I Became The Wife Of The Cursed Grand Duke Chapter 148

Evelyn’s voice echoed in Kalian’s mind, pleading with him to respect her final wish:

‘Don’t look for me. That’s the first and last request I ask as your wife.’

 

The memory made his breath catch. Yet he couldn’t abandon his search—an insistent feeling told him Evelyn was nearby.

 

“One last stop at the medical center.”

 

His throat burned with desperation. Each passing day only intensified his longing. With a heavy sigh, Kalian mounted his horse and rode into the dark alleyway.

 

 

* * *

 

 

“Are you out of your mind?”

 

Leon’s unusually harsh voice filled the medical center. The normally composed man rarely raised his voice, but this situation warranted it.

 

“I can’t comply. No one leaves during a forced deployment like this!”

 

He slammed his first aid kit shut with a bang.

 

“Brother, calm down. Let me explain—”

 

“Calm down? You’re telling me to abandon my post during a plague outbreak!”

 

Reah’s reasonable protest fell on deaf ears. Leon couldn’t mask his anger at Kalian’s transparent manipulation.

 

‘What does the grand duke want? Does he know about my plan to help Evelyn escape?’

 

As Leon fumed, Kalian lounged casually, crossing his legs.

 

“I hear you’re resigning as the Parminion family physician. Having second thoughts?”

 

Leon turned sharply, meeting Kalian’s piercing gaze. The grand duke tilted his head, a dangerous glint in his eyes.

 

“Rumors say you’re selling both mansion and medical center too.”

 

His fingers drummed lazily on the armrest, each tap growing more forceful.

 

“Must be quite the emergency to make you refuse a state summons.”

 

Though spoken softly, the threat was unmistakable. Leon shook his head at the blatant disregard for his circumstances.

 

“This is personal. I’m not obligated to report to you.”

 

Kalian’s lips curled, shoulders shaking with silent laughter.

 

“Of course not… unless it involves my wife.”

 

His previously relaxed eyes suddenly sharpened.

 

“I heard you met secretly with Evelyn recently. True?”

 

“What—”

 

Leon’s fists clenched.

 

‘He’s been planning this interrogation from the start.’

 

This marked Kalian’s third visit today.

 

“If my wife came to you out of desperation, you should know—I’m the only one who can satisfy Evelyn’s needs.”

 

Leon barely restrained his disgust.

 

‘Don’t take the bait.’ He forced himself to sit opposite Kalian, controlling his temper.

 

“I did see Her Grace recently. She complained about inadequate medical care, so I traveled to Ruiden to examine her personally.”

 

Kalian’s eyebrow arched. “That’s quite a journey.”

 

“Distance means nothing when treating patients.”

 

“Then answer me this.”

 

Offended by the deflection, Kalian leaned forward like a stalking predator.

 

“Has my wife’s body undergone any significant changes I should know about?”

 

He interlaced his fingers, elbows resting on widespread knees.

 

Leon inhaled sharply—whether from Kalian’s intimidating size or penetrating stare, even he wasn’t sure.

 

‘He’s asking if Evelyn’s pregnant.’

 

Evelyn’s tearful plea flashed through his mind:

“I don’t want my husband knowing about the pregnancy.”

 

When Leon had protested—You can’t raise a child alone—Evelyn had insisted:

“There are reasons. My husband and I will only hurt each other.”

 

Only after the trust became public did Leon understand her meaning.

 

“Strange. A proper husband usually notices such changes first.”

 

Leon exhaled heavily.

 

“Sometimes love becomes poison. The greatest respect is letting go.”

 

“You’re saying I should respect her decision?”

 

Leon’s firm nod confirmed it.

 

Kalian chuckled dryly, acknowledging the point without conceding.

 

“Let’s return to my proposal.”

 

Leon frowned. The grand duke clearly wouldn’t take no for an answer regarding the deployment.

 

Kalian smiled, studying Leon’s reaction.

 

“You’re aware of the deadly plague near Bellatra?”

 

Leon wiped his face wearily. “Ha.”

 

The same question Kalian had opened with earlier.

 

‘He could’ve just asked about Evelyn directly.’

 

Leon’s jaw tightened as the circular conversation continued.

 

“Yes, I know.”

 

“A man of your skill could greatly assist the Crown Prince during this transition.”

 

The blatant manipulation didn’t faze Leon.

 

“That sounds like an order, not a request.”

 

“My apologies if it came across that way.”

 

Kalian’s tone held no remorse.

 

“Explain your refusal. If your reasons hold merit, I’ll reconsider.”

 

Leon sighed—he’d expected this.

 

“My family has run this medical academy for generations. Though it’s declining, I intend to preserve our legacy.”

 

“How noble.”

 

“I’ve arranged for a master physician from Nora Continent to—”

 

Kalian interrupted smoothly:

 

“Ah, but continental travel will be restricted indefinitely.”

 

Leon froze.

 

“What do you mean?”

 

Kalian’s smile widened as he delivered the killing blow:

 

“I’m ordering a continental blockade until the plague ends. The seas will freeze solid—no one enters or leaves.”

 

 

* * *

 

 

Evelyn realized Kalian had left only when the light shifted.

 

She’d been holding her breath throughout their conversation, so tense she hadn’t noticed its conclusion.

 

“Did he… leave?”

 

After spotting knights searching Mrs. Allen’s tavern, she’d fled to the medical center via Leon’s secret route. With guards posted everywhere, hiding here had been her only option.

 

Leon had concealed her behind a medical cabinet, using detection-blocking spells.

 

“Yes, he’s been gone awhile. Surprisingly, he didn’t cast any search spells.”

 

Wiping her brow, Evelyn sighed in relief. Leon watched her with concern.

 

“Get any rest, my lady?”

 

His dry humor made her chuckle despite the circumstances.

 

Leon extended his hand. “Would you prefer staying at my mansion tonight?”

 

“But Kalian surely has it watched.”

 

Leon squared his shoulders confidently.

 

“I’m just a lowly messenger—beneath the grand duke’s notice.”

 

Still, lingering here wasn’t safe. Reluctantly, Evelyn took his hand.

 

“Then… I’m in your debt tonight.”

 

They rose silently and slipped out into the night.