Obey Me Now

She covered her deceit with feigned remorse, but Amelia only watched her with icy detachment.

Once, she would have rushed to comfort Messarina, blaming herself for making her sister feel guilty. She would’ve said it wasn’t Messarina’s fault, that she was to blame for being weak and burdensome.

“I always felt guilty toward her. As if my weak heart was somehow my fault. As if I wasn’t suffering enough myself…”

Now, she saw Messarina’s tearful performance for what it was. Noticing Amelia’s uncharacteristic silence, Messarina changed the subject.

“So, what was it you wanted to tell me?”

“Duke Bastyan has proposed to me.”

Messarina’s tears vanished instantly.

“That’s wonderful news, Sister! Congratulations! If you marry His Grace, we’ll all be family. I’ll have to make an effort to get closer to him!”

“…”

“You want us to be close, don’t you? Like a family?”

“Of course,” Amelia replied with a faint smile. “I’ve always wanted us to be close.”

How foolish she had been, not realizing what “close” truly meant to Messarina.

“You know how shy I am about meeting people, but for you, I’ll try my best to get along with His Grace.”

“Yes, you’ll try your best, won’t you? You always do—just not in the way I expected.”

“…”

“If you accept the proposal, the wedding will proceed quickly. I can’t believe you’ll be leaving the Count’s estate soon. I’ll miss you so much! But once you’re at Duke Bastyan’s residence, you’ll have to invite me often. Promise, okay?”

Amelia felt her stomach churn as she struggled to keep herself composed. Was she supposed to create a comfortable meeting place for them with her own hands? To smile and laugh while wishing for their happiness, oblivious to their betrayal? They would continue to deceive her, lying in her bed together, waiting for her death.

Knock, knock.

At that moment, a maid’s voice called from the door.

“My lady, His Grace Duke Bastyan is here to see you.”

Her heart sank.

“Oh my! The Duke is here? Well, I’ll leave you two alone then. It’s better for you to meet in private anyway.”

Messarina rose and walked to the door just as Edzoff came into view.

The man who had once held her heart.

The man who had ruthlessly driven a blade through it.

Messarina greeted him with a perfect curtsy.

“Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you.”

“It’s been a while, Lady Messarina.”

“Please, go see my sister. You don’t know how much she’s been waiting for you.”

“I’ve heard. Thank you for looking after her in my absence.”

“It’s only natural.”

Edzoff reached out and lightly kissed Messarina’s wrist, his fingers lingering for just a moment longer than necessary, brushing against her skin before releasing her. Messarina’s gaze fluttered slightly before she turned to leave.

“My sister is still recovering, so please don’t stay too long, Your Grace.”

“Of course. I’ll only stay a little while.”

With that, Messarina left, but Amelia couldn’t hear her footsteps retreating.

“Is she waiting for him? Unable to bear even the brief moment we’re together?”

“Ameli, I’m sorry I came so late. I should’ve rushed here sooner. But I’m so relieved you woke up.”

Amelia couldn’t stomach their farce any longer.

“Since you enjoy theater so much, let me show you my own performance.”

“Your Grace,” Amelia said, fixing her trembling gaze on Edzoff.

“Yes, Ameli. It’s me. What hurts? How bad—”

“I saw you with Messarina last night.”

Edzoff froze at her words. Amelia’s voice dropped to a whisper, carrying a trembling vulnerability.

“I was so confused and frightened that I couldn’t even ask Messarina about it.”

Her hand darted out, clutching his wrist with surprising strength.

“Has your heart changed? Why did you propose to me? Why do you want to marry me, Your Grace? Do you even—do you even love me?”

Her eyes brimmed with tears as she trembled, her body wracked with sobs. Edzoff sighed heavily, meeting her gaze with feigned remorse.

“Ameli, if you saw that… no words of mine could ever make it right. I’ve hurt you deeply. But believe me, I was a victim too.”

“Your Grace…?”

“Please, hear me out just once. That night, I wasn’t in my right mind. Messarina… she must’ve orchestrated it. Don’t trust her, Ameli. She acts innocent, but she wants to take me away from you. She’s trying to come between us with her schemes.”

“Messarina… would do that?”

“Yes. Believe me, Ameli. You know Messarina’s origins are questionable. How could I ever choose her over the woman I love?”

“How could Messarina do that to me? I… I don’t believe it.”

Edzoff stepped closer and enveloped her in his arms. Amelia let him hold her, tears still streaming down her face. As her head rested on his chest, she finally heard the faint sound of Messarina’s footsteps fading away.

“Messarina, you have nothing. Nothing but your body. You don’t own anything else.”

As always, Edzoff felt relieved seeing Amelia in his arms.

“I didn’t expect her to find out, but a little coaxing is all it takes to bring her back. She’ll keep loving me blindly until she dies—at just the right time.”

“And you think all Messarina wants to steal is you?”

Amelia’s icy whisper made Edzoff freeze.

“Amelia?”

Her tear-streaked face had been replaced by a cold, dry gaze as she pulled back from him.

“Then I’ll give you to her. Take her and leave. Now get out of my sight.”