âPhilip, when can we get married? My parents are already waiting for us to get married. Their health has been declining a lot latelyâ¦â
Seven years laterâ¦
Rebecca had always asked Philip to marry her, but he had always procrastinated with excuses. He couldnât let Chartus, who was almost in his possession, go by marrying Rebecca.
âHow long in the world do I have to wait!â
âWhen Anthony becomes the Marquis, it will be good for you too. Just be patient a little longer. Do you understand?â
There was only one heir in the Vallouse family. If she wanted, she could become the next Viscount of the Vallouse family.
She could live as a stepmother in a marquisâ household or the head of a self-made family.
If Rebecca had been a little more rational, she would have been able to judge what was in her best interest, but she had fallen in love to the point where her judgment was weak.
Because of this, Philip had been able to use Rebeccaâs many skills to his advantage.
âRebecca, you know I couldnât help it. Please understand, my love.â
Philip soothed Rebecca with great patience. Fortunately, his efforts were paying off. Rebeccaâs anger eased a bit.
âIt was my favourite dress though. Do you know how upsetting and frustrating it was for me?â
Rebeccaâs lips twisted into a pout with a sulky expression. Philip realized that she was already acting as he wanted her to. He whispered, with a meaningful smile on his face.
âBut thanks to you, we can get married.â
Rebeccaâs eyes widened to the point of popping out of their sockets.
âMarriâ¦age?â
âYes.â
âIs it trueâ¦?â
âThe Grand Duke has agreed to help Anthony inherit the family line. Letâs get married as soon as Anthony becomes the Marquisâ¦â
A scream escaped Rebeccaâs lips, though it was different than before. Soon, the rims of her eyes were red. She was on the verge of tears.
âPhilip!â
Rebecca wrapped her arms tightly around Philipâs neck.
âAre you feeling better now?â
âYes! Iâm the happiest person in the world right now.â
A sneer escaped Philipâs lips. But he casually wrapped an arm around Rebeccaâs waist, as he always did. With his other hand, he gently stroked her back.
âI love you, Philip.â
Rebecca looked happy as she rubbed her cheek against his chest. But before long, a wry smile appeared on Philipâs face as he looked down at Rebecca. and the cynical look in his eyes shone coldly.
âMarriage, huh?â
Rebecca was nothing more than a golden goose.
She was the woman he used to make Anthony a marquis and to give wings to his ambitions.
The Vallouse family was quite useful for making connections, not to mention money. Philip used Rebecca to solidify his and Anthonyâs position and ally himself with the aristocratic society.
In addition, he took all the money from Rebecca for various incidental expenses to enjoy his expensive hobbies and even bought luxury goods. If he were to use his own funds he would run out of money in no time just to fund his lifestyle. He had to save up his own money and just use it if necessary.
To cover his expenses, he simply told her that he needed some money and she would secretly give it to him. This was literally an endless supply of funds.
There was no other woman in the world that was easier to handle than her, as she was witless and selfish. He just needed to please her moderately. Where would he find a more convenient woman around?
âBut thereâs no need for that anymore.â
This long play would finally come to an end the moment Anthony becomes the Marquis Chartus.
Rebecca was sobbing as she buried her face into Philipâs chest. Philipâs expression, on the other hand, was hauntingly cold. But as he patted Rebeccaâs head, he whispered in the sweetest loverâs voice the world had ever heard.
âRebecca, weâre almost there.â
Rebeccaâs value will soon be over. Chewing a tasteless piece of gum would only make your jaw hurt.
When the time comes, she will suffer the most miserable consequences.
âLetâs wait a little longer. Thatâs possible, right?â
From an invisible angle, Philip twisted his lips and smiled coldly.
****