Chapter 07
Ian Crawford already knew.
That she had overheard the conversation.
He’s certain of it.
The moment she realized that, all the color drained from her face.
What do I do now?
If she admitted it, her parents would be in danger.
But if she denied it, she feared what might come later.
The moment she honestly said she heard everything, she would inevitably become entangled with the villain.
Even though she knew she had to keep smiling, it was hard to stay calm.
She knew she had to answer quickly—
But she kept hesitating.
Then—
“It was a joke.”
“…What?”
“Hehe, your reaction was so cute, Miss Diana. I couldn’t help myself.”
…A joke?
No. That wasn’t a joke.
You’re not the kind of person who slips up while apologizing.
You were clearly testing me. Threatening me.
Diana swallowed the urge to shout.
“…You’re more mischievous than you look, Young Duke.”
She deliberately spoke softly, not wanting her trembling voice to be noticed.
“That was too much. It didn’t sound like a joke at all.”
“Oh dear. It seems you don’t enjoy such intense humor. My apologies.”
“If it happens again, I won’t accept your apology.”
“I’ll take that as you accepting today’s apology. Next time, I’ll send something better than flowers.”
No thanks. I don’t want anything from you. I just don’t want to be involved with you at all!
For the first time, she looked at someone smiling—and thought of a snake.
Diana smiled back, glaring at him.
Ian simply picked up his teacup and set it down calmly.
What is he thinking?
The silence only made her thoughts more chaotic.
If his goal was to threaten me, he could’ve done it privately from the start.
As the villain, he could easily arrange for Diana and her mother to die in what looked like an accident.
So why come all the way here?
He must’ve known I wouldn’t admit I heard anything.
She couldn’t figure it out.
What did he want?
“Miss Diana.”
That was when Ian spoke again, his voice sweet.
“If you don’t mind, I’d like to walk through the garden with you. Would you show me around?”
“…”
He had just threatened her—
And now he was asking this?
They say the best people can smile even in difficult situations.
If that were true, Ian Crawford was a top-tier villain.
Diana had no choice but to nod.
***
In the Garden
The garden was beautiful.
Especially the roses in full bloom—everywhere she looked was filled with vivid red.
Walking side by side, the two of them looked like a perfectly matched couple.
On the surface.
***
“From over there, those are Rubicara, Empire, and Avril roses. All carefully cultivated.”
“I’ve heard the Wellington family has rare roses. It seems that’s true. Do you have a favorite?”
“…I like Avril roses the most. They bloom beautifully in early summer.”
“I see. I’ll remember that.”
Ian was far more polite and attentive than before.
And that was the problem.
Something’s wrong.
The villain who once kept a strict distance was now showing interest in her preferences.
Like a proper fiancé.
This is bad. Really bad.
Her instincts screamed danger.
The problem was—
She couldn’t escape.
This was her home.
Did he come here on purpose for this?
She thought she had successfully changed the story—
But now it felt like she had come full circle.
A chill ran down her spine.
***
“Miss Diana?”
“Yes—yes?”
“I’m a bit disappointed. You should ask about my preferences too.”
“Oh…”
Why did he look so amused?
Reluctantly, she asked:
“Do you have a favorite flower?”
“I like hydrangeas.”
“Hydrangeas?”
“Yes. If you soak them in water… they quickly regain their vitality.”
“…”
Did he just say ‘water torture’?
He definitely said it.
“I like their resilience.”
Seeing her expression, Ian laughed.
“But roses are the queen of flowers. I admire how they bloom despite their thorns. There’s beauty in overcoming hardship.”
“…You have a very distinct sense of aesthetics.”
“And you, Miss Diana—being so beautiful, you must have faced your own hardships.”
He smoothly shifted the topic again.
Back to her.
“How is life in high society? Have you faced any difficulties?”
“Not really.”
Even if she had, she wouldn’t tell him.
Mio and Carmine briefly crossed her mind—but only briefly.
She redirected the question, just like he did earlier.
“I’m more curious about you. You meet far more people—doesn’t that get tiring?”
“I’d be lying if I said no.”
Thankfully, he answered.
“Managing various relationships is exhausting. Everyone insists their own situation is justified.”
“That must be hard.”
“They’re all so hypocritical. And their excuses are always the same.”
“…”
“Sometimes it’s unbearable.”
A faint sneer appeared on his lips.
That was the most honest—and most dangerous—thing he had said all day.
***
“Do you dislike hypocritical people?”
Even though you’re one yourself?
She didn’t say it out loud.
Suddenly, Ian stopped walking.
“Is something wrong?”
“…”
“Did I ask something inappropriate?”
“No. It’s just… I’m not ‘Young Duke.’ I’m Ian. Have you forgotten my name?”
“…What?”
Out of nowhere, he changed the topic—
And grabbed her hand.
“I’d like you to call me properly. It’s disappointing otherwise.”
“But we’re not—”
He pulled her slightly closer.
They were suddenly so close she could see the smoothness of his skin.
“If everyone calls me ‘Young Duke,’ then my name becomes meaningless.”
Excuse me, who are you?
Diana genuinely wanted to ask.
The gap between the terrifying man from earlier and this teasing version of him was too much.
How can someone change this much?
“Even if it’s awkward now, please call me Ian next time.”
“O-Okay…”
“Will you promise me?”
“I promise. So please let go—and step back.”
Ian looked satisfied.
Then—
He lightly brushed his lips against her fingers.
Startled, she quickly pulled her hand away.
He didn’t stop her—
But his smile deepened.
“I’ll trust you to keep your promise.”
She had completely fallen into the trap of a skilled manipulator.
“And next time, I’ll show you the gardens of the ducal estate.”
Only then did Diana realize—
He had smoothly secured another meeting.
***
After He Left
After Ian returned, Diana lay on her bed, staring blankly at the ceiling.
She didn’t even remember how she saw him off.
Where did things go wrong?
“…What do I do now?”
She admitted it.
Honestly, she thought things would be different for her.
Like winning the lottery.
Or getting a rare character in a game.
She thought she could change the original story.
Is that so wrong? It’s not illegal to dream!
But reality—
It was nothing like that.
No matter what she did, nothing worked.
In novels, everything was simple.
A kind heroine.
A perfect male lead.
And a villain destined to die.
She thought she understood it all.
After all, this was just a story.
The people in front of her were just characters.
If she survived this moment, everything would be fine.
That’s what she believed.
But—
From the moment she became Diana Wellington—
The person in front of her was no longer just a character.
He was real.
Maybe that was the problem.
A character was easy to deal with.
But a real person—
Was much, much harder.
