Chapter 35
“Uh, that’s…”
No, I don’t want to.
How do you even say that gently?
I thought he’d just confess and ask me to date him, not propose.
And now he’s holding out a ring? That makes it even harder to refuse.
Besides, he doesn’t even know my ring size. Not that I’d wear it even if he guessed right.
“I know this proposal must feel sudden. But every time I see you, my heart grows impatient without meaning to.”
“As you know, I only recently broke off an engagement. And… my feelings toward you are… different.”
That was polite enough, right?
He saved my life once; I couldn’t just brush him off. I had to reject him kindly, without being cold.
“I understand. You must still be cautious. But I can’t give up just like this.”
“No, still, this is—”
I was so flustered that I lost my words. He suddenly pressed the ring case into my hand.
This is so much pressure.
I tried to return it, but he quickly hid his hands behind his back.
“Even if you refuse, that ring belongs to you. I prepared it while thinking only of you.”
Why only of me, though?
Ugh. So heavy. Way too heavy.
“If you ever decide to accept me, I’ll place it on your finger myself. I don’t mind waiting.”
Could waiting really change anything?
Suddenly, I remembered what Louise once told me.
“If you keep meeting someone, your feelings might change. I never thought Gerard and I would get engaged either.”
After hearing that, I met with Richard a few more times. But I still didn’t feel anything.
I was grateful that he saved me, yes—but that was all.
He’s nice to look at, though…
With that pretty, pale face of his, Richard was perfect for decoration—nothing more.
So wasn’t this whole waiting thing just a waste of time for him?
“No, I—”
“Please, just think about me a little longer.”
It annoyed me that he interrupted, but he looked so desperate that I couldn’t bring myself to say what I truly felt.
Fine. I’d pretend to think about it. Maybe with time, I’d grow to like him more.
“All right. Give me some time to think.”
“Thank you.”
That’s when I discovered a fatal flaw in this secret room.
When you’re with someone you’re not close to, it can get painfully awkward.
“……”
“……”
Like now.
Neither of us said a word. The silence was suffocating.
At least if we were in the main hall, we’d have the background chatter to distract us.
Then again, if we were there, I might’ve ended up with a public proposal. That would’ve been worse.
“There’ll be fireworks soon. Shall we go out?”
“Yes, please.”
I replied a bit too eagerly. Finally, a chance to escape this awkwardness.
He seemed especially excited about the fireworks. I couldn’t marry him, but watching fireworks together wouldn’t hurt.
“There are even more people now.”
“If I’d known, I’d have come out earlier.”
I was shocked the moment we stepped out of the cake shop. It had been crowded before, but now it was packed.
Was everyone here just waiting for the fireworks?
All the good spots had already been taken by attendants and maids holding places for their masters.
“I should’ve asked my servant to reserve us a spot. My apologies.”
“No, it’s fine. I didn’t expect this either.”
Thinking back, Raphael and I always had the best view spots. Thanks to the servants who worked tirelessly for it.
I wondered if my father ever paid them enough for that effort. I should suggest he raise their wages.
“There are too many people to find a good place now.”
“And moving through this crowd looks impossible.”
We ended up standing somewhere in the middle of the crowd, surrounded on all sides.
It felt like a concert’s standing section—everyone pretending to stay calm while subtly fighting for a better view.
Richard looked hopeful, as if this firework legend might bring him love. At this rate, he’d probably fall for everyone around him.
I thought I was managing fine when—
“Lady Yvonne!”
He reached out for my arm, but the timing was off. The crowd surged forward, pushing us apart.
He tried to come after me, but the waves of people kept shoving him back.
My weak body was no help. I was pushed around like a paper doll, drifting farther and farther away.
If it weren’t for all my swimming practice, I’d have fallen over by now.
“Where am I…?”
The crushing pressure disappeared, replaced by cool air.
When I looked around, I realized I’d been pushed into a narrow side street I’d never seen before.
From here, the fireworks would be impossible to see. But with the crowd blocking the way back, returning was out of the question.
The alley ahead was empty, but I didn’t go deeper. The last time I took an unfamiliar path, I got completely lost.
If I hadn’t run into Theo that time, I might still be wandering through those dark alleys.
I wonder how he’s doing…
Thinking of him suddenly made me miss him. It had already been over a week since we last met.
“Huh?”
A sudden tug on my arm made me gasp. I cried out, but the noise of the festival swallowed my voice.
I tried to grab the clothes of the person in front of me, but whoever was pulling me was faster—stronger.
First, I almost drowned. Now I’m being kidnapped?
Why can’t my life ever just stay calm? I was about to cry.
(Comments)
→ “This affection-starved lunatic needs therapy.”
→ “Richard got rejected and failed Louise’s vibe check 😂”
→ “Louise’s intuition is always on point—no effort, no chance.”
→ “I vote to pawn that ring!”
→ “Calling it now: Raphael kidnapped her.”
→ “Don’t forget Cedric, guys—he always shows up when you least expect it!”
