Chapter 88…
“Yes. Since they’ll be getting what they want anyway, the Baileys will stay quiet. They won’t bother Cynthia anymore.”
Cynthia lowered her gaze to the table.
If it really turned out that way…
Knowing the sly and greedy Duke of Castleton, he would surely do exactly as Tesion predicted. In exchange for getting the Litemper Firm back, he would not only agree to break off their marriage arrangement, but he would also stop caring about whatever Cynthia chose to do from then on.
However…!!
“I’m against it!”
Cynthia declared firmly.
Tesion stared at her, as if he hadn’t expected that answer.
She knew she wasn’t in a position to pick and choose, yet the idea of giving that horrible Duke of Castleton exactly what he wanted filled her with disgust.
“Your Grace could actually use this to your advantage.”
“Me?”
“Yes. You could accuse Elizabeth Bailey. You learned that she died in a carriage accident long ago, and the woman posing as her was an impostor. Using that, you can demand the annulment. Instead of returning the Litemper Firm, you could get something much bigger out of them!”
At Cynthia’s words, Tesion immediately shook his head.
“That would put you in danger, Cynthia. The Castleton Baileys won’t tolerate their plans failing. They will hunt you down and threaten your life.”
“That’s…”
The image of the vicious coachman who had threatened her flashed through Cynthia’s mind—the large, rough hand gripping her throat, the sharp dagger aimed at her, and those frightening, blazing eyes.
“Returning the Litemper Firm to them now is the safest and simplest solution.”
“But the Litemper Firm…!”
Cynthia protested again.
She had learned enough during her Spartan-style training with Dale to know the truth.
“The Litemper Firm was obtained through negotiations by the late Grand Duchess, wasn’t it? How could we just return something like that…?”
Regardless of its value and potential, the firm had been an important gain brought into the Romanoff family by Tesion’s mother. Cynthia disliked the Baileys already, but the idea of giving them something so meaningful to Tesion felt even worse.
“If doing so keeps you safe, then it’s fine.”
“But…”
“Cynthia. I’m sorry, but please follow my decision this time. I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Tesion’s calm voice reached her.
Though his words sounded gentle and composed, the look in his eyes was anxious and tense. Seeing that, Cynthia could no longer argue.
“…”
“Then let’s consider the discussion over. Please eat.”
Tesion smiled softly and pointed at her plate. After watching him for a moment, Cynthia reluctantly moved her fork and stirred the food.
“Thank you for the meal, Your Grace!”
Cynthia stood up after her satisfying meal. Tesion, who had finished earlier and was waiting for her, rose with a smile. As they exited the dining room, Cynthia asked,
“What are you going to do now, Your Grace?”
“I still have work to handle, so I’ll go to my office.”
“Ah, I see. Then I’ll…”
What should I do?
This wasn’t Cynthia’s home nor the Bailey estate—it was the Romanoff Grand Duke’s residence. Even at the Bailey estate, she rarely left the room assigned to her, so she figured nothing would be much different here.
“Then I’ll stay in my room!”
“No, Cynthia.”
Just then, Tesion reached out and held her hand tightly. He brought her palm to his cheek and leaned into it as he spoke.
“Please stay with me.”
S-Should I…?
Facing Tesion’s beautiful face, Cynthia blinked like she was spellbound.
She was willing to follow him anywhere, but she felt she should at least ask once out of courtesy.
“W-Why?”
“I’m afraid you’ll disappear again when I’m not looking.”
Tesion spoke almost like he was pouting.
“Huh? Why would I?”
But she fell silent quickly.
She had run away before when he wasn’t watching—several times.
When she’d fled the Bailey estate at dawn, terrified he would learn her identity after the cabin burned down. And later, when she broke the contract with the Baileys, she had jumped out of the carriage he’d generously provided and vanished again.
Though she did it to avoid burdening him further, she realized her actions might have caused him much anxiety. The thought made her feel guilty.
“Your Grace! I won’t disappear without a word anymore. Don’t worry!”
“Really?”
“Really! I promised yesterday too, remember? I won’t hide anything from you now.”
Even with her firm tone, Tesion still looked uneasy.
He held her hand tightly and looked at her with pitiful, kitten-like eyes. Cynthia let out a small sigh.
“Fine, fine. I’ll stay with you all day today. Happy now? Should we go to the office?”
“Yes.”
“Let’s go! Should we hold hands?”
“…Yes.”
Tesion smiled faintly and began walking with her.
Following her like an obedient little kitten, Tesion made Cynthia smile.
Ahh, he’s so cute! Tesion is really so pure and adorable…!
…But how did things end up like this?
Cynthia glanced sideways at Tesion, who was lying right next to her, exhaling a warm breath against the back of her neck. His eyes were closed, his breathing even—making her struggle to keep her composure.
Her face heated up.
She had only meant to close her eyes for a second…!
‘Cynthia, if you’re sleepy, lie down on the sofa.’
‘No! I’m going to sit here and watch you work.’
At first, she was wide awake.
Even though Tesion didn’t spare her a glance once he began working with intense concentration, Cynthia enjoyed watching him.
Watching him study documents with his sculpted features was entertaining, and whenever he furrowed his brows, she even imagined slipping right between them.
She thought watching Tesion was the most fun thing in the world…
‘Cynthia.’
‘…’
‘Don’t sit like that. If you’re uncomfortable, lie down.’
‘I-I wasn’t asleep! I was just thinking with my eyes closed!’
At some point, Tesion had woken her up.
‘It would be better if you rested.’
‘No! I’ll stay awake. Sorry for distracting you.’
‘Then I’ll rest for a moment. I barely slept last night, and watching you get sleepy is making me tired too.’
‘Y-You want to… sleep here?’
Then Tesion had simply laid down beside her and fallen asleep.
“…”
Cynthia opened her eyes slightly and peeked at him. Is he really sleeping? I’m wide awake now…
Whether he sensed her inner turmoil or not, Tesion slept with his lips slightly parted, breathing steadily. His warm breaths tickled the back of her neck.
He must really be exhausted…
Come to think of it, last night he’d held her close and poured out his feelings until she fell asleep. He must have only drifted off after she did.
Tap, tap.
Cynthia gently patted him with her free arm and sighed softly as she looked at him.
Whenever she saw Tesion sleeping like this, something heavy settled deep in her chest.
Maybe it was because she’d once witnessed him crying in his sleep… or because she understood his hidden wounds better than anyone else now.
She didn’t know the exact reason. But one thing was certain—she didn’t want him to ever be hurt again.
He really is sleeping deeply…
“…He’s like a child.”
