It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 49
There were so many things I wanted to experience in a relationship, yet from the very start, we were supposed to sleep in separate rooms?
That was completely absurd.
The thing I hated most was an open ending, and this was worse than that.
“…If we’re not even going to do that, then why get married at all?”
“Sharing a bed is not essential. As long as I can keep you by my side, the purpose of this marriage is fulfilled.”
I had thought my role in this arrangement was tied solely to the contract’s conditions, but had I misunderstood?
Ever since he began revealing the secrets of my family, it felt like the entire genre of this story was shifting.
I was a little confused.
“I understand your reasoning, Your Grace.”
I exhaled lightly and spoke.
“But I think we should remove this clause.”
“…Are you certain?”
“A married couple is supposed to share a bed and a quilt, even when they fight.”
“I’ve never heard that before.”
Of course, he wouldn’t have—it was something I’d picked up in my previous life.
Lionel drew a firm line through the clause about separate bedrooms. His lips curled slightly, as if he was more pleased with this than he let on.
“What is this, then? ‘Both parties have the right to interfere in each other’s personal affairs’…?”
Normally, in a contract marriage in novels, wouldn’t the clause say the opposite?
Something like— ‘I don’t care who you meet or how many lovers you take, but don’t expect love from me.’ Then later, the male lead would realize his mistake, fall into despair, and cling to the heroine in regret.
“This means exactly what it states. I want you to pay more attention to me, just as I will to you. Isn’t it ideal for a couple to be involved in each other’s daily lives, even in the smallest details?”
“……”
Wait.
Was this… good or bad?
I couldn’t tell.
‘Well, I suppose that’s how families are.’
Families naturally asked about each other’s day, listened attentively as if their lives depended on it, shared in each other’s joys, and sometimes burned with rage on each other’s behalf.
Only after my previous life had ended did I realize how precious my family’s affection in Solen had been.
Not everyone was fortunate enough to receive such love—it had been an incredible stroke of luck.
‘If that’s what Lionel wants, then it’s not a bad thing.’
I nodded and examined the finer details of the clause. The contract even listed various anniversaries the couple was expected to celebrate together, written in fine print.
It was honestly impressive that he had taken the trouble to include such specifics.
I couldn’t help but laugh at the mental image of Lionel flipping through a calendar, carefully circling each important date. It suited him so poorly.
‘Alright, I’ll leave that as is.’
And now, at last—the final page.
One particular sentence stood out, clearly added separately from the original draft:
“Lionel Luanax is obligated to love Sasha Dilotte as if he cannot live without her.”
I was momentarily speechless.
On one hand, it was ridiculous and funny.
On the other hand, I couldn’t help but think—Lionel Luanax was… pitiful.
Yes, I knew how absurd that sounded.
Who would ever pity a man who had everything—even things an emperor might envy?
And yet, I couldn’t suppress the inexplicable ache in my chest.
Why had I—of all people—become so important to him? Why had he taken a casual, throwaway phrase and carved it into stone, determined to make it real?
Love was supposed to arrive naturally, like an unexpected gift.
“…Your Grace, did you perhaps owe me billions in a past life?”
I asked lightly, half in jest. Lionel tilted his head.
“Did you lend me money?”
“No. Unfortunately, I don’t think I had anything to lend back then either.”
I handed him the contract with the revisions noted.
“I hope you’ll find it easy to love me.”
