CLMCB CH 23

Chapter 23

The plan was working.
While Whisler leaned closer with that strange look in his eyes, the waiter quietly left the room. Finally, I could breathe a little easier.

“Ahem! My tongue just stiffened from nerves. Speaking clearly was a bit difficult for a moment.”

As I explained, Whisler smiled gently, as if reassured.

“I was worried you were hurt. I’m glad that’s not the case. You seemed startled at that unexpected confrontation with my brother the other day… I want to apologize for putting you in that position.”

Whisler rubbed the back of his head, his blond hair catching the light like sunlight. His vivid red eyes stood out all the more against that brightness.

Yes, Whisler’s looks were still a weapon. Pretending they had no effect at all would’ve been a lie, but—now I was Herace’s partner. And honestly, Herace’s darker red eyes suited my tastes far better.

If Whisler is #EB0000, then Herace is #CD0000.

Whisler lowered his head wistfully, as though reminiscing.

“My brother… he’s been like this since childhood.”

Herace’s childhood stories? Now that was interesting.

“So he was brilliant from a young age, then.”

The moment I said it, Whisler’s head snapped up.

“No—that’s not it. Since he was a boy, he was reckless. He used his silver tongue to manipulate people, to charm them, to make them take his side.”

“So he had a snake’s tongue from the start? Then he showed promise early on.”

I pressed my lips together, half-jealous. Whisler stared at me in silence, but I wasn’t bothered. This was how I’d always been, even when I dated him. I wasn’t complimenting anyone—just speaking honestly.

“You’re mistaken.”

Whisler slid his chair closer, taking my hand in both of his as he whispered earnestly:

“You’re being deceived by a villain.”

I wanted to argue, but timing was everything. I had to wait for the waiter to return before delivering the highlight.

“The person most responsible for the rumors about your infidelity is Herace himself. I thought we’d grown into understanding one another, but here I am again, forced to badmouth my own brother to you. Unbelievable.”

I gave him a vague nod, just to keep things moving.

“My parents and I couldn’t handle him, so I went abroad. After I left, he stayed quiet, so I thought he’d changed. …Ha. I suppose that’s enough explanation.”

Whisler straightened his slumped shoulders with forced dignity.

“He knew I’d known you since childhood. And still, he… Yes. I was foolish. I wanted to trust him. That’s why I misjudged.”

Gone was the pitiful Whisler from earlier. In his place stood the polished nobleman society adored.

“When I returned from studying abroad, he pretended to be a dutiful son and a good brother. But looking back, he must’ve hidden his true self to get close to you. He returned to ruin what we had. I should’ve seen it sooner. I was too blind.”

…I’d studied his hands carefully. There was nothing different about them.
So it wasn’t his touch that unsettled me before. And judging from the way my chest was tightening now, it wasn’t a fluke—I really did find his skinship uncomfortable.

Bang, bang—answer confirmed. Once, I thought of Whisler as the male lead. But now? I disliked him. Meanwhile, Herace—yes, I truly liked him, at least as a person. That’s why his touch never bothered me.

“I’ll never let my brother make me misunderstand you again. I’ll never be too busy to care for you again. You’re mine, Philena Light.”

Whisler smiled tenderly and reached out his other hand, shaking it like a child begging me to take it.

And in that moment, I could almost read his mind. He was convinced I’d take his hand. That after such heartfelt words, I’d surely cast aside Herace.

So this is what Herace feels before surprising me. That thrill of anticipation.

The thought of shattering Whisler’s expectations made my cheeks twitch. For the first time, I understood the “pleasure of revenge” my pen pal had told me about.

To keep from grinning, I pressed my lips inward.

“Take your time. I’ll always be here, waiting.”

His eyes shone with false warmth yet again. And then—perfect timing—the waiter returned with the food.

“Here is the venison you ordered—”

Now.

“Let’s take a break, Whisler.”

“What do you mean, ‘take a break’…?”

Whisler’s brows knit in shock. He flicked his gaze toward the waiter, silently urging him to leave—but I was quicker.

“Let’s take some time apart, Marquis Gass!”

My raised voice snapped his focus back to me.

I leapt from my seat, covering my face as though crying. The chair clattered to the floor with a crash. Perfect sound effect, perfect extra. Now all I had to do was nail my part.

My voice couldn’t tremble naturally, but I could stutter convincingly.

“I-I know the rumors about me caused you pain. Th-that’s why you avoided me. Th-that’s why we haven’t met or spoken in so long. I-I don’t blame you for misunderstanding me.”

Such kindness. Such innocence. Who could still call me a villainess now?

A quick glance confirmed the waiter lingered at a distance, watching us closely. Perfect.

“I-I don’t blame you, but… to think you were seeing another woman. It—it hurts. Especially because, when you doubted me, Duke Gray was the one who believed in me.”

“Phil—”

“I’m sorry. B-but let’s take a break.”

Done.

Lowering my hands, I stole a glance at him. Whisler looked dazed—no, dumbfounded. His ears flushed bright red.

“Philena… Didn’t I just tell you? You’re being deceived. Herace is a monster.”

“That’s not true. Maybe, just like you misunderstood me, maybe we’ve misunderstood him.”

I steadied my breath, forcing finality into my tone.

“That possibility has to be considered.”

I grabbed my handbag and stood. Every time Whisler tried to speak, I shook my head, refusing.

At last, his brows furrowed in frustration.

“Then I’ll have to save you. You’ve been blinded by attention—you can’t think clearly.”

“My eyesight is above average, and my judgment is just fine. I just asked you for time apart, didn’t I?”

“My brother seduced you with that snake tongue of his. He’ll use you and discard you.”

Perfect. The scene was a success. Now for the exit.

“Then, I’ll be leaving.”

I gave a polite bow and walked away, brushing past the waiter. The moment I stepped outside, one thought filled my mind—

Herace. I need to tell him everything. Every detail. He’ll be so proud of me.