The decision had been made long ago, so the implementation was swift. Ariadne was exiled to the western tower of San Carlo Castle in her pajamas.
On a cold stone floor with only straw to sit on, events from her past passed by like a flash.
Cesare was demanding, but if appeased, he was as refreshing as a summer breeze. They had quite a pleasant 14 years.
Cesare was impulsive. He would come to play at the Cardinal de Mare’s house, have Ariadne ride behind him on a horse, and often went for walks. He would pluck snowdrops in the forest and give them to Ariadne.
“You’re obedient and only known to me.”
The wildflower, with no one to rely on, was looking down at the ground, so there was nothing to admire. But at that time, she thought that was the highest praise.
From afar, the festive music of the coronation of the king and queen echoed. The music was all chosen and prepared by her. She thought it would be her coronation.
She thought it was the day her 14 years of dedication and love would be rewarded.
Ariadne’s reverie was interrupted by a melodious voice.
“Snowdrops blooming outdoors are never as precious as roses grown in a greenhouse.”
At the top of the west tower, the newly crowned queen, Isabella, appeared. Her amethyst hair was twirled up and lavishly decorated with pearls. A delicate lace veil, as fragile as dandelion fluff, was placed on top.
Her white silk dress was pleated like a tulip, complementing her slender figure. Despite the considerable effort that clearly went into it, it was a dress Ariadne had never seen before. It was clear that Isabella had known about this day in advance and had the dress made beforehand.
Ariadne had many questions. Since when? Why? If she had wanted Cesare, she should have been engaged to him from the beginning, instead of pushing him onto me. Why now?
Ariadne looked up at Isabella with a face full of questions. Sister, Isabella looked down at Ariadne, lifting her small chin. As soon as she met Ariadne’s gaze, she cornered Ariadne.
“How dare you do that to my husband?”
Ariadne automatically bowed her head and apologized first. It was a response ingrained over a long time.
“…I’m sorry about Prince Alfonso. I have nothing to say.”
But that was not the answer Isabella wanted.
“I’m talking about Cesare, you idiot. How dare you try to become the queen instead of me?”
‘What?’
Isabella shot back without mercy at the surprised Ariadne.
“I am the most noble woman in this country. By this time, you should have naturally stepped down from your position as the fiancée of the crown prince. Do I have to suffer like this because of a peasant like you?”
Isabella ended her speech, flapping her fan in front of Ariadne, who was plunged into chaos.
“Even father said, the daughter who will uplift the name of de Mare is me. You were only supposed to fill the place for a while. You’re too arrogant.”
Here, Isabella’s pretty face twisted a bit.
“Because of you, there are too many slanders on my name, such as being a fallen woman, having a child. How are you going to take responsibility?”
Ariadne, overwhelmed by the absurdity that came belatedly, unknowingly retorted to Isabella.
“Are you angry about that? The matter with Prince Alfonso… does it matter?”
Even though she always promised herself not to rebel against Isabella, her words slipped out first.
“He treated you well, didn’t he? Weren’t you loved?”
“Love?”
Isabella laughed brightly.
“All men are good to me. If I have to reciprocate all of their feelings, do I have to love everyone like a prostitute?”
With her delicate features, Isabella, who was giving reasons why Alfonso should die as if she was sulking, was as beautiful as a demon.
“Alfonso could not offer me the position of the most noble woman. That’s enough reason to die.”
Ariadne, who had become thoughtful, retorted.
“Cesare… do you love Cesare?”
Cesare was something most precious to her. It was a value more noble than herself. Even if she was hurt herself, she worshipped and protected Cesare.
But Isabella looked straight at Ariadne with eyes full of laughter, as if she had heard a very amusing story. Her fairylike violet eyes seemed about to break into a laugh at any moment.
“Oh, my dear and foolish little sister. Life is a series of quid pro quos. Cesare made me queen. In return, he can now have me. Our deal was fair.”
Her fairylike, shining violet eyes seemed about to break into laughter at any moment.
“Alfonso simply failed to bring a price commensurate with my worth. Hence, the contract is void. There’s no love in this.”
Isabella’s smile deepened. It was a radiant smile, like a rose made of harmony, yet void of any trace of laughter.
“There’s desire instead of love.”
Her laughter was dry and brilliant, like a rose made of harmony, stripped of its mirth.
“Before Alfonso died, Cesare came to me begging. He told me he hadn’t forgotten me, not once, since our engagement.”
“What?”
Surprised, Ariadne stumbled over her words. Isabella responded with a melodious reply.
Male lead Asks for a Divorce Every Day
It’s not often you come across a plot like this in the female-dominant genre — make sure to check it out!
This is a novel I’m planning to reread as well.
The male lead is strong, skilled in martial arts, and not the usual fragile type you often see in matriarchal novels.
Meanwhile, the female lead is a scientist—rational and logical. Even when she falls for the male lead, she doesn’t let her emotions cloud her decisions.
If you push through the first few chapters, you’ll gradually find the story really intriguing.
It has a mix of mystery, detective elements, and romance.
The author’s writing style is like crafting a puzzle—except they deliberately leave out a few pieces, making it hard to predict what happens next, yet keeping you hooked.
In the end, everything will come together and be explained.
One-sentence summary: Wife, stop playing with beakers and look at me!
In a laboratory accident, research scientist Zhu Wansheng accidentally travels to a matriarchal world. The original owner of the body is an eighteen-year-old only daughter of a wealthy rouge merchant, already married with a handsome young man.
Zhu Wansheng grins: Nice! She always said she was heaven’s favorite granddaughter. After a life of toil in her previous life, she can enjoy blessings in this one.
However, her joy lasts no more than three seconds as bad news arrives: the original owner’s family is about to go bankrupt, and her husband wants a divorce.
Even worse, she’s stuck with a research system full of restrictions.
Zhu Wansheng: ? Is this the destiny of a research dog?
——
Faced with this mess, Zhu Wansheng pours herself a bowl of wine to drown her sorrows. In her drunken haze, her husband arrives.
His figure is imposing, holding a long sword, with a dignified air that captivates Zhu Wansheng.
Gu Yingqing, however, looks at the alcohol-reeking Zhu Wansheng with undisguised disgust and coldly asks, “Divorce or not?” The intoxicated Zhu Wansheng mumbles vaguely, “I think… it’s not… it’s not… impossible!”
——
The next day, after sobering up, Zhu Wansheng is full of energy, rolling up her sleeves ready to make a big move. As for yesterday? She has no memory of it.
Zhu Wansheng is ambitious; a research dog fears nothing!
Upgrading rouge, extracting fragrances, producing perfumes, researching lipsticks… all shall bow to the power of modern technology!
The original owner’s dying rouge shop is revitalized. Her mother is pleased and with a wave of her hand, passes on the family business to her. As she takes control and her experimental results gain popularity, it’s the pinnacle of her life…
——
But there are always those who can’t stand to see her doing well. Jealousy, scheming, assassination attempts – they want nothing less than her life.
The person who has always kept his distance from her suddenly holds her tightly in his arms, eyes full of concern.
She is unharmed, but he falls into a pool of blood…
Zhu Wansheng feels guilty, “I can grant you one wish.”
Gu Yingqing tentatively circles his arms around her, carefully resting his head in the crook of her neck, pleading softly, “I regret it. Can we not divorce?”
Zhu Wansheng: ? When did I agree to a divorce?
[Small Theater]
The newly developed rouge is beautifully packaged, and Zhu Wansheng is eager to try it.
Gu Yingqing suddenly appears: “My lady, may I apply it for you?”
Cool fingertips lightly brush her lips. His Adam’s apple bobs as he leans in for a light bite.
Zhu Wansheng: ?
Gu Yingqing: It smells so good, I wanted to taste it…
On a warm spring day, Zhu Wansheng tries a new perfume: “Spring Night.” Gu Yingqing corners her against a wall.
Warm breath lingers on her neck.
“My lady, from now on, may I test the fragrances for you?”
[Humorous female scientist vs scheming live-in son-in-law male lead]
[Touch the gear icon in the bottom right corner of the screen to move to the next chapter if you want.]
