My Adopted Sister Rejected the Comatose Duke, So I Married Him and Became His Duchess Chapter 04

My Adopted Sister Rejected the Comatose Duke, So I Married Him and Became His Duchess Chapter 04

Alexander’s spirit reacted even faster than I did.

“As long as my body retains these memories, I will never marry her!”

But as soon as the words left his mouth, he suddenly froze.

“But will I truly remember everything that happened while my spirit was separated from my body? When my body and spirit become one again, will all these memories disappear? What if I forget you and mistakenly believe Vivian was the one who cared for me?”

I covered my aching cheek, feeling just as uneasy.

I did not care whom Alexander eventually married.

But if Vivian stole the credit for everything I had done, would those two estates end up in her hands as well?

After thinking for a moment, Alexander’s spirit suddenly relaxed.

“My mother is still here. She has already seen Vivian’s true nature. Even if I forget, she can prove that you were the one who cared for me.”

But Vivian immediately went to persuade the Duchess.

Standing before the long table in the study, she spoke with complete confidence.

“You know Alexander’s character better than anyone. Once he chooses someone, he does not change his mind easily.”

“When he wakes, you cannot possibly force him to marry a woman he does not even know. He has barely escaped death. You should support his decision instead of interfering in his marriage.”

To my surprise, the Duchess was genuinely swayed.

That evening, she came to speak with me, looking deeply troubled.

“Alexander may not know who remained beside him during these past few months. If he awakens without any memory of this period, I will tell him that Vivian was the one who cared for him.”

“They were already engaged, and they once truly loved each other. If their marriage proceeds smoothly, it will benefit both families. I will compensate you with a small estate and enough gold to support you for many years. As long as you remain silent, no one will ever know the truth.”

I nodded almost instinctively.

Alexander’s spirit immediately shouted anxiously in my ear.

“Evelyn, why are you giving in again? You were the one who stayed beside me day and night. The credit belongs to you. How can you let someone else take it?”

I wanted to fight for what was mine.

But I had been taught to obey since childhood.

I had no title, no relatives willing to support me, and no influence I could rely on.

How could I possibly fight them?

Alexander sighed in anger and frustration.

“Fine. None of them can be trusted. I will have to rely on myself and do everything I can to remember.”

After persuading the Duchess, Vivian immediately ordered the heralds to spread the news among the noble families.

“After months of devoted care from Lady Vivian, the duke’s heir has finally shown signs of awakening. Once he recovers, the couple will hold a magnificent wedding in accordance with their original engagement.”

The royal scribes praised her devotion in the official gazette circulated throughout the kingdom.

Before long, everyone believed Vivian’s loyal companionship had brought about Alexander’s improvement.

With the court physicians continuing their treatment and Alexander himself clinging fiercely to life, his breathing, pulse, and pupil responses returned to normal in less than six months.

The physicians declared that he could awaken at any moment.

His spirit also became increasingly reluctant to leave my side.

“Evelyn, I hope I will still remember these days when I wake. I do not want to forget everything you have done for me. Even more than that, I do not want to mistake Vivian for my saviour.”

I hoped for the same thing.

But neither of us had any control over what would happen.

One morning, I woke on the narrow bed and did not see the familiar spirit anywhere.

I immediately understood.

Alexander was about to wake.

I sent for the Duchess and the court physicians at once.

Vivian also hurried into the chamber with Baron and Baroness Gray, the royal scribes, and several representatives from noble families.

Under countless expectant gazes, the physicians began the final awakening procedure.

A moment later, the man lying in bed slowly opened his eyes.

Everyone waited in silence, afraid to disturb him.

Alexander lifted his fingers slightly, then moved his throat with visible difficulty.

Squinting up at the canopy embroidered with his family crest, he appeared to be struggling to remember something.

All I could do was pray that he had retained his memories from the time his spirit had been separated from his body.

I prayed that he clearly remembered who had stayed by his side.

If he had forgotten everything, all my efforts over the past six months would be stolen by Vivian.

Unable to restrain herself any longer, Vivian rushed to his bedside.

“Alexander, you’re finally awake! It’s me, your beloved Vivian.”

“I was the one who stayed beside you for the past six months. I washed you, read to you, and never left your side. You knew I was there. You remember, don’t you?”

When I saw the confusion in Alexander’s eyes, my heart tightened.

Had he truly forgotten everything?

Baron and Baroness Gray leaned towards me and whispered mockingly in my ear.

“Stop indulging in foolish fantasies. The Duchess has already decided that if Alexander remembers nothing, then Vivian will be named as the woman who cared for him. Leave while you still can. Do not ruin your sister’s marriage.”

Alexander stared at Vivian for a long time.

Disappointment gradually rose within me.

I lowered my head and prepared to slip quietly from the chamber.

Then Alexander suddenly spoke, his voice cold as ice.