CHAPTER 99…………………………………..
It was a question she’d asked herself constantly since childhood.
Why is it that Rick can do it, but I can’t?
Why must I always be pretty—and because of that prettiness, always be compared to others?
“What’s the point of being told I’m beautiful? There are too many people in the world who treat me like a decoration.”
Noah’s gaze lingered on Cordelia’s newly shortened hair. Beneath it, her pale nape looked like untouched snow. For a fleeting moment, he imagined pressing his lips there—and then flinched at his own thought.
I’m crazy. What on earth am I thinking?
“Ah, don’t get me wrong. I like being pretty. Honestly, who in this world hates being admired?”
Her face turned toward him with a playful grin, but for some reason, Noah couldn’t bring himself to smile back.
A faint sadness shimmered in her blue eyes. Her red lips moved gently as she continued.
“But sometimes I can’t help thinking… when the moment comes that I’m no longer beautiful…”
Will I still be someone worth loving?
Rick didn’t have to say anything; she already knew. It was her own issue, after all—how could she not have thought about it before?
Still, she didn’t want fear of the future to dictate her life.
Even if she never received the kind of love she longed for, she would live true to herself—just as she had decided long ago.
Cordelia stared quietly at Noah’s face. He seemed to be doing a little better now. She still felt her stomach flutter uneasily when she looked at him, but it wasn’t unpleasant.
It was something she had to say casually—as if any answer would be fine.
“Noah.”
Just saying his name felt nice. It was such a simple act—calling someone’s name—so why did it make her chest tighten so much? Why did her tongue stiffen and hesitate?
I want you to believe in me. Even if no one else does, I want you to.
I like you.
That thought alone made her laugh under her breath. It was absurd, but it also made her realize just how deeply she’d fallen for him.
Under the bright, round moon, the cool blue air circled quietly around them. Standing close enough to reach out and touch, Cordelia’s lips curved softly.
“If I weren’t beautiful… would you still like me?”
She asked with a serene smile. The faint loneliness in her face drew Noah’s gaze.
His chest ached strangely. Something hot rose to his throat. He could feel the emotion in her question—and that made it harder.
“I… how could I…”
After struggling to speak, Noah finally managed to get the words out.
“How could I possibly reject you?”
Countless emotions flickered across his eyes. He took Cordelia’s hand and placed it over his heart. The wild, pounding beat was clearly felt beneath her fingertips.
I’ve liked you for so long. It must’ve been me who fell first.
“I’m glad. Honestly, I was worried you’d say no. Silly, right?”
Cordelia’s bright, carefree smile returned as if nothing serious had just happened. When she saw Noah carefully kiss the back of her hand, she blinked in surprise. His warm, soft touch tickled her skin.
“That really doesn’t matter to me.”
Noah slowly raised his head and met her eyes.
“Lady Cordelia. I love the girl who once told me to do what I wanted. Your beauty… that’s just an extra.”
For the first time, his face openly reflected his true feelings.
“My eyes might have been drawn to you, yes, but love… that’s a different matter. I’ve met plenty of beautiful people, but none have stayed in my memory like you have.”
You affected my life so deeply that I was even afraid to sculpt a statue.
I only realized that after we met again.
Maybe that’s why the magic tied us together—to reveal the feelings even I didn’t know I had.
“Honestly, I’m still scared. I haven’t completely shaken off the worry that I might not be good enough for you…”
Cordelia caught his hand before he could pull away and laced her fingers through his. Then she stepped closer, right up to him, and looked up.
“Noah, you think too much.”
“…What?”
“Just the fact that you’re worrying about being a burden—only people who’ve never dated think like that.”
Her tone was sharp, but the hand that patted his shoulder was warm. Seeing his puzzled face, she said firmly,
“Why do you think I’m sacrificing something? Let me be clear—I always put my own benefit first. You probably think I’m taking you in out of pity, but you’re dead wrong. I just like you, that’s all.”
Noah thought, watching her define things so clearly:
You’re always so straightforward. That’s what I love about you. And yet, the fact that I still can’t shake my anxiety… that’s just my own weakness.
“People can’t have everything in life, you know.”
“I’m greedy. I want it all.”
Cordelia’s instincts whispered that if she pushed just a little more, he would give in. Without hesitation, she reached up and gently caressed his cheek.
“So, Noah—no, Ian. Let’s date. I’ll treat you so well you’ll never want to break up.”
How could I ever hand this beautiful boy over to someone else?
Just the thought of it drives me crazy.
“I’m rich, from a good family, beautiful, and good to my partner. Sounds like the perfect deal, doesn’t it?”
Her tender touch made Noah ask quietly, almost without realizing it,
“Why… do you go that far for me?”
“I told you already. Because I like you.”
At that masquerade, you were the only one who recognized me. Even when things were chaotic, you always put me first.
I’m glad. Glad I met you before all this happened—glad I could help you when it mattered most. Because of that, we could meet again now.
“We’re very different people… but I still want you by my side. Forget about status or position. Just think about one thing—what do you want, Noah?”
How could I not…? he thought. But his lips moved on their own.
“I want to stay by your side, Lady Cordelia.”
Just a little more. Noah finally pushed out the words that had weighed heavy in his chest for so long.
“I’ve been in love with you… for a very long time.”
His eyes glistened faintly red as he confessed. Cordelia gently patted his cheek.
“Good! So now we’re a couple, right?”
With a bright grin that erased all tension, she pulled him into her arms. Noah hesitated, then hugged her back. His gaze lingered on the curve of her neck before he asked, after much thought,
“Lady Cordelia.”
“Hm?”
“May I… kiss you?”
Wow. Talk about straightforward. Once his feelings were confirmed, he had no brakes. Cordelia closed her mouth again and replied coyly,
“Why do you have to ask about every little thing like that?”
She said it out of embarrassment, but Noah only smiled gently.
“Sorry for being a boring man. But I think I’ll always be like this.”
He couldn’t live any other way. He never wanted to do anything she didn’t want. Because he liked her—he wanted to be careful with her. Not to hide his feelings, but to make sure they could both be happy together.
“Are you really okay with someone like me?”
He couldn’t change his entire nature, but he wanted to do anything she desired.
“Of course.”
With that, their lips met softly, like a quiet vow. His strong arm wrapped around her waist, his other hand gently cradled the back of her head. The kiss was tender, yet she felt as if she were completely trapped in his embrace.
It was like… taming a wild beast.
Only after a long while did they part. The moonlight painted Cordelia’s slightly flushed face as she averted her gaze.
“This is… more embarrassing than I thought.”
“…Yeah.”
When she playfully touched his red-tipped ear, he flinched but didn’t pull away. The newly made lovers looked at each other—and burst into laughter.
The cool night breeze swirled gently above their heads.
