CHAPTER 08
The botanical garden she had only heard about in rumors was far more splendid—and far more lively—than Elaine had imagined. It was only when the carriage came to a stop at the entrance and she saw the young noble ladies of Sienne, each accompanied by a gentleman of similar age, gathered near Nella’s greenhouse, that realization struck her.
So this botanical garden in the capital was, in fact, a romantic dating spot for newly-of-age couples… or perhaps even a place for secret rendezvous.
If Elaine Aiola were to appear here holding Dominic’s hand, it wouldn’t take even a day for scandalous rumors to spread throughout the capital—that the young lady of the Aiola family had begun seeing an unfamiliar upstart noble.
Elaine glanced at Dominic, who seemed to have no intention of stepping out of the carriage. Apparently, he hadn’t anticipated this situation either; his expression stiffened as he muttered awkwardly,
“…I almost committed a great discourtesy toward the young lady of Aiola.”
He drew the curtain so that no one outside could see into the carriage, then whispered something to the coachman. Soon, the carriage began to move again.
“My apologies, my lady. There is a quieter botanical garden in the outskirts that I know of. I will guide you there…”
“Why?”
Dominic, who had been speaking smoothly as he turned his head, froze the moment he met Elaine’s steady green gaze.
Her eyes, fresh and vivid like the budding life of spring, blinked as they captured his flustered expression.
“Why are we changing the location?”
Dominic had expected her to be embarrassed in this situation, but her bold question left him momentarily speechless.
“Are you ashamed to be seen with me, Sir Cheshire?”
As if she didn’t already know his intentions.
“Or…”
A hint of disappointment crossed her face as she bit her lower lip.
“…do you think being with me is something that needs to be hidden?”
At that moment, Dominic’s hand moved toward her lips without him realizing it.
He flinched.
Just before touching her, he quickly came to his senses and clenched his hand, letting it fall helplessly.
Meanwhile, Elaine continued to stare at him—her gaze filled with faint doubt, slight hurt, quiet disappointment, and a naive sense of betrayal.
Inside the silently rolling carriage, Dominic had to endure that unwavering gaze. Forgetting how uncomfortable it was, he found himself staring back at her as though entranced.
“…Of course not.”
After a long pause, he finally spoke, letting out a quiet sigh as he brushed his hair back.
“How could I dare feel ashamed to be in the presence of the noble Lady Aiola?”
“….”
“I simply did not wish to bring you any disgrace…”
He struggled to steady his voice, which threatened to grow impatient.
Everything had been going according to his plan.
He had intended to pretend it was a mistake—bringing her unknowingly to a lovers’ meeting place, then turning the carriage with a polite smile and taking her to a quiet garden in the countryside. Such thoughtful consideration for her reputation would surely move a young lady like her.
Then, on a secluded path, he would create a romantic atmosphere fitting for someone her age…
“Disgrace? Why would you say such a thing?”
But Elaine Aiola flushing with anger at this point was never part of his plan.
“Well, that’s because…”
Dominic realized he had somehow been led around by this small woman, trailing off like an inexperienced man.
“…because I am someone far beneath the Lady of Aiola.”
Because of this young girl who had only just come of age.
As he frowned, trying to regain composure, Elaine suddenly grabbed his hand.
“I told you… I would make you the most precious person.”
“….”
“Did I not say so, Sir Cheshire?”
She looked at him firmly, almost as if accusing him. Her hands tightened around his, though they were too small to fully cover his large hand.
As Dominic felt his throat go dry, he slowly tried to organize his thoughts.
Elaine Aiola.
The proud and noble flower of the Aiola family. The most distinguished lady in Hermanda, carrying the bloodline of the Carta Empire—even more so than Vanessa, the queen’s daughter.
He had never doubted his ability to win over a naive girl who believed in fated love. But he had never intended to openly display their relationship in public.
Of course not—she was an Aiola. Someone who could never truly match with a lowly Cheshire. At least, not in the eyes of others.
That was why he had planned to lower himself before her, while preserving her dignity with refined consideration.
But instead of being moved, Elaine felt hurt.
Perhaps… she had already fallen for him more deeply than he expected.
Her sharp question had struck the truth. He didn’t want Fernando Aiola or Vanessa to know of his existence—not yet. That would come only after she had fallen deeper for him.
But perhaps she was already more deeply in love than he had thought.
Her eyes, her trembling hands holding his, her voice calling his name—all of it said the same thing.
Elaine Aiola loved Dominic Cheshire.
The moment he realized it, a heated sensation rose within him. He tightened his grip, pulling her toward him.
Foolish Aiola. Perhaps his revenge would come sooner than expected.
Imagining her in tears brought a faint smile to his lips.
“That’s right, Elaine.”
Wrapping his arm firmly around her waist, Dominic whispered at close range,
“You… make me worthy.”
His voice, rough and low, slipped out slowly.
“You make me believe I may dare to love you.”
His lips curled in satisfaction.
Startled by the sudden closeness, Elaine’s wide eyes trembled—
And then—
“Che—!”
Her body tilted toward him, and their lips met without warning.
This hadn’t been part of his plan.
Yet somehow, Dominic found himself kissing her.
Even at his impulsive kiss, Elaine did not resist. Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and clung to him.
Like a girl in her first love—desperate, reckless, and unable to think clearly—she surrendered herself to the clumsy kiss, swept away by his false affection.
The carriage eventually dropped them off at a quiet arboretum on the outskirts of Sienne. Only then did they finally part, catching their breath and awkwardly adjusting their clothes as if nothing had happened.
Dominic led Elaine down a serene path.
There were no daffodils—their original goal. It was too early in the season for them to bloom, unless they were cultivated varieties in the capital’s popular gardens.
Nor was there the tree-lined path Elaine had imagined.
Yet the two walked together in silence.
Elaine felt embarrassed.
She had imagined her first kiss to be softer, sweeter, more innocent. But when Dominic kissed her so fiercely, she found herself clinging to him without thinking.
Dominic, meanwhile, was troubled.
According to his plan, their first kiss was never meant to happen in a cramped carriage—nor was it supposed to be such a desperate, immature kiss.
