What's confusing me, is that ML and FL were in a contract relationship, where he openly 'despised her' (regardless of his 'true' feelings, he went out of his way to treat her coldly and indifferently for whatever reason). Why does he think she would unconditionally love him? And why is he confused to be rejected? Their relationship literally has no foundation or chemistry?
Maybe because she sacrificed her life for him that's where his delusion is coming from lol. And the fact that she agreed to marry him, means something for him.
You know what, you might be right. I presumed he approached things with an analytical or indifferent mindset, leading to the assumption that it was standard military camaraderie/procedure. Alternatively, the sacrifice might have been likened to a firefighter rushing into a burning building. Or the 3rd option of the person being an extreme people-pleaser (she was a huge pushover the 1st life, so I kind of think it's wild to think someone you treated so poorly loves you). I also find it absurd to assume that a previous relationship or marriage holds any significance, especially if it was purely physical or marked by entirely unequal dynamics. Honestly, the biggest thing I overlooked was his gender and status as a duke, which likely means he has a massive ego and a strong sense of entitlement (default = interpreting things in a way that would best serve him).
ML IS SO DELUSIONAL. I CANT TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY ESP THAT O-FACE WHENEVER HE RECEIVES GUIDING LOL