Page 104 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

He was looking at her with an expression Carol couldn't quite read. Something warm and intense and slightly wondering.

"What?" Carol asked.

"You're different," Caspian said quietly.

"I know. We've established that I've changed."

"No, I mean..." Caspian paused, seeming to search for words. "You're standing in a garden discussing ancient wars and corrupted wastelands, suggesting alternative titles for me, making me smile. A week ago, you wouldn't even look at me at dinner."

"A week ago, I was an idiot," Carol said honestly.

"And now?"

"Now I'm significantly less of an idiot," Carol said. "I'm learning."

"You're doing more than learning," Caspian said. "You're... you're actually here. Present. Interested."

"Of course I'm interested," Carol said. "You're my husband. Your life is my life now. Your responsibilities, your battles, your terrible intimidating titles—all of it matters to me."

Caspian took a step closer. "Does it?"

Carol's heart started beating faster. He was very close now. Close enough that she had to tilt her head back to maintain eye contact.

"Yes," she said softly. "It does."

"You dismissed Sinclair's engagement without hesitation," Caspian said, his voice low. "Suggested a wedding banquet. Said you wanted to make our marriage work."

"I did," Carol confirmed. "I meant all of it."

"Why?"

"Why what?"

"Why now?" Caspian asked. "Why the sudden change?"

Carol thought about how to answer that. She couldn't tell him the truth—that she was a transmigrator from another world, that the original Caroline had been miserable and cruel, that Carol had chosen the Lazy Lady path and decided happiness was better than obsession.

So she told him a different truth.

"Because I was tired of being miserable," Carol said. "Tired of wanting something I couldn't have. Tired of making everyone around me miserable too. And then I looked at what I actually had—a husband who, despite every reason to hate me, still treated me with basic courtesy. An estate. Resources. A chance to build something real instead of chasing a fantasy."

She paused, meeting his eyes directly.

"You brought me a puppy," she said. "You let me spend your money redecorating. You didn't question my decisions about Earl Sinclair. You've been... kind. Patient. Even when I didn't deserve it."

"Caroline—"

"So yes," Carol continued. "I want to make this marriage work. Because I think we could actually be happy. If we both try."

Caspian was very still, his green eyes searching her face in the moonlight.

"I think we could too," he said quietly.

Carol's breath caught.

He lifted one hand, slowly, giving her time to pull away if she wanted. His fingers brushed her cheek, gentle and careful, before tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"You're beautiful in the moonlight," Caspian said softly.