The Male Lead isn't Following the Script!
Chapter 179: For Her Family

Chapter 179: For Her Family

"So, what should I do?" Adeline asked in a softer manner. She did not know what she could do. Her usually confident demeanour had crumbled, leaving behind a vulnerable child desperate for guidance.

She was overwhelmed, burdened by guilt and a growing sense of helplessness. She just wanted an answer, a straight answer so that she didn’t have to worry.

"What you need to do now is to take a deep breath." The Goddess instructed. She has done more than enough in these past few months, what she needed to do was to take a break. She needed to be a kid, not the saviour of this world.

Adeline looked up with a confused expression. She was not ready to stop. She was still worried and devastated. She wanted action, a plan to fix the chaos surrounding her. Instead, the Goddess was asking her to stop, to pause, as though the world could wait.

The Goddess sighed. She knew this child too well. Adeline wasn’t ready to stop. She wasn’t ready to rest. But that was exactly why she had to intervene.

"It’s time to rest Adeline." She said softly.

With a swish of her hand, Adeline fell asleep. Fortunately, she was surrounded by soft pillows. The maids had ensured that her play area was properly cushioned. With a soft thud, she fell to the ground. Her expression was finally peaceful.

The Goddess’s voice felt shaky. I- I did what you asked me to, you knew the risks! She whispered, as though speaking to someone unseen. But, I am the one in pain, not you! How could you leave me like this? To witness the pain and suffering!

Her voice broke, trembling as though she were holding back tears. For a fleeting moment, the always upbeat and sassy Goddess lost her composure.

The Goddess sounded like she was crying, but Adeline was not awake to hear any of this.

Not soon after the maids entered the room and realised that the lady had fallen asleep on the ground, they picked her up and placed her on her bed. It was still early but children needed their sleep for development. They did not question it nor dare to wake her up.

Whatever classes she had can be taken later.

Hours passed, and Adeline remained asleep. Afternoon turned into evening, and evening into night. When word reached the Marquess that Adeline had skipped both lunch and dinner, his concern grew.

He made his way to her room, his footsteps quick and purposeful. As he entered, his eyes immediately went to her small figure on the bed. Her cheeks were flushed, her brow damp with sweat.

"Adeline..." He whispered, his voice filled with worry. He approached her bed and placed a hand on her forehead. His heart sank.

She was burning up.

The Marquess’s jaw tightened, his expression darkening with frustration. How had the maids not noticed? How long had she been like this?

"Fetch cool water and a cloth," he barked to the nearest maid. "Now!"

The maid hurried out of the room, returning moments later with a basin of water and a soft cloth. The Marquess took it himself, sitting by Adeline’s bedside as he dampened the cloth and pressed it gently to her forehead.

Her small face, usually so full of life, was now pale and damp with fevered sweat. She stirred slightly, her breathing uneven.

The Marquess stayed by her side, his movements careful as he wiped her hands and feet with the cool cloth, trying to bring her temperature down. His mind raced with worry. Had she been pushing herself too hard? Had he failed to notice the toll it was taking on her?

As the hours stretched on, Adeline’s condition seemed to worsen. Her small body trembled, her head tossing side to side as she mumbled incoherently. Nightmares plagued her, pulling her deeper into a restless sleep.

The Marquess frowned, his chest tightening as he watched her struggle. Without a second thought, he leaned forward and gathered her into his arms. Her tiny frame felt impossibly light, and he held her close, wrapping her in his warmth.

"It’s all right," he murmured, his voice low and soothing. "You’re safe, Adeline. I’m here."

He pulled a blanket around them, holding her as she continued to shiver. Slowly, her thrashing eased, her breathing evening out. The nightmares seemed to retreat, her small hands clutching at his shirt as though seeking comfort.

The Marquess tightened his hold, his heart aching. He had always seen Adeline as strong—stronger than most adults he knew. But in moments like this, he was reminded of just how young she truly was. She was still a child, his child. And it was his duty to protect her.

When dawn broke, sunlight filtered softly through the curtains, casting a warm glow over the room. Adeline stirred, her eyelids fluttering open.

For a moment, she was disoriented. The first thing she noticed was the steady rise and fall of her father’s chest. She blinked, realizing she was cradled in his arms.

Her gaze shifted to the side, spotting the basin of water and the damp cloth resting nearby. Her father’s shirt was rumpled, he looked exhausted. It didn’t take long for her to piece together what had happened.

He had stayed by her side all night.

A pang of guilt welled up in her chest. She had been so consumed by her worries, so focused on saving the world, that she had forgotten why she wanted to be here in the first place.

Her family.

"Dad," she whispered, her voice hoarse. Did he spend all night awake just for her? He personally took care of her.

Adeline didn’t respond right away. Her throat was dry, and her emotions tangled. She had always looked up to her father—his strength, his composure, his unwavering dedication to their family. To hear his concern so plainly was both comforting and overwhelming.

The Marquess stirred, his eyes opening to meet hers. Relief flooded his face, and he gave her a tired smile.

"You’re awake," he said softly, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "How are you feeling?"

Adeline hesitated, then nodded. "Better."

Her father exhaled, his shoulders relaxing. "Good. You had me worried."

Adeline shifted nervously, she felt guilty for making him worry, "I’m sorry..."

He pinched her nose, "Why are you apologising? Just promise me you’ll take better care of yourself. You’re not alone, Adeline. You don’t have to carry everything by yourself."

His child has been through a lot, it was a trying time. She went through a lot for a five-year-old. He sighed to himself. He wished he did a better job of protecting her.

Adeline nodded against his shoulder, a sense of warmth and safety enveloping her. For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to let go. To lean on someone else.

And in that moment, she realized that saving the world didn’t have to come at the cost of the people she loved.

It was a lesson she would carry with her, a reminder of why she fought so hard in the first place.

For her family.

For the people who mattered most.

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