Chapter 39

The loud, obnoxious sound of my heartbeat worries me—could it be heard by Lord Zain?

When I try to move to escape or pull away, the arms wrapped around my waist tighten even more.

"Why... why..."

"To hold my lover, I don’t need a reason."

"I, I want to break up!"

"I don’t want to break up."

Every time Lord Zain speaks, his breath tickles my ear, and his low, slightly raspy voice resonates through my body.

Lord Zain, the perfect prince, has a voice that is just as good. Everything is so intense that it makes me dizzy.

"J-Just let me go."

"No."

Until now, he has always respected my wishes, but now, even when I say I want him to let go, there’s no sign of him doing so.

"Until now, you were much gentler..."

"I think I’ve been gentle enough. I’ve been enduring a lot for you, too."

Perhaps because I said I wanted to break up, some strange switch has been flipped. I can tell from Lord Zain’s attitude and words that he no longer holds back with me.

"Besides, you probably can’t be caught just by being gentle, right? I need to make an effort to attract you."

I can’t help but think that the phrase "make an effort to attract you" doesn’t suit him at all.

I’m not well-versed in relationships, but I wonder if a relationship that started with mutual consent can only be ended with mutual consent.

"J-Just let me go, it’s bad for my heart."

"Why is it bad for your heart? You don’t like me, do you?"

"Huh?"

"You don’t like me, right?"

I’m emphasized the word "dislike" twice, and I remember the night of the ball when I said those words.

"I don’t like Lord Zain anymore. In fact, I, I dislike him! Break up with me!"

No matter how much I pleaded, he showed no sign of breaking up, so I blurted out those harsh words.

The real Grace would say things that make her want to vomit just to get rid of them, but I can’t compare to that.

"That’s, that’s..."

Then I realize that Lord Zain is quite upset that I said I "dislike" him.

Even though Lord Zain is usually a calm and mature man, the thought that he has such a side is cute—just thinking that, I slapped both of my cheeks hard.

To scold myself for almost swooning in such a situation, I took a few deep breaths and opened my mouth.

"I, I dislike you, so it’s putting a strain on my heart."

"Haha, that’s a problem."

Lord Zain laughed, but he can’t really think that I truly dislike him.

If I really disliked Lord Zain, he wouldn’t do things like this.

On the contrary, if I truly disliked Lord Zain, I’m sure we could break up smoothly.

But I know that breaking up by such means is absolutely impossible. I can’t possibly dislike Lord Zain.

"Both of you, please come to the hall—ah!"

Just then, I was finally released from Lord Zain’s arms when Mariabel saw us embracing in the middle of the hallway.

My heartbeat still hasn’t calmed down.

"Come, Grace."

"Yes... ah."

– Taking the hand that was offered to me as if it were natural, and feeling my heart flutter at Lord Zain’s happy smile when he saw me—everything, everything was a mistake.

◇◇◇

After that, I received a gift from Mariabel. She said to open it when I get home.

"Hehe, I wonder what it is. I’m looking forward to it."

"I hope you’ll like it..."

Mariabel, who is fidgeting nervously, is so cute that I promise to treasure whatever it is.

After that, we made dinner as usual, and the three of us had a meal together, enjoying ourselves. During the time we spent together, it felt as if this gentle, happy time would continue forever.

Before I knew it, it was evening. Even though I refused, Lord Zain ended up seeing me home as usual.

There was no conversation in the carriage, but there was no awkwardness.

Unable to bear the gaze of Lord Zain sitting next to me, I kept looking out the window at the passing scenery.

When we arrived at the Sentsberry Marquess’s residence, I was about to stand up with a sigh of relief when my arm was grabbed.

"Lord Zain?"

"…I don’t want to let you go just yet."

He smiles with a troubled look.

I feel a slight sense of unease at the word "let you go" rather than "let you leave."

"Sorry, let’s go."

Lord Zain smiles slightly, stands up, and immediately escorts me.

After getting out of the carriage, I face him, still holding his hand. The thought of saying goodbye to Lord Zain makes me feel lonely.

"Until next time."

Even so, I lie and say "until next time" and try to gently pull my hand away.

"Grace."

But it doesn’t work because he holds my hand even more tightly than before.