ATPE 07

Chapter 7

 After Returning Home

Ain, who had no idea about Serenia’s dark thoughts, nodded brightly.

“Understood. Then I’ll come to pick you up here tomorrow at 8:40 in the morning.”

“Yeah… sure.”

She answered half-heartedly and unlocked the gate of the Bahishat estate.

“Then I’ll go now. See you tomorrow, Mr. Ain-whatever.”

After that short farewell, Serenia pushed the gate open.

At that moment, Ain called out to her.

“Ah, wait a moment, my lady.”

She stopped and turned back with a puzzled expression.

“I have something to give you.”

As he said that, he slowly reached into his coat and took out a small jar, about the size of an egg.

A familiar scent spread from it.

It was the smell of medicine—

The same scent her father always used to have when she was young.

Though this one was much stronger.

It must be expensive…

She looked at him with confusion.

Why was he suddenly giving her this?

Ain lightly tapped his cheek.

Following his gesture, Serenia touched her own face.

A sharp pain spread instantly.

She frowned—

And only then realized.

She had been standing in front of him the whole time with scratches on her cheek, a red handprint, and a split lip.

Her face instantly turned red.

Without making a big deal out of it, Ain handed her the medicine.

He deliberately looked away as he spoke,

“This is a special ointment. Apply it three times a day—morning, afternoon, and night—and it will heal without leaving scars in just three days. I can guarantee its effect. I use it often myself.”

His explanation sounded casual, almost like a salesman—

But Serenia understood.

This was his way of being considerate.

It had been so long since anyone treated her kindly.

For some reason, her chest felt strangely warm.

She cleared her throat awkwardly.

“Th-thank you… for caring.”

Ain shrugged lightly.

“It’s nothing. I’m only doing it for the money.”

“…What?”

“For the money?”

He tilted his head at her confused expression.

Then suddenly realized something.

“Oh… wait. Did you think I was doing this because I was worried about you?”

“N-No, I mean…”

“That’s a bit awkward. I didn’t expect my effort to avoid breaking the contract would be mistaken as kindness.”

“That’s not what I meant!”

“Well, I suppose misunderstandings are free…”

“…What?”

“Oh, that was just me talking to myself.”

“What did you say?!”

Ignoring her glare, Ain continued shamelessly,

“Well, with my looks, wealth, and manners, it’s understandable if you start to feel something for me.”

“What?!”

Serenia’s face twisted in disbelief.

But he only smiled and even gave a small wink.

“For now, I have to remain the lover of everyone.”

“The lover… of everyone?”

Ain quickly covered his mouth.

Serenia frowned deeply, thinking about his words.

Then suddenly—

“Wait… are you not a loan shark, but a host?!”

“….”

Ain fell silent.

Seeing that, Serenia’s shock grew even bigger.

“Really? You’re really a host?!”

Everything suddenly made sense to her.

No wonder… he’s way too handsome for a loan shark!

She covered her mouth in shock.

That’s why he said the job doesn’t last long!

Ain finally spoke,

“That’s not true.”

“Ah, okay.”

“It’s really not true!”

He insisted strongly, but Serenia just shrugged.

“You don’t have to make excuses.”

“It’s not an excuse—!”

“It doesn’t matter. Whether you’re a loan shark, a host, or anything else—I don’t care.”

Ain opened his mouth, then let out a sigh.

He held back the urge to tell her the truth.

…At this point, maybe I should just go along with it?

This seemed more entertaining.

With that thought, his expression changed instantly.

With a soft smile and gentle eyes, he bent slightly and looked up at her.

“If that’s the case… gladly.”

Before she could react, he took her hand.

Everything happened so naturally—

That Serenia only realized it after her hand was already halfway pulled toward him.

Then—

Something lightly touched the back of her hand.

“…?”

She couldn’t feel it through her gloves—

But she knew exactly what it was.

A kiss.

Her eyes widened in shock.

This shameless host!!

Still kneeling, Ain spoke softly,

“I hope I can be part of your dreams tonight, my lady.”

Serenia looked like she was about to throw up.

Ain couldn’t hold back anymore and burst into laughter.

“Y-You’re laughing?!”

He let go of her hand, quickly got into the carriage, and winked.

“Then, I’ll see you in your dreams.”

And just like that, he left—turning her emotions upside down until the very end.

The sound of bells echoed in the distance.

It was midnight.

Only after the sound faded did Serenia finally come back to her senses.

She closed her eyes tightly and let out a deep sigh.

Then she walked into the dark house.

The next morning—

The moment Serenia opened her eyes, she realized she had overslept.

Judging by the sunlight, it was around 8:30 AM.

Startled, she jumped out of bed.

She quickly washed her face, changed clothes, and fixed her messy hair.

Then she noticed the medicine from yesterday.

After a moment of hesitation, she picked it up and went to the window.

Using the glass as a mirror, she carefully applied it to her wounds.

Then she tilted her head.

Something outside felt… noisy.

Like things were flying around.

“Are people having a snowball fight?”

She muttered while applying the ointment.

At that moment—

Whoosh—

Something flew with the wind and stuck to the window.

Right at her eye level.

It was a special newspaper—an extra edition.

Large bold letters were printed on it:

[Breaking News! The Secret Love of Duke Rascalo Admancanon?!]

[The Birth of a Legendary Couple That Surpasses Old Feuds!]

[The Woman Who Received the Proposal—Who Is Serenia Bahishat?!]

“W-What is this?!!!”

Serenia screamed and threw the window open.

The paper flew away into the sky.

Her hand reached out—

But grabbed nothing.

Cold winter wind rushed into the room.

And then she understood.

Why it felt so noisy outside.

“Hey! She’s there!”

“Where?!”

“The second-floor window!”

“Get the camera! Zoom lens!”

After the news spread across the capital—

Reporters had gathered around her house like a swarm of ants.

Serenia stood frozen like a statue.

Click—!

Then suddenly—

Flashes exploded everywhere.

Cameras clicked nonstop.

Only after several seconds did she regain her senses.

She quickly shut the window and closed the curtains.

But the reporters didn’t give up.

“Lady Bahishat! Please give us an interview!”

“How do you feel right now?!”

“Please show your face again!”

“We have the right to know!”

The noise still echoed inside the room.

Then—

From afar, she heard the sound of a carriage.

8:40 AM.

The exact time Ain had promised.

Serenia muttered blankly—

“I’m doomed.”