Page 142 of The Villainess Chose Naps Over Death Flags

The laughter Caspian had been suppressing finally broke free.

He laughed—actually laughed—head thrown back, the sound echoing through the quiet garden.

Caroline watched him with growing indignation. "I'm being serious!"

"I know," Caspian managed between laughs. "That's what makes it so absurd."

"It's a perfectly reasonable plan!"

"You're planning your own fake death," Caspian said, still grinning. "With servant requirements and annual stipend calculations."

"Well I'm not going to live in poverty!" Caroline huffed. "The baby needs a good start in life!"

Caspian stepped closer, his amusement fading into something warmer. "What about cottage security? You'd need guards."

Caroline's eyes widened. "You're right! I hadn't thought of that. At least two guards, maybe three if it's a more remote location—"

"And you'd need to inform your parents," Caspian continued, playing along now. "So they don't actually grieve."

"Oh definitely," Caroline agreed eagerly. "They'd have to be in on it. Though Father would probably insist on visiting, which could compromise the whole 'dead' thing..."

"The treasury costs keep climbing," Caspian observed.

"Well yes, but it's a worthwhile investment," Caroline said seriously. "A convincing fake death requires proper funding."

Caspian shook his head, still smiling. "Or," he said quietly, "we could make this easier and stay married. I'm not certain the ducal coffers could survive your elaborate fake death plans."

Caroline stopped mid-gesture, her mouth falling open slightly.

"You... you want to stay married?"

"Yes," Caspian said simply.

"But—but I gave you an out. A choice. Freedom from the trap—"

"I don't want out," Caspian said, stepping close enough to take her hands in his. "I don't want freedom from you, Caroline. I want..." He paused, searching for the right words. "I want this. Us. The marriage we're building together. The woman you're choosing to be. The life we could have."

"Even though I trapped you?" Caroline whispered.

"Even though we were both trapped by circumstances neither of us chose," Caspian corrected. "But we're choosing this now. Aren't we?"

Caroline looked up at him, her eyes glistening with unshed tears—but she was smiling.

"Yes," she said. "Yes, I'm choosing this. Choosing you."

"Then we're in agreement," Caspian said softly. "No divorce. No fake deaths. No elaborate cottage schemes that would bankrupt the duchy."

"The cottage plan was very good," Caroline protested weakly.

"It was ridiculous," Caspian said, but he was smiling.

"You suggested the guards," Caroline pointed out.

"I was enabling your absurdity," Caspian admitted. "It was entertaining watching you plan your own demise with such enthusiasm."

"I was being practical!"

"You were being you," Caspian said. "Clever and ridiculous and completely genuine."