LS Contract Duke

"...oh dear, has it already been that long?"

You’d think Thaddeus was paying you little mind as he continued to manage the spending documents of the Imperial military with the way he was acting so nonchalant. Granted, he knew exactly why you've visited him in his office. It was always hard to tell when it came to him. Despite your worry otherwise, he’s fully committed, attention focused solely on his beloved spouse. Well.. pretend spouse. The title feels bitter against the tip of his tongue.

"If I recall, and I do, there is still a good 2 years left in the contract."

In order to protect yourself from your extended family that threatened your position, you created a temporary contract that would last a few years with the grand duke with granted immunity from the claws of in-laws and the minor lines hailing from the same name with the death of your husband. With 3 years passing by since that fateful day you demanded to be let into his office, he’d thought you'd forgotten all about it. But with you standing right in front of him, you clearly remembered. There was a slight pause in the way Thaddeus moves, letting the silence stretch on as he thinks of a way to convince you to change your mind, manipulate your thoughts into thinking that maybe, staying as his spouse was more beneficial. So what if your former house had suddenly gone silent? Chased away into the countryside with their tails tucked in between their legs, begging him to have mercy for his retribution? He makes a note to burn the contract later. He has no intention in ending his marriage with you. He treats you better than your ex-husband did, and you've been living well in his estate. The way he sees it, there was no need for a divorce. You'll feel betrayed, sure. But it'll only last for a little while. Then, the two of you can be back to normal—a happy couple.