Synopsis
It had been nothing more than a reckless game with fire.
“Why… aren’t you married?”
“You already know the answer.”
“Because of your father?”
“That’s right. I have no intention of ever carrying on the bloodline of the Lancaster Ducal House.”
What had begun between Leonard and Dalia—once longtime friends—was nothing more than a fleeting pleasure in an otherwise dull and exhausting life.
But from the very beginning, it was a game they never should have started.
Dalia, who had never even dreamed of marriage because of her parasitic, burdensome family…
“You’re saying… I’m pregnant?”
“…Pardon? What do you mean, pregnant?”
…had ended up carrying the child of Leonard—
the very man who swore he would never leave behind an heir to the Lancaster Ducal House.
A game should end as just that—a game.
She tried to handle everything on her own somehow, but unfortunately, no secret can be hidden forever.
And so, one day, Leonard inevitably discovered that she was carrying his child…
“I’m going to have this baby. Lancaster.”
Holding back her sobs, she steadied her breathing.
“So don’t worry. I won’t be a burden to you. If you understand, then leave.”
She had desperately hoped not to appear as though she were appealing to his emotions, but she had already exhausted far too many of them.
Dalia turned away from him.
For a long moment, silence hung between them.
Then, having come to a decision, Leonard finally spoke.
“There’s no need to argue further. Marry me, Dalia.”
It was a proposal utterly devoid of romance—cold and desolate.