If it's to become my favorite stepmother, I'll gladly do a fake marriage! [Main story complete] - Chapter 18

Brigid was in a good mood today. She had a date planned with her beloved Nisha as a reward for Nisha’s ongoing lessons in manners at the Marquis’s house. A traveling amusement park was in town, and Brigid decided to take Nisha, who had never experienced such entertainment before. Alongside the amusement park, there was also a circus to enjoy.

Brigid expressed her excitement about the date with Nisha. However, her enthusiasm was met with complex expressions from the two men present.

“Is your uncle coming with us?” Nisha asked, her tone tinged with sadness as she looked up at Brigid.

Her white ears drooped, and her blue eyes seemed on the verge of tears. Brigid’s heart ached at the sight.

Diarmid, on the other hand, wore a sour expression as he replied, “It just so happens that today is my day off. Let’s go as a family.”

In reality, Brigid and Nisha had planned to go out together, but Diarmid had overheard and insisted on joining them. Feeling dissatisfied for reasons he couldn’t quite explain, Diarmid had rushed to finish his work and proposed the outing as a “family reunion.”

“That sounds wonderful! It would be even better if Nisha called Diarmid ‘Dad’ too,” Brigid cheerfully suggested.

With Brigid’s approval, Diarmid puffed up his chest proudly. However, Nisha glanced up at him with uncertainty.

“Nisha?” Brigid inquired, and Nisha quickly took Brigid’s hand.

Brigid’s heart skipped a beat. She tightened her grip on Nisha’s fragile hand, determined to protect it at all costs.

“I’m really happy to go out with Mom! Let’s hop on the carriage quickly!” Nisha exclaimed, waving their joined hands in excitement.

“In this setting, it almost looks like a real family outing. Come on, Diarmid, hold Nisha’s hand as well,” Brigid suggested, her smile warm.

Diarmid seemed momentarily puzzled by the suggestion but soon complied. However, when Nisha looked at him anxiously, she chose to hold Brigid’s hand with both of hers.

Brigid tried to encourage Diarmid to hold Nisha’s hand too, but Nisha was wary, and Brigid understood her reluctance.

“Can we go now?” Nisha asked eagerly, tugging Brigid along.

Diarmid called out to Nisha, seemingly reproachful, but Brigid signaled to Nisha not to get upset. Diarmid let out a small sigh.

Nisha and Brigid sat together on the carriage, with Diarmid forcing himself to sit beside them. Nisha was in the center, flanked by Brigid and Diarmid.

Brigid was content, thinking that Diarmid was making an effort to bond as a family. However, Nisha, sneaking glances at Diarmid, eventually rested her head on Brigid’s lap.

Diarmid warned her, “Hey! Nisha, that’s quite impolite.”

“Is it rude?” Nisha asked innocently, looking up at Brigid.

Brigid chuckled while covering her mouth. “It’s not rude at all! It’s just… natural for a child like you!”

“Good! I love you, Mom!” Nisha hugged Brigid’s waist tightly, making Brigid’s heart soar.

Diarmid, feeling a pang of loneliness, muttered, “Even though you’re just a child, you’re a bit too comfortable! Stay away from Brigid!”

Nisha clung even tighter to Brigid. Diarmid, frustrated, exclaimed, “Why won’t you listen to me?!”

Brigid intervened, suggesting a different approach. “Rather than saying, ‘Don’t do this,’ why don’t you try saying, ‘This is what I want you to do?'”

Diarmid heeded Brigid’s advice and reframed his request. Nisha, however, chose to avoid his hand and held onto Brigid.

Brigid chuckled and commented, “It seems Diarmid’s orders only lead to rebellion.”

Diarmid sighed, asking, “What should I do, then?”

Brigid suggested, “Instead of saying, ‘Don’t do this,’ why don’t you try saying, ‘This is what I want you to do?'”

Diarmid heeded the advice, saying, “Use my knee.”

Nisha hesitated but shook her head. Brigid felt fortunate and patted Nisha’s head. However, Nisha turned down Diarmid’s offer.

Brigid proposed, “Nisha, it seems Diarmid feels lonely. Could you let him pat your head a little?”

Nisha hesitated but agreed reluctantly, saying, “If Mommy wants me to… just a little bit, okay?”

Brigid thanked Nisha and turned to Diarmid, saying, “Diarmid, Nisha will make you smile.”

Diarmid was confused by this notion, unsure of what he wanted to do. As he reached out to touch Nisha’s head, he was taken aback by the softness of her hair and withdrew his hand in surprise. Brigid’s encouraging gaze gave him the courage to try again.

Slowly and gently, Diarmid began to stroke Nisha’s head. Her head felt smaller than it appeared, and her white ears were warm. As Diarmid touched her head, he felt something deep within him, a feeling reminiscent of his younger days playing with his older brother, Nate.

Nisha picked up on a small murmur from Diarmid, but she hugged Brigid tightly, her innocence concealing her true feelings. Diarmid grumbled, feeling perplexed.

Brigid gently pointed out, “Even though she’s a child, she’s quite bold. Keep a little distance from Brigid!”

Nisha clung even more tightly to Brigid, ignoring Diarmid’s words. Frustrated, he asked, “Why don’t you listen to me?”

Brigid laughed at Diarmid’s annoyance and explained, “Because Diarmid gives orders. When you give orders, children tend to rebel.”

Diarmid was stumped but willing to learn. Brigid shared some advice on how to communicate better with Nisha.

Nisha continued to enjoy the carriage ride, and Brigid patted her head affectionately. Diarmid, struggling to understand these unfamiliar family dynamics, reached out to touch Nisha’s head once more.

Brigid commented on the growing trust between them, mentioning that it might be challenging for Nisha to fall asleep on Diarmid’s lap without getting to know him better.

Hearing this, Diarmid tried to establish a connection with Nisha. However, as he placed his hand on her head, his thoughts wandered to his older brother, Nate, and a small murmur escaped his lips.

Nisha, sensing something was amiss, hugged Brigid even tighter. Brigid consoled her, and Nisha complied with her mother’s wishes.

Diarmid, though unsure of his own feelings, extended his hand to touch Nisha’s head. Their hands briefly brushed against each other, and Brigid smiled as she observed the scene, feeling an unusual pang in her chest.