A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Becky and Marie exchanged quick glances, barely suppressing the twitch at the corners of their lips.

Who was Kain?

A duke who had never once spared a meaningful glance at any noble lady—no matter how boldly they approached him.

There had even been a young noblewoman who, after sending multiple rejected marriage proposals, entered the estate as a maid simply to create an opportunity.

That woman was Celia Dorn—now serving as Jaden’s dedicated attendant.

Of course, she gained nothing.

After all, he was the Dragon Duke.

And yet—

That very duke had lent his coat to Squirrel Lady?

Something was definitely going on.

There’s absolutely something between them!

Could spring finally be arriving at the ducal estate?

Becky and Marie were thrilled.

But they hid it well.

It wasn’t their place to interfere in romance.

Though their imaginations were racing wildly, they calmly carried out their duties.

“Shall we take the coat to the laundry?”

“Would that be alright? I’m sorry…”

“Of course!”

Viola, completely unaware of the storm brewing in their minds, felt genuinely relieved.

I was wondering how to return it.

Since Kain mostly remained in the main residence and she stayed in the annex, their paths rarely crossed.

She carefully folded the coat and handed it over.

“We’ll come fetch Lady Melody again tomorrow!”

“Alright. See you tomorrow.”

Melody waved enthusiastically.

The maids left for the laundry room, their steps lighter than usual—undeniably because of Viola.

“She’s so beautiful. I’ve never seen anyone like her.”

“Me neither… She didn’t mind that I was slow…”

Working at the estate had been difficult for Marie.

But Viola hadn’t shown even the slightest impatience.

“What do you think her relationship with His Grace is? A hidden lover?”

“Maybe…”

If so, perhaps one day they would officially serve her as the duchess.

They were whispering excitedly when—

“Hey. You two. Stop.”

A sharp, grating voice cut through the hallway.

They froze.

“What is that coat? Why are you carrying His Grace’s coat?”

Of all times…

Celia.

Though she was a count’s daughter, neither Becky nor Marie cared for her.

She was exhausting.

“Well? Answer me.”

They hesitated.

They had done nothing wrong—but they didn’t want trouble falling onto Viola.

Then Celia struck.

“I’ve heard there are lowborn maids who steal clothes to sell. That wouldn’t be you, would it?”

She looked proud of herself.

Celia Dorn

Celia Dorn was the cherished youngest daughter of Count Dorn.

After three sons, she had finally been born—the jewel of the family.

In high society, she was known for her beauty and her spoiled temperament.

She didn’t care.

Her life plan was simple: live comfortably under her father’s protection and marry well.

Then one day—

At a banquet—

She saw Kain from across the hall.

And fell hopelessly.

So that’s what Dragon Blood looks like…

His unreal beauty captivated her instantly.

She begged her father to send proposals.

Each one was rejected.

Still, she refused to give up.

Through her father’s connection to the late duke, she secured entry into the estate as Jaden’s attendant.

Her excuse: to serve Dragon Blood.

Her true goal: draw close to Kain through Jaden.

“Though the proposals failed, this is your chance, Celia.”

“You think so too, Father?”

“Of course! If the former young duke hadn’t married some fallen noblewoman, you would already be duchess.”

Indeed.

Celia had once been considered a candidate for marriage to Kain’s elder brother.

But he had fallen in love with someone else.

Now, Kain was the only remaining heir.

Surely the late duke would have approved such a match.

Encouraged, Celia entered the estate filled with grand dreams.

Reality was far less glamorous.

Why must I nurse this unsettling brat?

Jaden wasn’t normal.

His cold, distant eyes unsettled her.

If she became duchess, she would fix that attitude.

But three years passed—

And she had barely seen Kain properly.

Today, hearing he had visited Jaden, she rushed over in a luxurious boutique dress.

Too late.

He had already left.

Frustrated, she wandered the corridors—

And saw two maids carrying his coat.

Her mood darkened instantly.

“Lowborn maids who steal clothes to sell… That’s you, isn’t it?”

If they were guilty, she would gain an excuse to report it directly to Kain.

But—

“It’s His Grace’s coat. We’re returning it for the apothecary.”

“Y-yes.”

Celia froze.

Lent? To whom?

“Who?”

“The apothecary.”

The image from earlier flashed in her mind.

That woman?

Kain had personally lent her his coat?

Why?

Celia understood men.

She knew what gestures of favor meant.

But toward a commoner?

She didn’t want to admit it—

But the woman was beautiful.

Clear, delicate features.

Glossy pink hair.

Large, vulnerable eyes.

The kind of face that stirred protective instincts.

But that was all.

She lacked refinement.

A true duchess treated herself like a jewel.

Maintained elegance.

Maintained distance.

And that woman?

Bleeding openly from her arm without a second thought.

How could someone so careless ever become duchess?