Chapter 22: Please Betray Me, Dearest Fiancé!

Instead of answering, Lydia carefully read the agreement from top to bottom. This was an important moment to ensure her future!

The condition was also clearly written:

It would only apply if Ephraim betrayed her and annulled their engagement again.

Check!

One hundred billion Gold. Check! Check!

Lifelong access to Adelstein family’s domain. Check! Check! Check!

Being suspicious of documents was practically a habit for Lydia at this point.

After all, she had spent enough time as the Imperial Authority’s puppet in her previous life to learn one important rule:

Never sign anything without reading it first.

Fortunately, there was nothing suspicious hidden between the lines.

No strange clause saying that her body would belong to Ephraim. There was no hidden clause forcing her to Guide someone against her will, either. And no clause allowing him to use their compatibility as an excuse to force her to do something she didn’t want.

And Lydia wouldn’t have it another way. She might be a Crown Prince’s fiancée, but consent was still a must.

Well, to be honest, it wasn’t as though Ephraim had ever forced himself on her.

Lydia was practically ready to frame the document and hang it on her bedroom wall. Who cared about dignity when financial freedom was staring her right in the face?

This is the most romantic thing my dearest fiancé has ever written for me. I could practically feel his money—ahem, I mean, love, flowing my way. I’m touched.

Ephraim had even imprinted his Resonance at the bottom of the document. Sweet.

Unfortunately, Lydia’s excitement came to an abrupt halt when she reached the final clause.

"Wait. Is the clause at the end of here necessary?" Lydia pointed at the bottom of the document and read it loudly.

"Furthermore, if the above case does not occur, the second party agrees to promptly wed the first party and move into his residence."

She squinted up at Ephraim suspiciously.

"This part. You’re doing this on purpose."

"It’s no fun for me if all the terms are for your benefit. So I want a reward too when I successfully fulfill it, Lydia."

"Is that even necessary? I mean, does this even count as a reward?"

"I wonder."

Suspicion narrowed her eyes as Lydia studied him. Ephraim had definitely added that clause just to mess with her.

Well, whatever. Most of the terms benefit me anyway. Letting Ephraim have a little something in return won’t hurt.

Satisfied with her own reasoning, Lydia decided to let the final clause slide.

Ephraim, my dearest fiancé, please betray me and annul our engagement. The sooner the better. Your beloved fiancée is more than ready to be filthy rich!

A faint glow gathered at her fingertip as Lydia poured her Guide power into the document. The power spread across the paper, forming a delicate deer mark beside Ephraim’s imprinted Resonance.

Lydia’s signature was complete.

"I can’t wait for our engagement to get annulled. Ahhh, my financial freedom! I can almost smell it. My early retirement fund!" She looked at the document for another second before carefully folding it. "This is mine now."

"That’s not exactly the reaction I expected."

"Of course it is."

Lydia turned toward the side of her bedroom and placed her palm against a smooth section of the black wall. A thin blue line appeared beneath her hand.

[Guide signature recognized: Lydia Valendorf]

With a soft mechanical click, a hidden compartment slid open, revealing a metallic vault built directly into the wall. It was Lydia’s Personal Secure Vault, a private storage system that belonged exclusively to her.

After placing the agreement inside, Lydia withdrew her hand and sealed the compartment.

Blue lines briefly raced across the surface before disappearing, leaving the wall looking completely ordinary again.

"Perfect."

An amused smirk danced on Ephraim’s expression as he examined his fiancée.

"You really are treating this like you’re already collecting the money."

"Preparation is important."

"You’re planning for our annulment already?"

"Of course! I’ve already decided how to spend the money. Private houses, handsome men to serve me every day, luxurious spa treatments, and delicious meals. Mmhm. Perhaps a holiday to another country? I might even find myself some new men and start a—"

Before Lydia could finish, Ephraim leaned down and kissed her, putting an end to her increasingly shameless plans.

"I won’t allow it to happen, Lydia. There won’t be another man. Not while I’m around."

A sudden kiss from Ephraim almost made Lydia slumped to the floor. But he managed to catch her before she did.

"E-Ephraim!!"

Lydia was completely flustered when he carried her to the bed and gently sat her down. Ephraim even patted her head as he enjoyed her blushing face!

"There, there. I believe this is a rather satisfying reward for my bet."

Despite his teasing, Lydia knew better than anyone how much effort Ephraim had put into making that agreement possible.

Though he had called it a game and acted as though the terms were no big deal, Lydia knew he had put a lot of effort into making the agreement happen.

Ephraim had simply chosen to hide his sincerity behind that infuriatingly casual smile of his.

"Nobody knows you better than me. Even when you’re smiling or performing your princely duty, I can always see through your facade." Her voice was quiet, but certain.

Having known him since childhood, Lydia could tell the difference when Ephraim’s charming smile was merely an act.

And right now, she knew he was serious, no matter how casually he treated the agreement.

Lydia slowly swung her feet against the side of the bed as she smiled at him.

"I know that look, Ephraim. Despite your words, you’re serious about us, aren’t you?"

For the first time, Ephraim looked genuinely surprised. He hadn’t expected her to see through him so easily.

"You... sure are entertaining, Lydia." His expression softened. "I never get bored when I have you by my side. Ever."

Before Lydia could respond, Ephraim leaned closer and pulled her into his arms and kissed her. But it was nothing like their usual kisses. It was a passionate, heartfelt kiss.

Softly, they melt into the kiss with Ephraim holding Lydia gently, as he explored inside Lydia’s mouth with his tongue, tasting her.

What had gotten into Ephraim?!

He never even kissed me this passionately. Not even in my previous life.

A French kiss?!

And why was he so good at this?

Was this really Ephraim Rion Adelstein?!

And... and why his hands were wandering beneath my dress and touching me there?!