Welcome to chapter 100! It's a special so it's a double drop (bonus chapter of Evelyn's pov)

Hopefully, this chapter makes it clear about both of the mc's feeling and mental state. 

Thank you to the new patron, Jonathan Newman.

Thank you to the patrons who support this novel. OdeToAKite, Danielle Warvel, Michael,

JewBot9000 and Anonymous8418.

The festivities had wound down, leaving behind a quiet hum of contentment in the air. Most guests had either retired to their home or are just chilling at the event. Everyone was exhausted but satisfied from the celebration.

Seraphina carried Aric, half-dragging, half-supporting him through the inn’s corridors, his arm slung over her shoulder while he mumbled incoherently under his breath. Thorin had called for her when Aric started to tell some conspiracy theories from Earth.

Seraphina of course obliged and took him away before he kept on rambling on about cornflakes.

“Don’t take me awayyyy.” Aric slurred his words as his voice was thick with alcohol-induced sluggishness. He squinted blearily at her, though it was clear he couldn’t recognize who was helping him.

“I don’t wanttttt you. I mean, I have a wifeeeee aaaaat home. She’ll be mad if sheee sees you dragging meeee around like this. Plus, I'm the dukeee you knooow!”

Seraphina raised an eyebrow skeptically, suppressing a smirk.

Well, he's drunk. But his drunken state is already better than whatever Vayne was.

Huh. I just realized, this is my first time seeing him drunk. I guess he really partied hard after doing all of this.

Work hard, play hard, I suppose.

She studied him closely, noting how endearing he looked even in his disheveled state. His mismatched eyes were unfocused, his hair tousled adorably and his usual self was replaced by clumsy charm.

He’s… extra cute right now.

An idea struck her then. One that would let her mess with him while keeping her identity hidden.

Hmmm, I mean...it's not always I get to see him drunk. Plus he's more adorable than any man I ever talk to. And, being drunk made people stupidly honest, didn’t it?

I want to know how you feel about me.

Adjusting her grip on him slightly, she softened her voice to disguise it.

“Oh? And who might this wife of yours be?” she teased lightly, feigning curiosity as they reached the door to their shared room

“She’s… Seraphina. The duchesss!” Aric continued, oblivious to the irony from her question.

“You know, the really pretty woman who rules this place.

“I’m sure you would know who that is.” Seraphina replied while opening the door,

“But what makes her so special? Why does she stand out?”

“She's a really nice person, she likes the people and isss not some snarky rich person! She's also like the strongest person I’ve ever met and did I mention she's nice and hot?”

His words caught Seraphina off guard, forcing her to pause mid-step. For a moment, she simply stared at him, her blue eyes searching his face for any sign of recognition. But Aric’s gaze remained distant, clouded by alcohol and fatigue.

He truly believed he was speaking to someone else entirely.

Aric sighed dramatically, “Miss, it's been nice talking to you but pleaseeee let me go. You really don't want to make her mad!”

Seraphina bit back a laugh, shaking her head in disbelief. “I will once you tell me more about her, ‘duke.’”

She lowered him onto the bed, propping him up against the pillows. “Go on. Tell me more.”

“She likes things simple surprisingly. Like simple activities like hanging out at the park, reading booooks and just doing nothing too cwazy.”

Aric said while his speech grew increasingly erratic.

“She also likeessss swoft animals so I made her a plushieee.”

A plushie…? When did he give me that? I don’t remember it.

“A plushie? What's a plushie?” Seraphina repeated, maintaining her altered tone.

“What kind of plushie did you give to the duchess?”

“Yeah, like a bigggg…” Aric spread his arms wide, nearly knocking over the bedside lamp in the process but Seraphina saved it just in time,

“…teddy bear, you know! I gave her a really big teddy bear cause why not. It’s cute! I think she liked it too, though lately...she hasn’t been sleeping with it.”

Aric giggled like a drunk fool, waving his hands animatedly.

“She also likes to try food from different cultures. She always ask Darius and the chefs around here to make new stuff sooo, I want her to try shawarma. Have you heard of it? It’s amazing. My wife doesn’t know it yet, but one day, I’ll make her try it. I'll also make sure everyone experience its greatness.”

At this, Seraphina couldn’t help but chuckle quietly, recalling their earlier conversation about the mysterious dish. She crossed her arms tightly over her chest, watching as Aric sprawled out on the bed, his movements clumsy and uncoordinated.

He groaned loudly, clutching his head in frustration. “Lady, please. Put me out there before I say something stupid. I don’t want to be in your bed when my wife inevitably finds me. I just want to go our home.”

“You’re already here, Your Grace.” Seraphina replied gently, still using her disguised voice.

“Her Grace will come to the room in a bit. For now, rest.”

Aric blinked owlishly, his expression a mixture of confusion and relief.

“Oh. Okay then. Thanks, miss… whoever you are.”

Seraphina smiled softly, deciding to keep up the charade a little longer. She put him into bed again and covered him with a blanket. She rocked him gently with her tendrils and her fingers brushing through his hair in soothing strokes.

“So, Lord Aric, is there anything you’d want to tell Her Grace but haven’t been able to?”

Aric frowned, his brow furrowing as though the question required intense concentration. He for some reason, felt safe talking to her despite not knowing who it was.

“Hmm… maybe. But it’s hard, you know? Sometimes I feel like she doesn’t see me the way I see her. Like, she thinks I’m just some guy trying to fix things, but I want her to know I care about her. That I'm not just some guy from Earth...”

His words caught Seraphina off guard once again, stirring emotions she hadn’t fully acknowledged until now. She swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay composed.

“And what exactly do you care about her?”

“Every...thing.” Aric replied while his eyelids were slowly closing. “I care about her happiness, her safety and her dreams. I know she wants to be the protector of the people and want everyone to live their best life. She...”

YAWNS

“So...rry. I'm...just really...sleepy. She...wants all of that but was unable to because she married the wrong person...But regardless, her dreams are great but...she...forgot about one thing.”

Seraphina was still rocking him to sleep, “Which is...?”

Aric yawned again and one of his eyes were closed,

“Herself. She's not apart of that dream. I want that to change and for her to include herself. I want her to smile more. She always have that hard cold look but when she smiles, she's really cute and soft. Like an angel you know? But mostly…I...”

He fell asleep as his breathing even out.

ZZZ...ZZZ...ZZZ

Seraphina waited a moment, ensuring he was truly asleep before letting out a shaky breath. Her heart ached with a strange combination of longing and gratitude.

“I like you, Aric.” she whispered, “I don’t want you to leave me when this is all over. I want you to stay with me. I don't know if I could ever fix my wrongs but...I genuinely want you to be with me.”

Once she was certain Aric wouldn’t wake anytime soon, Seraphina stood and began searching the room for the elusive plushie he mentioned. She rifled through drawers, opened cabinets, and even checked under the bed, but found nothing. Frustration mounting, she turned her attention to the closet, throwing open the doors and rummaging through its contents.

Clothes flew everywhere, shoes tumbled out, and finally, buried beneath a pile of blankets, she found it. What was hidden from all that was a large teddy bear with oversized ears and a tiny embroidered bow tie

Clutching it to her chest, Seraphina sat back on the floor, memories flooding back in fragmented flashes. She remembered Aric’s voice as he handed her the gift.

“Here you go, Sera!” Aric said eagerly

“This is for...?”

“It's just a gift. I figured that since we've already spent a lot of time together and I have to be your husband until the debts are over, I should give you something.”

"I..."

Aric placed the teddy bear into her hands. “Just take it. Once this is all over, and I leave, you can remember it as my gift to you.”

There were no visuals but she was certain now that it was Aric that gave this plushie. She remembered the warmth of his presence, the way her lips curved into an involuntary smile.

One of the happiest memories I lost… was this. I...don't remember his face or where it was given but...I remembered he gave it to me...as a gift for no reason.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as realization dawned.

He...gave this to me because he thinks he will leave when this is all over. I have to change his mind. I'll try my best to see you differently.

“You may not hear me but I'll try my best to see you as Aric. Not the man who wears his face. It may be hard but I like you, Aric.”

“I want you to stay.”

She wiped away her tears and placed the plushie beside Aric on the bed. She leaned down and kissed his forehead.

“I’ll get more happy memories from you. I'll make you stay.” she said as a promise to herself.

As Seraphina stared into Aric's sleeping self, Evelyn appeared at the door. She noticed the flush Seraphina's face. She smiled at this and approached her with soft steps,

“My lady.” Evelyn began, “Are you alright? You look… flustered.”

Seraphina shook her head quickly, attempting and failing to compose herself.

“I’m fine.” she said while her cheeks burned red, “Just… tired.”

Evelyn was clearly unconvinced. Wow, would you look at that? Who knew she’d be blushing like a teenager again?

“If you say so.” she replied dryly. “Would you like to sleep in my room tonight, or would you prefer to sleep with Aric?”

Her heart pounded faster. Even though they had slept in the same bed for months now, the question now made her more embarrassed than she expected.

“I think... I’ll stay with him tonight.”

Evelyn nodded sagely, offering a small, understanding smile.

“Very well, my lady. Goodnight. And just for good measure, happy birthday once more.”

Evelyn closed the door, only to hear Seraphina's muffled murmurs from the other side. Something about how embarrassing this all felt.

She smiled to herself.

“Well then... at least she finally found something she likes. I suppose it’s my job now to make sure Aric falls in love with her.”

I will see you on either Wednesday or Thursday.

Thank you for reading Reincarnated into a Failed Marriage.

Any comments, suggestions, corrections or anything really is appreciated.

Thank you as well to the patrons, my editor, Sammy and people who left good suggestions for helping me make this novel better with each chapter.