Chapter 5: The Wife and The Mistress

A sound of flicking paper could be heard as Layla turned the pages of the book she was reading. She was so engrossed in the text that she didn't notice someone approaching her.

"Excuse me," said the person, interrupting her concentration.

Layla looked up and saw the person in front of her.

"It's been a while since I last saw you, Benidict," she said nonchalantly, then went back to reading her book.

The head butler cleared his throat. "It's not that long, Madam. It's only been a week."

It's already been a week since the hero came home with the heroine, and Layla still hasn't gotten the chance to face him. He's probably busy taking care of the sick heroine.

She became sick because she overused her powers.

Even if that's the case, how can he not have thought to at least check on his wife?

After all, Ophelia's body collapsed on the day he came home. It's impossible he didn't at least hear about it.

Layla was enraged about that thought.

She couldn't believe that he would be so oblivious or acting oblivious and choose to neglect his own spouse. Layla waited for days to see if the hero would visit her. She was just wasting her time, energy and hope. He never showed up.

That's why Layla decided to spend her time doing the things she likes, such as reading books like novels in the library, and she came across a book about the laws of this country.

That book was in her grasp at the moment.

"I haven't seen you go out of your chamber, madam. I am getting worried," said the head butler.

It's a good thing he's worried, compared to her husband, who couldn't care less about her.

She sighed. "Benidict. Am I the master's legal wife?"

"Pardon?" asked the head butler, taken aback.

Layla didn't repeat what she said and stared at the head butler.

"Well, your marriage with the master was recognized by the church, madam. What made you ask?"

"Nothing. Just a passing thought." Layla replied.

The head butler only nodded his head, not prying into the topic.

"What made you come here today? You should be with the master." Layla finally asked.

"I was sent here by the master to check on your health, madam. He heard about how you fainted recently."

Layla looked up and frowned.

Why can't he come here and check himself?! Why does he have to send his servants to do his bidding? It's as if I am not even worth his time.

Despite Layla's thoughts, she smiled at the head butler.

It's not his fault to have such a type of master.

He's just doing his job, and he does it well.

"As you can see, I'm fine." She said, dismissing his concern.

"I'm glad, madam. The master also sent gifts for your speedy recovery," replied the butler.

Layla saw a few beautifully wrapped boxes behind the butler.

"Oh, you don't have to. But since it's here, I would gladly accept it." Layla said it using her fake, polite business voice.

She just didn't find the gifts pleasing, knowing they were a bribe to ease Layla's feelings. But Layla knew how to play the game and accepted the boxes graciously.

"Send my thanks to the master."

"I will, madam."

"Okay. Then, if you'll excuse me, I would like to go back to reading." And with that, Layla returned her attention to the book on her grasp.

The head butler bowed and quietly left the room.

Such a kind butler. Too bad his master is not the same.

She thought.

Now that Layla remembered from the novel, when the heroine was at the estate, she was criticized by a few of the servants here, but not to the extent of hurting her physically but more verbally.

But somehow, all the servants she encountered on the estate were good natured.

Did they not like the heroine in the novel because of Ophelia?

It was not clear in the novel why the servants were hostile to the heroine. The readers thought it was written like that by the author to have some kind of excitement in the novel, but Layla realized that seemed not to be the case.

The servants are acting hostile toward the heroine because she is a mistress.

That makes sense.

It might not be clear if Ophelia really existed in the novel, but Layla thinks she does, and she has a huge influence on the servants. She might even be on her deathbed while the heroine was at the estate.

"What the heck?" She can't help but curse.

Layla felt like she unlocked a new piece of the novel.

She sighed, then was in a daze.

Why is this thing becoming even more crazy by the minute?

She needed to take a break and clear her mind. Layla decided to go for a walk to get some fresh air.

Since it was still winter, Layla went to the greenhouse to watch the flowers.

When she got there, she was amazed by the variety of plants and flowers that were blooming, and she crouched down and stared at the delicate petals with wonder.

The flower is so healthy... she thought.

Its bright colors and sweet fragrance filled the air around her, and Layla felt a sense of peace wash over her as she took in the beauty of the flower.

Just the appearance of this thing is enough to brighten up anyone's day.

Layla was so busy admiring the flowers that she didn't notice someone entering the greenhouse. The same goes for the newcomer, since Layla was covered by flowers.

The newcomer roamed their eyes around the greenhouse and was in awe at the beauty of the flowers. They are walking giddily while looking at the variety of flowers in the greenhouse.

Layla, on the other hand, picked a single flower and decided to stand up when her eyes caught sight of a butterfly fluttering nearby. She watched as it danced gracefully around the flowers. She followed the butterfly with her eyes until it flew away into the distance.

Until her eyes caught sight of warm, azure pupils staring at her.

It was the most beautiful gaze she had ever seen.

Layla got startled at the unexpected gaze at her.

"Hello," a melodic voice, accompanied by a friendly smile, greeted her.

"Hi?" she responded uncertainly, still captivated by the stunning eyes in front of her.

The person in front of her giggled, breaking the tension and making her feel more at ease.

"The butterfly is beautiful, isn't it?" the person said, pointing to a colorful butterfly that had landed nearby.

"Yes," she replied, still unable to take her eyes off of the person's stunning eyes.

The person noticed her gaze and smiled, saying, "My apology for the late introduction. I'm Claudia St. Clair. You are?" then extend her hand.

"Ophelia," she said, shaking Claudia's hand and feeling a rush of excitement.

This woman in front of her. With no doubt, she's the very heroine of the novel she read.

Claudia St. Clair

Blonde hair, blue eyes, and paired with her angelic features.

This woman possessed those things, and she looks exactly like the illustration that the author provided.

The heroine is really in front of her.

She finally met her.

The heroine of the story and the mistress of the hero

***