Chapter 21
“I’d appreciate it if you two could take this elsewhere.”
The faint tension in the air broke as both men turned their heads toward me.
“My apologies. I didn’t mean to get carried away because of an… uninvited guest.”
“I think the uninvited guest here is someone else, actually.”
Their little battle of sarcasm seemed far from over.
Well then—there was only one thing to do.
“In that case, I’ll leave.”
As much as I couldn’t bring myself to dislike either of them, the cold tension that made me tiptoe around was unbearable.
Lesson learned: never seat two people who only I know at the same table.
And another note to self—avoid any situation that lets Raphael tag along under the excuse of being a “friend.”
“Lady, I apologize for today. Before I go, may I ask you something?”
“What is it?”
“I heard there’s a grand festival coming up in two weeks. Would you do me the honor of accompanying me?”
A festival? Since I transmigrated, it would be my first. I wondered if it would be fun.
Wait. Was that… a date invitation?
Did you hear that, Raphael? I’m still quite popular, you know.
Without realizing it, my lips curled up.
“I’ll think about it.”
Accepting right away while my ex-fiancé was staring directly at me didn’t feel polite, so I played it cool. I’d answer later—by letter, perhaps.
“What are you talking about? You’ve always gone with me. You should come with me again this time.”
Raphael’s gaze locked onto mine.
What do you mean, always? I didn’t even know there was a festival.
Then again, we were close back then… I suppose it made sense. It shouldn’t surprise me anymore that there are still “preset” memories I know nothing about.
“Still, it doesn’t mean I have to go with you this time.”
“No, you do. We made a promise nine years ago—to always go together. Forever.”
Maybe it was my imagination, but the way he emphasized forever sent a chill through me.
What in the world made eleven-year-old Yvonne and Raphael promise that?
It was obvious. She must’ve been head over heels for him and suggested it herself.
But Raphael has someone else now, doesn’t he?
Like Chloe… or Chloe… or—yes, probably Chloe.
“Childhood promises don’t usually last a lifetime, you know.”
“But we were never just friends, were we, Yvonne?”
Why were both of them ganging up on me?
Round two of their rivalry drained the last bit of energy I had left. Festival or not, I just wanted to lie down.
“If you both want to go so badly, why don’t you go together? Anyway, both of you should head home now. I’ll think about it and let you know who I’m going with.”
Without another word, I turned and walked back to my room. I had the feeling that as long as I stayed there, neither of them would leave.
Lying on the bed, I stared up at the ceiling.
Raphael’s eyes, when he mentioned “nine years ago,” kept replaying in my mind.
Damn it, why can’t I stop thinking about it…
There’d been something different about his gaze—gentler, almost aching.
It had shaken me. Made me feel like I had to go to the festival with him.
Was this the infamous male lead buff at work?
Knock, knock.
“Come in.”
I thought it was Mari, but the one who entered was Nathan.
“I wanted to have a word with you, if that’s all right.”
“Sure, sit down.”
We took seats across from each other at the small round table by the window.
His serious expression made my stomach tighten.
Did something happen? I swallowed nervously.
“What brings you here?”
“I heard there was tension between Richard and Raphael earlier… because of the festival.”
I sighed softly.
At least it wasn’t a family emergency—but I hadn’t expected to hear those names even after retreating to my room.
“And?”
“Don’t you think it’s time you spent the festival with someone new?”
“You mean Richard?”
Nathan nodded firmly, as if that were the most natural answer in the world.
What a devoted friend—to come all the way here just to convince me to attend with his buddy.
Unfortunately, his timing couldn’t have been worse. I was exhausted and too tangled up in my thoughts about Raphael to want to discuss either of them.
“Who I go with is my choice. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t interfere.”
“I’m sorry. I just… worry you’ll get hurt by Raphael again.”
“Thanks for the concern. I’ll think about it. Please go now.”
“Forgive me. Rest well.”
After Nathan left, I looked out the window for the first time in a while.
The garden spread neatly below, and right in the middle was that table—where I’d told Raphael I wanted to break off our engagement.
Funny, isn’t it? He’s the one I broke up with, and yet he keeps showing up everywhere I go.
And now he even comes to my house, talking nonsense about “lifelong friendship.”
Knock, knock.
“My lady, it’s Mari.”
“Come in.”
This time it was Mari, carrying a few freshly laundered dresses.
After hanging them neatly in the wardrobe, she moved to tidy the bed I’d just been lying on.
But she kept sneaking glances at me.
“Mari, is there something you want to say?”
“Um… about the festival. You’ll be going with Young Master Richard, right?”
Maybe I should just skip the whole thing. I was already sick of it.
Our house seemed to have a full-blown Richard fan club.
“I’m going out.”
I’d come to my room to clear my head, but apparently, no one in this house intended to let me.
I knew going with Richard would probably be the wiser choice—but how could I ignore the way Raphael kept weighing on my mind?
I needed someone to talk to. Someone who’d listen.
Even if she was busy with work, Louise would spare me a few minutes.
I climbed into the carriage, bound for her place.
<My Doomed Love Is Entertaining>
Episode 61
(Excerpt)
These days, Raphael found himself watching Yvonne’s retreating figure more than ever.
As she disappeared toward her room after choosing Richard over him, he thought:
She’s even forgotten our promise now…
That stung more than he’d expected.
“You look amazing, young master.”
At eleven, Raphael grinned into the mirror, pleased with his reflection.
The Ferronando Empire’s grand festival was held once every three years—
And today, it had finally returned.
We’ll have so much fun together today.
He could hardly wait.
“My lady, it’s not much, but please accept this.”
“It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
Raphael’s smile faltered as Cedric handed Yvonne a flower.
Cedric had only joined their circle two months ago—his once-insignificant count family had suddenly risen after striking gold with a dinnerware business. Naturally, their children began spending time together.
I really don’t like this…
Raphael already disliked how Cedric was trying too hard to get close to her—and now, the idiot had even tagged along to the festival.
And worse, Yvonne kept looking after him.
“It’s lovely,” she said, admiring the flower with a radiant smile.
Raphael felt something burning in his chest.
He hid his irritation and followed them toward a jewelry stall. But then—
“My lady, this suits you perfectly,” Cedric said, slipping a ring onto her finger.
“This is my token of gratitude for spending the day with me. Next time, I’ll bring something even better.”
That was the last straw.
As Cedric leaned down to kiss her hand—
“Raphael!”
She called his name, but he ignored her and stormed off.
By the time he reached the entrance of the main street, regret started gnawing at him.
What if she’s disappointed in me for leaving so rudely? Should I go back and apologize?
He paced restlessly, torn.
“Raphael!”
He turned at the sound of her voice. Yvonne was running toward him.
“Are you okay?”
She reached him, breathless, cheeks flushed.
“Yeah. I’m sorry I only paid attention to Cedric today.”
“No, I’m sorry for walking off. Where’s Cedric?”
“No idea. Probably enjoying himself.”
The tension he’d been carrying all day seemed to melt away.
He’d been afraid—afraid she might have shifted her attention to Cedric.
But no, she still cared about him most.
“I just felt bad for him,” she said softly. “He wanted to fit in but didn’t know how. I was just trying to help.”
“It’s fine. You’re too kind—that’s not your fault.”
It was all Cedric’s fault, Raphael thought darkly. He’d make sure the boy paid for it.
“Yvonne, I realized something today.”
“What is it?”
“I like spending time with you alone, just the two of us.”
“Me too!”
Her cheeks turned pink, and Raphael smiled, satisfied.
“This festival only happens every three years. From now on, how about we always go—just us two?”
“Okay!”
Her bright nod filled him with joy.
From now on, stay by my side. Forever.
Two days after the festival ended—
“Hello,” Raphael greeted politely.
He’d come to visit Cedric, who had fallen ill, but instead ran into the boy’s father.
“Ah, Raphael! Thank you for coming.”
“Not at all, sir. Actually… there’s something I’d like to discuss.”
“Of course. Come with me.”
They entered the study, and once the butler left, Raphael spoke.
“I heard you’re considering sending Cedric abroad to study.”
“Yes, I’m still deciding. It could help him, but sending him far away worries me.”
The Count sighed heavily.
“I understand. You were thinking of the Yanique Empire, weren’t you? They have an excellent academy for pharmacology. I think Cedric should go.”
“Why do you say that? I thought you were good friends.”
“That’s exactly why. I want my friend to become a great scholar one day.”
The Count chuckled warmly. “Cedric is lucky to have a friend like you.”
Raphael smiled back, satisfied.
A month later, Cedric left for Yanique.
[Comments]
→ Wow, Raphael’s way scarier than I thought.
→ If Yvonne goes to the festival with Richard, he’s gonna lose it LOL.
→ It’s weird how he’s obsessed over a promise they made as kids.
→ Wait—so Cedric studying abroad was Raphael’s doing?!
→ Ugh, when will Yvonne stop caring about him already?!
