A Contract Marriage with My Child’s Father Chapter 35

Chapter 35

“Ah…”

He had a point.

I flinched slightly, and Jaden narrowed his eyes.

“Viola, you’re book-smart but clueless.”

Ouch.

I couldn’t even argue.

He really was sharp.

“…You’re right.”

“Hmph.”

His shoulders relaxed a little.

“Fine. Just don’t do that again.”

“I understand. I’m sorry.”

“Then promise.”

He held out his pinky.

We hooked fingers.

Only then did the stubborn pout fade from his lips.

“More importantly,” he muttered, “give me the medicine already.”

“Yes. But just to remind you—since it contains Sweet Reaper Grass, your heart might race a little. That’s not dangerous. I prepared it safely—”

“I know! I know it’s not dangerous!”

He looked like a fussy little cat.

“…Alright. Here it is. Are you really okay with this?”

I couldn’t help worrying.

Not long ago, he had resisted medicine so fiercely.

But he nodded without hesitation.

“Yeah. I’m fine.”

“Really?”

“You said it would be.”

He clenched the pill tightly, squeezed his eyes shut—

And swallowed.

“I—I took it!”

His ruby-red eyes shone up at me expectantly.

Of course I have to praise him.

“You’re amazing, Young Master! Swallowing it in one go!”

“Really?”

I ruffled his silver hair.

“So brave. Truly the coolest in the world.”

He squinted at me suspiciously.

“That’s excessive. It doesn’t sound sincere.”

I burst out laughing.

“It is sincere. You’re incredible.”

And he really was.

I’d even prepared syrup, just in case.

But recently he had insisted:

“I’m six! I’m not a baby! Give me pills!”

He was serious about keeping his word.

I stayed beside him as we waited for the medicine to take effect.

About thirty minutes later—

“How do you feel?”

“Um…”

He frowned slightly.

“My heart feels weird. Did something go wrong?”

His fingers tightened around my sleeve.

Ah.

I gently placed my fingers against his neck.

Thump-thump.

His pulse was faster.

Just as expected.

The mixture of Spike-Leaf Herb and Sweet Reaper Grass was suppressing the dragon energy inside him. His body was adjusting to a sudden stillness.

An unfamiliar sensation.

And unfamiliar sensations often felt like anxiety.

“That’s normal,” I said softly. “Once you adjust, it’ll settle.”

“So I don’t need to worry?”

He looked up at me.

When had he started looking at me like that?

With trust?

I squeezed his hand.

“It means the medicine is working. And… it means you won’t be in pain anymore.”

“…Really?”

“Yes.”

Then I added gently,

“You’ll need to take it consistently.”

“…How long?”

“Until your body finishes growing.”

He stared at me.

“That’s years.”

“More than ten, probably. It sounds long, but—”

“Then you’ll stay with me that whole time?”

I froze.

He immediately flailed.

“I mean—someone has to make the medicine! I don’t want to accidentally take something weird! And you said you finish what you start—”

I couldn’t help it.

I pulled him into a hug.

He yelped but didn’t resist.

“So… you’ll keep making it, right? Answer properly.”

“Of course.”

I’d promised Kain.

But even without that—

I would never leave this child halfway.

His lips twitched, trying to hide satisfaction.

“…This feels kind of good,” he muttered. “I’m less anxious.”

“Then I’ll stay until you calm down.”

“Okay.”

One hour passed.

Then two.

He never let go of my hand.

“How do you feel now?”

“I… don’t know. Still anxious.”

Strange.

His pulse had already normalized.

Maybe it wasn’t physical anymore.

Maybe it was fear.

It was getting late.

I should stay.

But—

Melody.

She had never slept without me.

What if she kicked off her blanket?

“May I step out briefly?” I asked carefully.

“Why? My heart’s still racing…”

“I’ll just wash up. I’ll be right back.”

“…Okay. But hurry.”

“I will.”

I slipped out quietly.

Meanwhile — My Room

Melody sat up.

She looked left.

She looked right.

She stood on the bed and spun around.

No matter where she looked—

Mama wasn’t there.

“Mama’s not here!”

Nooooo!

She clutched her head dramatically and flopped onto the floor.

Absolute crisis.

Her tiny brows furrowed in deep concern.

This was serious.

Very serious.

She puffed her cheeks.

Was Mama kidnapped?

By wolves?

By Duke Kka-kka Uncle?

Unacceptable.

She pushed herself up with determination.

Mission: Rescue Mama.

Commence.