There was no guarantee she would not become a resentful ghost.
This time, I’ll erase my death flag for good.
Her fingertips trembled nervously.
Her mother, standing beside her, mistakenly thought she was simply nervous for a different reason, but Diana had no time to correct her.
Finally, the approaching carriage stopped.
Diana put on a practiced smile and greeted the man stepping out.
“Welcome, Lord Ian! Welcome to the Wellington Count’s estate!”
“I see you again, Miss Diana.”
Ian greeted her politely, removing his hat.
“Thank you for coming. I am so happy to see you again. Oh my, haven’t you become even more handsome in just a few days?”
“Haha, Miss Diana, you seem to have become even more beautiful as well. Thank you for inviting me today.”
“Who would refuse the future Duke? It’s not much, but please treat it like your own home and relax.”
Ian’s smile became slightly clearer.
“Then, Miss Diana, please call me Ian.”
“….”
“Think of me as your fiancé, and feel at ease.”
The narrow-eyed villain’s bold flattery was almost overwhelming.
Diana tightly gripped her fan.
As if I could do that!
She barely managed to keep her expression steady thanks to her mother arriving at just the right moment.
“Welcome, young Lord Crawford.”
“Madam Wellington.”
Ian kissed the back of her mother’s hand and greeted her politely.
“Thank you for your invitation. I hope I have not caused you any inconvenience.”
“Not at all. Compared to the ducal household, we are lacking in many ways, but I hope you understand.”
“Not at all. They say a house reflects its owner, and seeing you, I understand why this estate is so beautiful.”
Why did his smile—one that looked like it would not change even if a gun was pointed at his forehead—feel so unnatural?
Was it because she herself had used similar smiles to deceive others?
“I have prepared some light tea. Shall we?”
“Yes, of course.”
Her mother led Ian to the tea room, but unexpectedly, she did not leave immediately and instead sat down at the same table.
What? I thought she would leave us alone…
Diana glanced at her mother in confusion.
It would have been a relief not to be left alone with Ian… but that question was soon answered.
Because her mother said something completely unexpected as soon as she sat down.
“I feel a little embarrassed to say this myself, but Diana is a very well-raised child.”
Diana almost spat out her tea.
“Since she was young, she has always been so gentle and well-behaved. My daughter is very pretty, isn’t she?”
“M-Mother!”
“People say girls become difficult as they grow older, but my daughter has never been like that. She grew up so beautifully…”
Her mother suddenly began saying outrageous things!
“Ever since meeting the young lord, she’s been a little restless, hasn’t she? She has never acted like that before.”
“Please… please stop, Mother…”
“You shouldn’t be embarrassed like that.”
No, that wasn’t the problem!
Why are you promoting your daughter to the villain?!
Diana’s face turned bright red from embarrassment and shock.
“She grew up so beautifully that my husband and I worried she might meet the wrong kind of man. But now she’s sitting here drinking tea with someone like the young duke.”
“Please, just stop…”
“She keeps interrupting because she’s embarrassed.”
“I assure you, Miss Diana, there is no need to be embarrassed. It is only natural for a mother to cherish her only daughter.”
Ian’s smile was as bright and refreshing as ever.
It was so pure it almost made her uncomfortable.
“Seeing the two of you sitting side by side is truly lovely. Please, take your time and talk.”
“Thank you for your consideration.”
Her mother left, clearly signaling, Please take good care of my daughter.
Diana already felt like a complete mess.
On the other hand, Ian seemed to be enjoying himself.
He watched the back of her mother as she left, then spoke.
“The Count and Countess seem very devoted to you, Miss Diana.”
“I’m sorry. Was it uncomfortable for you?”
“Not at all. The Count himself has spoken about you many times. I remember it clearly.”
“…That’s embarrassing.”
Father, what have you been saying outside…?
Diana swallowed her tears internally.
“Strong family bonds are nothing to be ashamed of. Rather, it is something to envy.”
Ian lifted his teacup and inhaled the aroma, as if a gentle breeze surrounded him.
“I deeply apologize for my rudeness to such a precious young lady.”
So he was finally returning to that topic.
Diana tensed.
“I apologize once again.”
“It’s alright. It’s already in the past. Please don’t worry about it.”
“That day, I was not myself. A stranger kept trying to speak to me.”
Ian’s excuse flowed smoothly.
“I was trying to separate them so they would not cause trouble for others, but I ended up entering the lounge where you were resting.”
“I see. But really, you don’t need to worry. I didn’t even know you had arrived.”
“That is my fault. I did not expect anyone to be on the balcony.”
At least that last part sounded sincere.
But everything else is a lie.
On that day, Ian had seemed strangely aware of his surroundings while walking with her.
He must have noticed someone following them from that point on.
And Ian had said to his subordinate, “Have you forgotten how many chances I gave you?”
And yet—“a stranger kept trying to speak to him”?
Such a blatant lie. Not surprising, but still.
It was more surprising that he came all the way to the count’s estate just to say this.
“I didn’t hear anything, so it’s fine.”
“….”
“I was very surprised when you grabbed me, though.”
“Is that so?”
Diana deliberately emphasized “didn’t hear anything.”
I know nothing.
Even if I know, I don’t know. Even if I don’t know, I don’t know!
So stop checking! Stop treating me like a dead body you keep poking to see if it reacts!
“You said that before as well. Then let me ask you this.”
At that moment, Ian’s tone changed slightly.
“Can you swear on your family that you heard nothing?”
“…Pardon?”
“Even if your beloved Countess’s life were at stake, would you still give the same answer?”
Ian’s voice remained calm—so calm it felt completely disconnected from its meaning.
But the smile disappeared completely from Diana’s face.
Swear on what?
A threat, thrown without warning.
Her blood turned cold the moment she realized it.
“How about it, Miss Diana?”
The cursed doll holding the teacup pressed her for an answer.
