Chapter 55

Could there ever be such a thing as meeting Lord Zain at the worst possible moment like this?

"……"

"……A, ah"

From Lord Zain's perspective, the situation was that I, whom he hadn't seen in a while, was being kissed on the cheek by an unfamiliar man.

Personally, it was the worst, but I also had a glimmer of hope that it might be the final push for a breakup. Still, I was half-panicking and feeling very awkward.

Suddenly, I felt a hand wrap around the back of my head, and I was pulled closer, closing the distance between Lord Zain and me to zero.

Something soft touched my cheek, and it took a moment to realize that I had been kissed.

"It's been a while, Grace."

"……"

Lord Zain, as if nothing had happened, pulled me closer by the waist and smiled at me.

However, I was so embarrassed and my heart was racing so much that I couldn't even speak due to his kiss.

"So, who is he? What is he to Grace?"

"This is Lord Isaac. At this moment, the lady's cheek and Lord Isaac's lips are touching."

When asked about Lord Isaac, I couldn't answer, but Evan did for me.

It was definitely not the answer Lord Zain was looking for, and he had even pointed out the worst part. Lord Zain only replied with, "I see."

"I was in a bind, and you helped me…"

"Yes, it's nice to meet you, Duke Winslett."

"I appreciate the care you've shown Grace. However, I would prefer it if you didn't get too close to my lover."

Lord Zain, who boldly declared me as his lover, said this with a smile. I was trembling inside from the pressure, but Lord Isaac didn't lose his composed smile.

"I see, I'm very sorry. I'll take my leave now."

"Ah, thank you!"

Lord Isaac left with a kind smile and a polite bow. I felt a bit guilty for leaving him, even though he had been so kind to me.

"This magic, I've felt it somewhere before…"

Lord Zain muttered this while watching Lord Isaac's back, then turned his gaze to me. The forced smile from earlier was gone, and I wanted to run away immediately.

"I'll borrow her for a moment. Come back in five minutes."

"Understood."

"Wait, wait a minute──"

Evan, who answered Lord Zain immediately, was waving his hand with a smile. Yana was looking at me with a pitying gaze.

I was pulled by the arm and led to a deserted alley by Lord Zain, where I was pressed against the wall.

The cold wall was nothing compared to the coldness in Lord Zain's eyes, which made me shiver.

"You really are a flirt."

Lord Zain said this and gently touched the spot where Lord Isaac's lips had been. Despite his harsh words, his touch was gentle, making my heart skip a beat.

"That wasn't intentional just now…"

"Yes, I know you weren't."

Lord Zain's expression, which seemed exasperated, made it clear that he was genuinely angry.

"I'm really frustrated. You're too insensitive to the attention you get from others."

"……"

"You don't understand men at all."

I'm not sure if I have any feelings for Lord Isaac, but what Lord Zain said is probably true.

I have no experience with men and am unfamiliar with everything, and I don't understand anything, including Lord Zain.

"But, I don't understand you either. Why do you need to distance yourself from me? What are you so afraid of?"

"……"

My heart pounded at his question. Lord Zain might have realized that I have some reason for wanting to break up, even though it goes against my will.

However, I can't tell him that I will die if he and Charlotte don't get together.

"Lord Zain, there are more suitable women for you."

"That's not for you to decide."

I remember that I made him very angry when we had this conversation before, and I fear that it might backfire and make him even more stubborn.

Before I could answer, Lord Zain's face was suddenly close again, and the sound of a kiss echoed in the quiet alley.

"W-What are you doing…"

"I was thinking of erasing all that man's sensations."

"W-Wait… Ah!"

"No waiting."

After that, he kissed my cheek and neck multiple times, making me want to scream from embarrassment. Even though I resisted, he held my wrists tightly, and I couldn't move.

This was the first time Lord Zain had touched me so forcefully, and it scared me. However, what scared me the most was that my heart was racing uncontrollably, and I couldn't bring myself to feel repulsed.

"You probably don't understand my feelings."

"Lord Zain…"

"I love you as much as I hate you."

His eyes were so intense that it felt like they were burning, and I could feel how much he cared for me just from that.

Thank you for always supporting me. Actually, yesterday marked my 2nd anniversary of my commercial debut! I can continue to be a writer thanks to all of your support. I will keep working hard, so please continue to support me!

Today, the manga adaptation of this work has been updated on Comic Walker, and it's the chapter where Zain appears, so please check it out! And right now, you can read all the chapters for free. Thank you so much ( ˘人˘ )