Chapter 33
“How are you… here?”
I froze when I saw a familiar face just as I was stepping out for an errand.
It was the brown-haired man who often accompanied Theo.
What was he doing in front of my house? What was his name again?
“It’s been a while, Lady Yvonne. I came at Lord Theo’s request.”
I blinked in confusion as he handed me a bouquet of roses.
Typical Theo—how did he even know the roses in my room were starting to wilt?
It’s already been six days since he last came by…
I stared at the flowers for a moment before realizing that, yes, it had been long enough for them to fade.
“Thank you. Is Theo doing well?”
“His mood hasn’t been great. During meetings, his expression is so fierce that everyone’s walking on eggshells.”
I tried to imagine Theo with a fierce expression but failed miserably.
Sure, he sometimes frowned when talking about hopeless cases like Cedric or Raphael, but he’d never been that scary.
“He must be very busy lately?”
“He’s swamped with work. Honestly, it was a miracle he managed to visit the lady the last time.”
The man lied so naturally it was almost impressive.
Every time Theo came to see me, he looked completely free. Busy, my foot.
“Then I’ll take my leave now.”
“All right. Please give Theo my regards.”
He nodded and left.
I lifted the bouquet and inhaled deeply. The pleasant scent of roses tickled my nose.
As I savored it, I suddenly remembered—I had an appointment.
“Mari, please put these in my room’s vase—wait, what’s with that face?”
Mari was looking at me with a smile so full of glee that it gave me chills.
She had that fanfiction face again.
“You two look good together, that’s all. I’ll take care of the flowers.”
She meant the flowers looked good… right?
Trying to convince myself, I handed her the bouquet and climbed into the carriage.
“Big sister! I missed you!”
The moment I stepped into the cake shop, Louise practically tackled me in a hug.
“Really? Because you kept rejecting my invitations.”
“Not rejecting—just postponing because I was busy! How could I ever turn you down?”
Her bright smile and playful tone melted away my annoyance instantly.
It had been six days since that visit—when she and Raphael came to my house.
Louise had seen Theo and me together that day, smiling to herself before leaving.
I didn’t care if Raphael misunderstood, but Louise deserved an explanation. So I sent her a letter asking to meet.
She said she was busy and scheduled it for today—six days later.
“What happened that day anyway?”
“Before that, doesn’t the shop look a little different to you?”
At her question, I finally looked around.
“Why does it feel… smaller?”
“Exactly! Come here, I’ll show you.”
She led me to a door beside the counter.
Was that always there?
Curious, I followed her inside—and found a cozy room with a table and chairs for four.
“I realized the open hall made private conversations uncomfortable, so I made a hidden room.”
“So this is a secret space?”
“Yes! Customers can reserve it—for an extra fee, of course.”
Creative business sense. That’s Louise for you.
“You’re the first guest to use it, by the way. And it’s always free for you.”
I loved her even more.
Grinning, I sat across from her as Sophie came in to serve strawberry cake and tea before leaving again.
“I think I know why you wanted to meet me. You wanted to talk about that man, right?”
“Exactly. You deserve to hear the truth.”
“I knew it. You’re the best!”
Ignoring her sparkling eyes, I told her everything—how I panicked when Raphael showed up unexpectedly, and how I’d impulsively pretended to be Theo’s lover.
“But seriously, is he really a commoner? If you hadn’t told me, I’d have thought he was a noble.”
“Really? That’s a relief.”
Of course, I didn’t mention the part about Theo pretending to be the son of a marquis.
If Louise found out, she might report him for impersonating nobility.
“Did you see Raphael’s face that day? He looked absolutely shocked.”
“Of course I saw it.”
“He was so dazed afterward that he barely remembered how to get home. His parents were worried sick.”
But judging by her grin, Louise was anything but worried.
“So, you’re not going to the festival with him this year?”
“Nope.”
“Then who are you going with? The dark-haired guy?”
“No, my brother’s friend.”
“…Why?”
Her eyes widened like I’d said something outrageous.
“Because I already promised to go with Sir Richard.”
“Why would you do that?”
“He asked me in front of Raphael. What was I supposed to do, refuse?”
“Fair enough.”
She nodded, accepting the logic.
“Besides, he’s the one who pulled me out of the water that day. It’s only right I go with him.”
“I’ve never met Sir Richard, but honestly, I liked the dark-haired commoner better. He’s hot.”
And that was exactly why I liked Louise—we both judged men by their looks.
“True, Theo’s more handsome. But Richard’s… pretty.”
“I’m going to find you at the festival with Gerard so I can judge for myself.”
Of course she would. Her expression gleamed with excitement.
“I can’t wait for the festival. You always went with Raphael before—this is the first time he’ll be staying home. I’m dying to see what he does.”
Now that she mentioned it, I was curious too.
What will you do, Raphael?
My Doomed Love Is Entertaining
Episode 73
(excerpt)
Humming filled the room as Chloe adjusted her dress in front of the mirror.
Satisfied with her reflection, she smiled sweetly and twirled.
Behind her, her maid Anne watched with a look that said, Here we go again.
“What does he want this time?”
“I’m sure it’s nothing serious, my lady.”
“Probably not. Still, I couldn’t refuse—I was too curious.”
With a soft laugh, Chloe left her room and headed toward the carriage, ready to meet him.
“Lady Chloe, it’s good to see you.”
“Likewise.”
Raphael looked thinner than before, forcing a weak smile.
Chloe studied him closely.
“Are you all right? You look unwell.”
“I’m fine. Thank you for agreeing to meet me. Please, sit.”
They met again at the same restaurant as before.
It had been four days since she’d received his letter inviting her to dine together.
“What should I do…” she had wondered, before finally accepting—assuming he had a special reason for reaching out.
Now, seeing how pale and tired he looked, she was glad she came.
“The food is still wonderful here.”
“I’m glad it suits your taste.”
The dishes arrived quickly, and they ate in silence—or rather, pretended to.
What on earth happened to him?
She couldn’t stop wondering what had made him so drawn and lifeless.
“You really should rest, Lord Raphael. You don’t look well at all.”
When he gave no answer, she tried again, her tone soft with concern.
“I’m just… worried about you.”
He forced a faint smile.
“You’re still as kind as ever.”
That confirmed it—this was about Yvonne. Something must have happened between them.
“I heard Lady Yvonne was unwell recently. Is that why?”
“No. She’s recovering well now.”
Chloe already knew.
Everyone at the salon had been gossiping about how Raphael had visited her every day during her illness.
But she hadn’t heard anything about him being in this state.
“Then what’s wrong?” she pressed gently.
He hadn’t even finished half his meal, when he normally ate slowly and thoroughly.
“Really, it’s nothing. But… I do have a favor to ask, Lady Chloe.”
“A favor? From me?”
That piqued her interest immediately—it had to be connected to his current misery.
After a pause, he finally spoke.
“If you don’t already have a partner for the festival… would you go with me?”
That was it?
Her anticipation fell flat. She’d hoped for something meaningful.
But then she saw his eyes—so earnest, so desperate—that she couldn’t dismiss him.
She didn’t have a partner anyway; she’d rejected every other man’s invitation.
Hmm… maybe I’ll accept. I might finally find out what’s really bothering him.
After a brief silence, she looked up and smiled faintly.
“I…”
[Comments]
→ ???
→ Author, you stopped mid-sentence again 😭
→ Raphael, you festival addict.
→ If Chloe turns him down too, he’s going to cry 😂
→ I thought Chloe liked him, but she’s just nosy lol
→ Agreed. Definitely not romantic feelings.
