Bringing My Wife Back

006: The

y departing, the burden left behind doubled in weight. Without the family's two strongest hands, those who remained had to work faster, more efficiently. If all went smoothly, Ash an

's capital. The threat of bandits lurking at the forest borders was all too real, demanding constant vigilance. These desert dwellers had long mastered the rhythm of timing their departures, ensurin

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an Ca

the occasional toll of bells from the square, and the steady hum of people wrapped up in their affairs. The scent of spice and dust clung to the air, creat

ormation about Grand Duke Griffith-the man who might soon become part of the

d voice, glancing around as if afraid to be overheard. "He's a man of iron. H

pen by blood. No one dares challenge him-not even the royal

eside Ash, listened with a face that grew more grim with every wo

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orner of the city, Ay could no longer hold back the turmoil in his hea

t cruel old man is going

rsation was inevitable. "Those are just rumors,

s fist, drawing glances from nearby patrons. "My sister isn't some bargainin

. "Do you think I don't feel the same? She was your sister, but before that, she was my daugh

uld deny. Ay was young, fiery and passionate. Ash, having weathered more storms in

wouldn't accept it. I won't let my sister be sacrificed for some filthy noble's ambition." His voice was ste

's courage, but he also knew the world didn't work so simply. Every d

t on schemes and shadows. I'm not just your father-I'm head of this family. Every choice I make must be caref

tanding. With a voice full of regret, he murmured, "I'm sorry, Father. I let

you, Ay. You're still young, but your courage to stand for your family-most grown me

ks flushed with embarrass

ffith was not a threat that could be dismissed. Whatever happened, he

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l Days

uiet, the only sound the gentle crackle of firewood from the hearth. He had just finished laying out his c

reaky wooden chair. "Based on distance, couriers, and travel time, there's no way

at his graying beard. "You'

oice rose in frustration. "It feels like a tra

course it was planned. It's a marriage proposal, y

is serious! Don't mock me! We're talking

rk. "And you think I don't take it seriously? Spare me the theatrics, Ash

ger. "You seem to enjoy this, Father. But I'm not in

envoy en route. Are you going to challenge Grand Duke Griffith himself? We're a nobody fa

his feel wrong to you? Why force this proposal? We have no

. "Maybe they

sons and three grandchildren. If he wanted more heirs, there are plenty of nob

ult, simply smirking. "True. But

rowed his eyes, trying to

your past that could come back to haunt us? No enemies who might wa

ndits who stalk the borders, market thugs who leer at my daughter, or

d. "Ashton Galina! Enough of your non

I don't have any enemies foolish enough to set something like this in motion. Besides, wouldn't this marriage benefit them more

. "You're right. But that still doesn't explain why this is happening. And n

e welcome them with respect. Even if I k

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the two would sense something was wrong sooner or later-and they wouldn't stay quiet about it. Onl

he rooftop. He was lying back in a relaxed po

re?" Ay muttered without turning

he followed his gaze upward, looking at the peaceful expanse of

nking about, Ay?"

t, but there was no mistaking the storm behind

low answer. "Ay, I've been raising you since you were little. Don't even

agreed to this proposal is because of Gafy, isn't it?" he asked suddenly, turn

er voice firm and eyes stern. "Father would

rs, his face etched with deep uncertainty. "I just don't un

he cool night wind brushed past them, deepenin

e reached out and softly ran her fingers through his hair, calming the s

't receive formal education, our parents-Ash and Laura-raised us well. Crude language has no place in our mouths, es

d with a small smile. "I'm just frustrated. We already made it cl

ing look. "So... you'

that?" he replied, voice rising. "You're Athaleyah Galina, m

Ay's blunt affection. "Hehehe... I know.

derness beneath his frustration. "Why do you act like Grandpa? Always calm no matter the situation." He looked at her with a pleading expression. "I'm really

don't care if he's a Grand Duke, I won't let him have my sister'?" she teased. "Wasn't that my

t her. "That was in the heat of the moment..." he grumbled, rubbing hi

self. "So... what now?" she asked,

osing someone of his status is reckless. This is about more than courage-it's about being realistic. We can't afford to be careless. Grandpa's still strong, but he's not yo

lly think we can go up against a Grand D

n. Even though he admitted to being afraid, there was no fear in his eyes-only determ

smile forming on her lips. "I kno

e grown, Ay. I know how much you care about me. But remember-emotions won't solve anything. If t

t say things like that," he said, his voice trembling with anger. "Don't

lone. "I know you're worried," she said gently. "But we have to look beyond today. Maybe... mayb

with fury. "That's not a 'maybe'-it's awfu

wful. Completely awful. Happy now?" she said with a teasin

"Don't try to sway me with that tone," he said firmly. "I know you

in." Her eyes turned upward to the dark sky above. "Maybe our father failed to restore this family's status in his time. But if I go through with th

from the heart. As much as it hurt, he knew he had no way

re talented, smart, and capable. But right now, we si

done everything for us. I'm disappointed I can't receive a formal education

So please, Sis. Don't think about marryi

olemn. "Education for Dimi, a better life

steep a price if it costs you your future! I hate this, Sis-I hate it!" h

him with deep

'll figure something out-together. We still have three years bef

l lingered in her heart. "Yes... three years. We'll

future would somehow be brighter. "At the very least... let Grandpa's ti

ll smile returning to her lips-though

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