Wicked Husband-Chapter 91 - 90

Eileen, who was about to ask how Lucio had been, found herself at a loss for words. Seeing Eileen’s wide-eyed surprise, Lucio gave a small, knowing smile.

"It’s all in the past now. It was just a youthful crush."

He downplayed it as a minor, bygone affection. Eileen, initially frozen by the unexpected confession, visibly relaxed with relief.

"I just wanted to tell you now. It was something I felt back then."

The emotion in Lucio’s voice was clear and lingering, though still profound. Eileen, not quite perceptive of the subtleties, was simply grateful that the situation hadn’t turned too awkward.

"Uh, thank you for sharing..."

Having never received a confession before, Eileen wasn’t sure how to respond. She offered a simple thank you and then looked to Lucio for any further reaction. He smiled without offering much else. Eileen tried to steer the conversation back to more neutral ground.

"Though it’s late, how have you been?"

She had occasionally thought of Lucio. She wanted to send him a letter to inquire about his well-being, but she didn’t even know his address. Still, she was glad to see him again and wanted to make sure she took good care of him, repaying the kindness he had shown her in university.

"I haven’t been doing well."

Lucio’s response was curt, and he didn’t seem inclined to discuss his recent past. He looked at Eileen with a steady gaze.

"Leaving you was not my choice, and it caused me a lot of pain. I wanted to stay by your side."

The meaning behind Lucio’s words was clear, implying that Cesare had forced him away. Despite the presence of Cesare’s uniformed subordinate in the driver’s seat, Lucio’s boldness was striking.

’Cesare probably won’t be concerned about these words...’

Lucio was a capable and promising scholar, but he was no match for the Duke of Erzet. To Cesare, Lucio’s comments might seem like the complaints of a naive youth.

Nevertheless, it was a topic best left unspoken. Eileen felt the need to redirect the conversation.

"I’m glad we could meet again."

"..."

Seeing Eileen’s attempt to change the subject, Lucio’s expression grew darker. It was as if he sensed her reluctance to address his comments directly.

Although Lucio didn’t understand, Eileen found her choice natural.

’It must be something Cesare did for a reason.’

There had to be a substantial reason behind Cesare’s actions. Eileen firmly believed that Lucio must have done something to warrant such treatment.

Of course, it was also possible that Cesare or his knights were overly sensitive about minor transgressions. However, their sensitivity was understandable given Eileen’s past experiences.

Cesare and his knights were known to be particularly harsh with young men, and Eileen had her own harsh memories, including the abduction she suffered at age twelve, which had been perpetrated by a young man of a similar age.

Eileen recalled vivid memories from her past and bit her lip slightly. While a good memory had its advantages, it was sometimes painful when even moments that should be forgotten remained so vividly in her mind. As she pushed these resurfacing thoughts aside, Eileen reopened the conversation.

"Please tell me how you’ve been."

Although Eileen had shifted her view of Lucio from a fond senior to someone she should be cautious of, she chose not to let it show. After all, he would only be staying in the Duchy for a short time before leaving. There was no need to create an awkward atmosphere with the professors around.

Noticing Eileen’s neutral reaction, Lucio refrained from mentioning Cesare further. Instead, he shared updates on his life, which Eileen had genuinely been curious about.

Lucio explained that after leaving university abruptly, he had wandered for some time. By chance, he reconnected with Professor Glenda from the School of Pharmacy, which inspired him to return to academia.

He mentioned that he had made physical changes, such as tidying up his hair and removing his glasses, and he had worked diligently to overcome his stuttering habit.

Lucio had not neglected his research; he had published several papers in academic journals and was slowly making a name for himself in the field of pharmacology. When Eileen heard that he was on the verge of being appointed the youngest professor, she felt a pang of envy. Lucio seemed to be walking the very path Eileen had once dreamed of.

However, she bore no regret for the path she hadn’t taken, recognizing that it had been shaped by Cesare’s influence.

"I’m glad I have news to share with you, Eileen."

Eileen praised Lucio, who humbly downplayed his achievements. As they talked, they arrived in a bustling part of town.

Eileen guided the professors through shops and bookstores, enthusiastically buying many gifts. Sonio had specified a budget, and Eileen was determined to adhere to it, so she continued shopping with zeal.

The mountains of items purchased were sent ahead to the Duke’s residence, and Eileen, along with the professors, enjoyed a relaxing tea time at a charming tea house. Glenda and Elio, who had struggled to even sip their tea in the Duke’s austere reception room earlier, now appeared much more at ease.

Lucio, who had silently followed throughout the shopping and had refused all of Eileen’s gifts, remained quiet even at the tea house. With Glenda and Elio engaging Eileen in conversation, Lucio seemed to defer to them.

Glenda, with her impeccably styled hair and graceful smile, looked at Eileen with a thoughtful gaze.

"I still can’t believe you’re married to the Grand Duke..."

Elio, whose once-tanned skin from working in the greenhouse now sported a neatly groomed mustache, added,

"What’s most unbelievable is that you’re still pursuing research."

He and Glenda had always held Eileen’s talent in high regard, so Eileen smiled shyly, touched by their heartfelt sentiments.

"Although my research is still lacking, I’ve been working on it alone. I hope to someday have my name as the first author on a journal article."

Eileen shared her ambition, which she hadn’t previously expressed to anyone. Glenda, sitting opposite her, suddenly grasped Eileen’s hand. Eileen was startled by the abruptness of Glenda’s action, which was so unlike her usual refined demeanor.

"Please don’t stop your studies, Eileen."

Glenda’s eyes, filled with a deep earnestness, shone with concern.

"Marriage is a noble thing. You will certainly make a name for yourself in society as the Duchess, and one day you might even have heirs. But I hope you also achieve glory as a scholar, not just as someone’s wife or mother."

Glenda, having spoken quickly, realized her words might have been too much and hurriedly added, "I know it’s an impertinent remark... But I always believed you would leave a mark in history as a scholar, not just as the Grand Duchess. When I learned you still have academic ambitions, I couldn’t help but express my feelings..."

As Glenda hesitated, releasing Eileen’s hand, Eileen gently took it again and replied, "Don’t worry. I’m not sure how well I’ll do, but I’m doing my best."

"Eileen..."

Glenda, unintentionally using Eileen’s first name as she used to, quickly apologized. Her eyes moistened, and Elio handed her a handkerchief.

Glenda, known for her stern and reserved demeanor, showing tears and concern for Eileen’s academic endeavors was unusual. It stirred a desire within Eileen to work even harder.

As Eileen nursed her small ambition, Glenda regained her usual grace. After taking a sip of tea, she changed the subject.

"Tomorrow, we plan to visit a renowned pharmacist in the Duchy."

Eileen, still moved by the previous conversation, nearly choked on her tea. Glenda, with genuine curiosity, asked, "I hear they are quite famous... Do you happen to know them, Eileen?"

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