THE FAKE LADY AND THE PASTRY SHOP 

“For the past three years, Vivian and I have had no personal relationship whatsoever. The marriage is pure nonsense.” He tried to calm down and continued explaining.

I gave him a puzzled look: “Why are you telling me this?”

“You misunderstood that night, didn’t you?”

“So what if I misunderstood? Who you want to marry is your right, it has nothing to do with me.”

That year when I was kicked out of the manor, the Count was hosting a banquet to celebrate Vivian’s return. Among the guests was Maximilian.

Pushed outside, I accidentally caught a glimpse of him standing in front of Vivian. The young man who was always aloof and kept his distance from everyone actually showed a gentle, doting smile in front of Vivian.

I understood him. At that exact moment, I realized very clearly that Vivian was different from other noble ladies in his heart.

“Ha…” He seemed to be angered to the point of laughing by my attitude. He stepped closer, “You still say you’re not angry?”

“If you insist on thinking that way, there’s nothing I can do…”

A sudden pain shot through my cheek. I didn’t expect him to actually pinch my cheek.

I hissed “Ouch-“, holding my face, glaring at the culprit with a mix of annoyance and confusion.

“What are you doing?”

“Still exactly like that night, so afraid of pain.”

…

He stared at me intently, his deep eyes churning with intense waves: “Three years ago, it was you, wasn’t it?”

“No…”

“Dare to do it but don’t dare to admit it?”

“You…”

“It was definitely you.”

I was left speechless.

His gaze was too sharp; it wasn’t a question at all, but a direct affirmation of the truth.

“If it weren’t for you running away as fast as you could, it wouldn’t have left a loophole for someone else to falsely claim the identity. You almost made me mistakenly trust the wrong person.”

He suddenly gritted his teeth.

I was dumbfounded.

Then I heard him sigh: “Forget it, it’s not too late to fix things now. Since you’re back, I will naturally take responsibility.”

I frowned, looking at the man in front of me, finally understanding why he kept bothering me.

“You want to take responsibility for me?”

“Three years ago, although it wasn’t my intention, it already happened… I naturally must take responsibility.”

After saying that, he seemingly didn’t dare to look at me directly and turned his face away.

I was stunned for a split second, then found it somewhat ridiculous.

This Maximilian was consistent as always, maintaining his facade as the “Number One Virtuous Noble” of the capital. But being too rigid about the rules made it seem hypocritical.

“No need. I don’t need Your Grace to take responsibility.”

Acting so reluctant, as if I was desperately craving it.

Ignoring his shocked expression, I gave a rare serious reply:

“Three years ago, it wasn’t entirely your fault. Since both of us were at fault, let’s call it even. You can do whatever you want from now on, no need to worry about me.”

“Call it even?”

He frowned. His previously resigned face now darkened completely.

“Yes, I have no interest in being someone’s mistress.”

“Who said you would be a mistress?” He interrupted, suppressing his anger.

I was dumbfounded: “Could it be that Your Grace intends to make me your lawful wife?”

My tone was utterly incredulous, laced with deep suspicion.

For once, he was choked for words.

I smiled: “Your Grace, I already have a child. Whether as a mistress or a wife, it wouldn’t be appropriate!”

His face completely froze: “Wh-what?”

“My daughter already knows how to walk.”

He seemed unable to believe it. His lips moved as if wanting to say something, but in the end, no words came out.

That day, Maximilian stumbled away with chaotic steps. I was certain he would never come looking for me again.

Unexpectedly, he showed up bright and early the next morning.

“Don’t mind me, just do your work.”

He really didn’t stand on ceremony, finding a wooden stool and sitting right in the corner of the shop.

“Is Your Grace very free?”

“The work at the city hall is finished for today, so currently, yes, I am free.”

Not understanding what the hell he was trying to do, and unable to chase him away, I eventually ignored him.

I skillfully kneaded the dough, managed the fire, and put the pastries into the oven.

The whole process flowed as smoothly as running water.

When I raised my hand to wipe the sweat from my forehead, I turned back to find him looking at me with an incredibly complex gaze.

I paused slightly.

His tone carried an indescribable flavor: “Are you tired?”

“Compared to being tired, I’m more afraid of running out of money.”

If I didn’t feel tired all day, it would mean the shop was empty, and then I would truly starve to death.

His eyelashes trembled slightly. After a long silence, he spoke again:

“Since you decided to open a business, why not choose something more leisurely?”

I couldn’t help but roll my eyes internally.

Easy for him to say. Does he think I can just open whatever shop I want? These people born with a silver spoon in their mouths really don’t know how the real world works, and it’s quite irritating.

“If Your Grace has no business here, please leave!”

“I’ll help you.”

He stood up abruptly and snatched the rolling pin from my hand.

“No need.”

Receiving a glare from him, I shut my mouth, stopped protesting, and let him do whatever he wanted.

Some people around recognized Maximilian.

Hearing the rumor that the Duke himself was in the market kneading dough and making pastries, word spread, and the pastry shop instantly became bustling again.

At first, people were afraid to buy pastries made by the Duke’s own hands, but when one brave soul tried, the rest swarmed forward to buy them.

The pastry shop was tightly packed.

I had to call Lucas out to help.

Standing next to me, Maximilian suddenly spoke in a low voice: “The thing about having a child, you were lying to me, right?”

His voice held a hint of probing and insecurity.

I paused for a beat: “I didn’t lie to you.”

“Then you’ve been back in the capital for almost ten days, why haven’t I seen the child?”

“You want to see her?”

He was stumped, staying silent, unclear whether he wanted to see her or not.

I smiled: “I came to the capital first to clean up the house. She won’t arrive for another two days. If you want to see her, you can.”

An icy aura enveloped him, and the atmosphere gradually grew heavy.

Just as I was feeling the tension, the Royal Guards suddenly stormed in.

Without a word, a guard kicked over the batch of pastries I had just finished baking.

“Someone reported you for illegal business operations. Come to the station with us.”

The leader seemed to be relying on some powerful backer. He swaggered in arrogantly and signaled his men to arrest me.

Lucas was about to make a move when Maximilian’s cold voice rang out: “With me here, let’s see who dares to make an arrest?”

The guard hadn’t noticed Maximilian earlier. Now realizing he was rolling up his sleeves and kneading dough behind the counter, the guard’s face turned ash-gray at the thought that the pastries he just kicked might have been made by the Duke himself.

The guards quickly fell to their knees: “Greetings, Your Grace!”

The leader scrambled to excuse himself: “Subordinate was only following orders, someone reported…”

“Who reported? What crime? Where is the evidence?”

What evidence could there be?

The guards deeply regretted it. They thought this was just a minor job dealing with a commoner… Who would have expected the Duke himself to be here.

“You keep working, don’t worry. I’ll handle them.”

Maximilian reassured me, then escorted the guards away.

Lucas looked at me hesitantly: “This…”

“It’s fine. They won’t be arrogant for much longer,” I said, narrowing my eyes.

I had anticipated today’s drama. I just didn’t expect Maximilian’s presence to perfectly coincide with Vivian’s hired thugs.