Chapter 48…
Tession tilted his head playfully as he asked.
Cynthia frowned, quickly working her mind.
“Also… and…!”
“And?”
“And!!”
Before she could finish, Tession caught Cynthia’s hand and brought it to his lips.
As his soft lips brushed the back of her hand, he spoke quietly.
“From now on, do not get close to any other man — whoever he may be.”
That expression again.
Cynthia lifted her eyes, meeting Tession’s gaze — that obsessive, possessive look he showed to no one else but her.
It was a face only Cynthia could see.
Compelled by impulse, she asked,
“Why?”
“Because I’m jealous.”
Without even a pause, Tession answered immediately.
At the end of that unwavering gaze was no one else — only her.
Ah… Tession…
Cynthia realized all too clearly what emotion shimmered in his violet eyes, and a tightness rose in her throat.
She had sensed it vaguely before, but always denied it, refusing to believe.
But now, it was undeniable — Tession truly liked her.
“…”
Her mind began to spin chaotically, and in that storm she saw again her old, burned-down cottage.
Then came the blank check she had first received from the Bailey family, Dale’s special tutoring materials, the Duke of Castleton’s twisted smile, and the Baileys’ cold, sneering green eyes — one after another.
No… this can’t happen.
Cynthia bit her lower lip and pulled her hand free from Tession’s grasp.
She was someone who would leave his side as soon as her contract with the Baileys ended.
That was why Tession must never be allowed to give her his heart.
And perhaps…
If the truth ever came out — that she was a fake noblewoman — Tession’s affection might turn to disgust.
He could end up despising her for deceiving him so shamelessly.
I couldn’t bear that…
Avoiding his gaze, Cynthia forced herself to speak calmly.
“…Your Grace is thorough as always. Even when it comes to managing your fiancée.”
“Managing?”
“You only ever say what a fiancée would want to hear. That alone proves how diligent you are.”
At her words, Tession’s brow furrowed slightly.
“Diligent? What do you mean by that?”
“You don’t have to say it. I’ll behave properly from now on. I remember our engagement — and the contract between our families — perfectly well. So you needn’t worry.”
“I’m afraid I don’t follow.”
“I’m saying — thank you for your consideration as my fiancé.”
Startled by her sudden change in tone, Tession caught her wrist.
“Are you saying I act this way merely because you’re my official fiancée?”
No, that couldn’t be.
He had never acted this way with Elizabeth Bailey when she had been his fiancée.
But Cynthia had no choice except to nod.
Tession acting out of affection — because he liked Cynthia White — was something that must never be allowed.
Looking down at her as she slowly nodded, Tession spoke quietly.
“It’s because you’re Cynthia.”
“…”
“Everything I say, everything I do — it’s not for my hollow fiancée. It’s for you, Cynthia.”
Cynthia looked up at him, her eyes trembling.
He wasn’t stupid. She knew exactly what he meant, and what he wanted from her.
But still…
Biting her lip hard, Cynthia finally spoke.
“…I have something to say. Right now — in your office, if you have time.”
Looking down at her, Tession forced a faint smile.
“As much time as you need.”
“Then please wait for me there. I’ll just change and join you shortly.”
Tession entered the office first, turning on the lights in the dim room.
Cynthia nodded and followed him inside.
He waited while the maids brought warm tea and sweets to the table, then turned and quietly left the room.
“Thank you.”
Cynthia offered a polite word to the maids and took a seat on the soft sofa behind the table.
Once they were gone, she sat alone, lost in thought as she waited for Tession’s return.
Tession… really does like me.
Just thinking the words made her head swirl.
He wasn’t just being kind to his fiancée out of courtesy — he was attracted to her.
“…That can’t be.”
She murmured under her breath.
She hadn’t pretended to be Elizabeth or maintained this engagement between the Bailey and Lumanov houses for romance.
“Absolutely not. I can’t let that happen.”
She muttered again, as if to anchor herself, and let out a long sigh.
This engagement with Tession must stay purely business. That’s how I’ll get the rest of my payment, retrieve the Ritemper Trading Company, and then dissolve the engagement cleanly. I can’t afford any more mistakes. No weakness, no confusion.
Ughhh…
But still!
“My heart feels uneasy…”
No! Stop it!
At that moment, the shameless little voice of her conscience popped up in her mind.
Wasn’t helping Tession recover his sight part of the plan? So you could walk away without feeling indebted — reclaim Ritemper, get your final payment, and disappear?
“Well… yes, that’s true.”
Then focus! Forget his fleeting feelings and do what Dale told you — ask about the Ritemper Company! Those emotions won’t last anyway. Think about your money before they get any deeper!
Cynthia grabbed her head with both hands, ruffling her hair, then nodded firmly to herself.
Alright… Be shameless. Cynthia, channel Elizabeth Bailey completely!
Let’s calculate everything coldly. No hesitation.
“Have I kept you waiting?”
The door opened just then, and Tession strode in.
Now dressed casually, he brushed his fringe back and walked toward her.
Cynthia straightened immediately and shook her head.
“No, not at all. You’re back quickly.”
“I thought you might not like waiting.”
As he sat across from her, Cynthia spoke quickly — before he could even settle in.
“Let’s get straight to the point, Your Grace.”
“Alright.”
Tession smiled slightly in surprise.
Cynthia took a deep breath and began, reciting the lines she had practiced in her head.
“You said you were reconsidering the return of the Ritemper Trading Company from the Bailey family, correct?”
“I did.”
“I’d like you to change your mind about that — to proceed with returning it, after all.”
At that, Tession raised an eyebrow, clearly not expecting it.
He looked down at his teacup, lifted it carefully, and took a slow sip before speaking.
“That’s what you wanted to discuss?”
“Yes.”
“As for the Ritemper Company, I’ve already spoken with Duke Bailey. It seems there was a bit of misunderstanding on their end — but the return hasn’t been canceled. The process just needed a more thorough review before final approval.”
“Oh. Then I’d like to ask if it could be expedited, please.”
What? When did that happen?
And no one told me!
Annoyed that neither Dale nor Castleton had mentioned any of this, Cynthia frowned.
Tession tilted his head slightly, watching her.
“What’s your interest in the Ritemper Company?”
“…Pardon?”
“Are you planning to inherit the business once it’s returned? Otherwise, I can’t see why you’d bring it up with me directly.”
“…”
Cynthia said nothing.
Keeping his eyes on her, Tession continued slowly.
“There’s not much you can do regarding that issue, my lady. Unless…”
His violet eyes traced her face, lingering.
“…you fulfill your role as my fiancée — or better yet, if we marry — perhaps the process could move faster.”
Marry.
That word again.
Cynthia winced involuntarily.
It seemed Tession really did intend to take his time with the Ritemper case.
But if things dragged on that long, Castleton would never sit quietly…
“Cynthia,” Tession said softly. “Do you really dislike me that much?”
