<h4>Chapter 282 – My Only Wife (2)</h4>


    Kwaang!


    The door to the chamber closed, but no one uttered a word. Suddenly, a lowugh broke the heavy silence. It was Count Evans. He mumbled to himself, his expression strangely joyful.


    “…His affection burns true.”


    Evans suggestion was the best solution, but he wanted to test Carlisle’s loyalty Elena. Even he had been surprised by the results. He remembered the words that empress had spoken to him in the past.


    — It doesn’t matter if he epts other women. If he does, it will be a decision made with the utmost consideration.


    What a wonderful couple. A faint smile of surprise flickered on Evans’ face.


    ‘I don’t think anything will ever happen to Her Majesty.’


    Who would have imagined that the blood-hungry emperor of the Ruford Empire would be so devoted to a single person? Evans wouldn’t have believed it if he hadn’t seen it with his own eyes.


    Perhaps it was a good decision to choose Elena’s side and make Carlisle the new emperor.


    ***


    Elena found herself in a state of shock when she realized she might be pregnant. She had used contraception ever since she returned to the pce, but not during their first time in the cave.


    ‘Did it happen then?’


    Of course, contraception did notpletely prevent pregnancy either. She shook her head.


    ‘Let’s not jump to conclusions yet.’


    Elena had already called a doctor in secret to see her, but a pregnancy could not be confirmed simply because she missed her monthly blood. Instead she used a special pregnancy test that only existed in the Empire, and the results woulde out a dayter.


    Elena wrung her fingers nervously, but she tried to stay as calm as possible. There was nothing else she could do right now.


    It was then.


    Kiiig—


    Elena turned her head at the sound of the door opening, and saw Carlisle striding in.


    “Caril…”


    He closed the door, and he held something out towards her. It was a handful of wildflowers.


    “What is this?”


    Elena epted the wild flowers with a surprised look, and Carlisle’s eyes were soft as he spoke in a warm voice.


    “I saw it on the way, and thought you might like it.”


    “Did you pick it yourself?”


    “Of course I would give you flowers picked with my own hands.”


    “What emperor does that?”


    A teasing smile yed on Elena’s lips. She imagined Carlisle leaving his guards behind to discreetly pick the flowers himself. He leaned in and kissed her forehead gently.


    “I wanted to make you smile like this.”


    Eventually Elena could not hold back anymore, and she let out a peal ofughter. Her mind had been a whirlwind of confusion as ofte, but Carlisle’s appearance made the agony go away. She was happy to know that her potential child would have such a lovely father. Although Paveluc was not yet destroyed, a baby would be an overwhelmingly joyful experience.


    She was about to reveal that she might be pregnant, but Carlisle spoke first.


    “I might have to leave the pce for a few days.”


    “Is something wrong?”


    “I’ll have to visit Count Max in person.”


    “Ah!”


    She nodded in understanding. Winning the family’s alliance would be vital in their campaign against Paveluc.


    “It’s a tight schedule, so we can’t go together. Stay in the pce for now and rx.”


    “I will.”


    She couldn’t bring herself to say she wouldn’t be able to follow anyways because she might be pregnant.


    “When are you going to leave?”


    “I’m just saying goodbye to you now, and then leaving right away.”


    “…I see.”


    “I’ll return before the flowers wither.”


    Elena changed her mind about telling him about her possible pregnancy. She would find out about her status tomorrow, but by then he would already be gone. She didn’t want to confuse Carlisle’s mind with inurate news when he was so far away. Instead she offered him a smile.


    “Stay safe, Caril.”


    It would only be a few days anyway. If Carlisle was paying an official visit to Count Max, he would have an excess of guards to protect him. She couldn’t imagine that anything could happen on such short notice.


    Carlisle hugged Elena’s slender waist, his eyes filled with sadness, and heid his head on her shoulder.


    “…I’ll see you soon.”


    “Alright, Caril.”


    Carlisle gave a soft chuckle.


    “I’m worried that I can’t stand missing you.”


    Carlisle held her for a moment longer, then soon released her from his arms.


    “I’ll be back, then.”


    Elena gave a small nod. As Carlisle turned around, she thought that he looked less bright than before, but she thought it was just a regret for their parting.