SPOILER
If I remember correctly he was actually brainwashed to some degree in the first timeline due to his ex and was also manipulated by MC evil father. I may not be remembering this correctly, but he actually has memories of his past life like her, and he’s acting stiff because he isn’t accustomed to interacting with MC but is actually at the very least attempting to protect her this time around.
SPOILER(continuation?)
MC’s bastard of a father basically told the duke: I’ll help you with your succession (of becoming a duke) IF you marry my daughter and never love her, only ignore her. If not I’ll take everything away from you.
Fuck that asshole
He rejected at first though, but one by one, people were dying. He was left with that choice. He also tried to care for her, but the fl father warned that she'll die if he approaches her.
Oh I think I misread your intention. Sorry. Too many ppl hating on ml I jumped to conclusions ╥﹏╥
Yeah, honestly as far as asshole MLs redeeming themselves in the second life, he really is one of the better ones. He meant well from the beginning, but his hands were really tied. She didn’t explain anything and in his eyes it just looked like she was neglecting their baby, then people kept dying and he was being threatened. The difference is this time around he kind of knows what to expect and can prevent things from happening.
I'm curious is she gonna fall in love again with the dickhead father cuz I want him dead he's a pathetic idiotic loser and an irresponsible jerk