IMPEHB | Chapter 1.4

He had always worn a smile on his face, but now, seeing her so subdued made his heart ache.

 

“If that’s what you want, of course I’ll refer you to one of our top lawyers, but… Sena…”

 

Roger trailed off.

 

It was the first time he had seen bright, energetic Sena so deflated.

 

It felt like he was pouring poison instead of medicine on an open wound.

 

“Wouldn’t there be any way I could help directly? I don’t want to just sit by and watch you suffer.”

 

Sena reached out and clasped his large hand resting on the desk. And, as always, she gave him a bright smile.

 

“I’ll be okay, Uncle. I’m your strong little seedling, remember?”

 

“Strong little seedling”-the nickname Roger had given her when she was small.

 

So tiny, yet so full of determination and spirit.

 

A helpless smile appeared on his lips.

 

“Alright then. But it seems Attorney Lemont is currently in court. You may have to wait a bit, Sena.”

 

“That’s alright, Uncle. I’ll wait.”

 

With a creak, his chair slid back as he stood up and took a deep breath.

 

“And remember when things get tough, you come find this old man, okay? I’ll always be on your side, Sena.”

 

“Yes, Uncle. I promise.”

 

He nodded and left the room.

 

Silence filled the office again, heavy and oppressive.

 

Divorce, husband, a new man…

 

All the things she’d never considered before now weighed down on her like stones.

 

‘Am I really doing the right thing…?’

 

The question kept repeating in her mind.

 

Last night, when she declared she’d take a lover….

 

When she rifled through his desk…Even now, sitting here in the office.

 

Was this really the right path? Or was she just flailing like an upturned ant, all alone?

 

Whatever she did, he wouldn’t bat an eye.

 

He had already stopped caring about her.

 

‘Unless I strike his pride…’

 

“Hello?”

 

And just then…

 

She realized all those thoughts had been pointless.

 

“Are you Lady Sena Erendante?”

 

Not dirty blonde, but pure gold hair, Fair skin and eyes as blue and clear as a lake.

 

So striking, even passersby would do a double take. A sharp, well-fitted suit and silver-rimmed glasses that gave him an air of intellect.

 

“Hello, I’m Noah Lemont.”

 

“Weren’t you… in front of the municipal office earlier?”

 

“Oh? Yes, that was me.”

 

Yes, it was him, the man she saw outside the municipal office.

 

Blinking, Sena stood and reached out her hand for a handshake.

 

“I didn’t expect to meet you here. It’s a pleasure.”

 

“The pleasure’s mine, Lady Sena Erndante.”

 

Feeling slightly awkward, she smiled faintly.

 

She remembered now, the paper he was holding earlier had said

 

“Divorce Attorney.”

 

So he really did work for their firm.

 

“The director told me you were ready to proceed with the contract.”

 

“Yes, that’s right.”

 

“Then, let’s begin…”

 

He opened a folder and placed the contract form in front of her.

 

“Here are the papers and a pen.”

 

The contract was filled with legal jargon the average person wouldn’t understand.

 

But Sena, having grown up around this world, was familiar with it.

 

“Please write your name in the section for the client, and read through the terms carefully before signing.”

 

“Alright.”

 

 

 

⚜︎ ⚜︎ ⚜︎

 

 

 

[Sena Erdante]

 

 

She pressed each letter firmly, pouring her determination to divorce Kallion into every stroke of the pen.

 

“Shall we begin the interview right away?”

 

As he accepted the paper from her, he gently pushed up his glasses.

 

Then he filled in the blanks with his name, Noah Lemont, the case number, and a brief summary before signing his name. The handwriting under Client Name was delicate and beautiful.

 

“I’d prefer to postpone the interview for now, if that’s okay.”

 

He looked slightly taken aback. Most clients who complete the paperwork are usually eager to begin right away. But she wanted to delay?

 

“Of course. That’s not a problem, but…”

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

“No need to apologize. Um, are you living separately?”

 

Sena’s eyes widened slightly.

 

Where did that come from? Still, she kept her composure and replied calmly.

 

“No.”

 

“If it’s not urgent, I’d advise against separating before the lawsuit begins. A lot of people make that mistake.”

 

She nodded and added, “Ah, if you’re worried about establishing fault, don’t be. I plan to proceed within three months.”

 

“……”

 

“I’ll also be gathering evidence step by step.”

 

A brief silence passed between them.

 

His eyes, wide with surprise, gradually softened into a smile.

 

“Alright. Sounds good.”

 

He nodded and picked up his pen again.

 

“So when would you like to schedule the interview?”

 

“I’ll come back once I’ve gathered all the evidence.”

 

“Alright. That works.”

 

His professionalism was impressive, especially for someone so young. To even get hired at our firm, the most prestigious in the empire, is like catching a star from the sky.

 

He seems like a good person. Maybe even… boyfriend material.

 

Suddenly, her face flushed.

 

Am I crazy? Judging someone just by looking at them…

 

She felt ashamed for evaluating someone based on their looks and profession. Even if finding a new partner was urgent, reducing people to ranks felt shallow and foolish.

 

“Um, are you alright?”

 

“Huh? Yes, I just… got lost in thought for a second.”

 

She forced an awkward smile, hoping he hadn’t caught a glimpse of her inner turmoil.

 

“If you’re not feeling well, I could get you something…”

 

“No, really. I’m fine.”

 

“Oh…”

 

His voice was stiff like dried laundry, and he smiled awkwardly in turn.

 

“I, uh… Let me walk you out.”

 

 

 

⚜︎ ⚜︎ ⚜︎

 

 

 

They descended the stairs in awkward silence, the sound of their shoes echoing with every step.

 

“The carriage is running late. I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s quite alright, madam.”

 

He was gentlemanly in every sense of the word, offering his hand on the stairs, keeping the conversation flowing. He might just be the perfect man to spark Kallion’s jealousy.

 

“Do you… have someone you’re seeing?”

 

She asked lightly, feigning casualness, but inside, she was nervous her intent might be obvious.

 

“…Pardon?”

 

“Oh! I didn’t mean anything strange. I was just curious.”

 

She said with a forced smile. He, too, looked a little flustered, the corners of his lips twitching.

 

“Unfortunately, no. I don’t seem to be popular.”

 

Her eyes widened.

 

“Not popular…?”

 

“Yes. I spent my school years buried in books. No one really liked me.”

 

“Oh…”

 

That was unexpected. With looks like his, women should’ve been lining up with gifts and sweets.

 

Kallion had a hard time dealing with that kind of attention back then, too…

 

Why am I thinking about Kallion now?

 

Sena shook her head.

 

“Would you be open to dating someone… if they asked?”

 

She lifted her gaze to meet his. He looked startled but smiled.

 

“Well, if you were introducing someone…”

 

“No. I mean me.”

 

“…Sorry?”

 

His eyes trembled ever so slightly.

 

Of course he’d be shocked. A respectable married woman suddenly proposing a relationship?

 

It must’ve seemed outrageous.

 

“Not a real relationship. A contract one. Just pretend.”

 

“Ah…”

 

Words tumbled out before she could think. Her mind had skipped the filtering process.

 

He hesitated, then gave a sheepish smile.

 

“I’m sorry, madam.”

 

It was the kind of conversation that made even bystanders feel second hand embarrassment.

 

Expected, but still stinging.

 

“No worries.”

 

She forced a smile to smooth things over. It was her mistake for being rash, letting revenge cloud her judgment.

 

“Um.”

 

He broke the silence.

 

“May I ask you something?”

 

His lake-like blue eyes were filled with both suspicion and curiosity, as if he were trying to gauge her.

 

“Is this… for revenge?”

 

Sena stood still, silent.

 

Even after hearing the question, her lips wouldn’t move. She was scared that admitting it would make this surreal situation even more real.

 

“…Yes.”

 

Maybe she’d been in denial all along. Pretending this was all a dream that returning in time, Kallion’s infidelity, all of it wasn’t real. Just something she’d wake up from.

 

Because the truth was unbearable.

 

“I want to get revenge on my husband.”

 

But as the words left her lips the color returned to her grayscale world.

 

This, right here, was the reason she was still alive.

 

A final chance from the gods, to take revenge and heal her wounded heart.

 

He nodded slowly and repeated her words in a whisper.

 

Maybe he was trying to understand her out of pity. The smile on his lips was tinged with bitterness.

 

“My father…”

 

He finally spoke again.

 

“He cheated on my mother too.”

 

She watched him quietly. On the quiet street, only the sound of a broom sweeping fallen petals echoed faintly.

 

Her mouth dried out, the heaviness in the air making everything feel solemn.

 

“My mother, in turn, brought home a new man every night.”

 

“……”

 

“Just like you, madam.”

 

Her lips trembled.

 

Shame surged up within her, but she didn’t look away.

 

“There is no paradise at the end of that path.”

 

Sena lowered her head.

 

She knew it was wise counsel. But the reason it pierced her so deeply was that he had lived it.

 

“I understand.”

 

“Then, madam… please reconsider…”

 

“No.”

 

His hand froze at the firm tone in her voice.

 

“I have no intention of stopping.”

 

“……”

 

“Even if there’s a cliff at the end, I’ll keep walking.”

 

“Madam.”

 

“I’m sorry. I’ve taken up too much of your time.”

 

She turned away, heading for her carriage.

 

But then…

 

“What can I do to help?”

 

His urgent voice snagged her like a hook.

 

Thump. Thump.

 

Her heart started beating again, slow and steady. Her body turned back to face him of its own accord.

 

“Let me help you.”

 

The resolution in his eyes brushed against her cheek.

 

He opened his lips, hesitating several times before speaking again.

 

“With that revenge.”