Chapter 83

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"Hail told me just now that the restaurant business is going well. The staff all get along well, don't they?"

"Yes, thanks to everyone. I feel a bit guilty for making the staff worry after confiding in them about my past, but everyone works so hard, and I really appreciate it."

──Originally, I had planned to keep my identity a secret, but it was revealed when Evan accidentally called me 'Miss Grace' in front of everyone.

Annie, who had worked at a restaurant frequented by nobles, had seen Grace during her villainess days and asked if I was the same person due to the resemblance.

While working, I had heard various rumors about Grace Sentsberry, and to clear up any misunderstandings, I reintroduced myself to the staff and explained why I had kept it a secret.

"I was really surprised, but seeing how polite you are to us and the commoners, I don't think badly of you as the owner at all."

"Right, right, and you're so kind to the children too!"

I was a bit worried, but everyone accepted it smoothly and said they would continue to keep my identity hidden from customers, which reassured me.

When I introduced Zain as my lover, everyone was amazed, saying they had never seen such a beautiful man before. I could relate to their feelings.

"It feels like it's been a long time since I last saw you."

"Yes, it must be because we used to see each other every day at the Duke's mansion."

After the magical artifact incident, I was recuperating at the Winslett Duke's mansion for a while.

Although I was recuperating, there was nothing physically wrong with me. It might be more accurate to say that Zain kept me confined and watched over me because I had taken such a great risk.

"Come here, Grace."

During this time, every time we were alone, Zain would touch me as if I were a treasure and express his love with sincere words.

As if trying to make up for the days we had drifted apart.

When I desperately told him that I loved him too, Zain would smile happily like a child. Every time I saw that, I felt an overwhelming affection and a strong desire to make him happy.

"I want to live together as soon as possible."

"R-really...?"

While I want to be by Zain's side forever, I also worry that being too close to him might put too much strain on my heart.

Moreover, since I have a future where I nearly die as the story's villainess, there is a high possibility that danger could reach me. This made me feel uneasy about spending all my time at the Duke's mansion, where Mariabel also lives.

We arrived at the Marquis's mansion in no time, and I felt a pang of loneliness as I looked up at Zain.

"Thank you so much for seeing me off, Zain-sama..."

Just as I was about to express my gratitude, he pulled me into his arms. Enveloped by Zain's pleasant scent and gentle warmth, my heart began to race.

"I don't want to let you go."

"..."

"Do you understand how much I've missed you?"

His sweet, low voice whispered in my ear, making my heart leap.

"I missed you too."

"Probably not to the same extent."

I really like Zain, but I feel like he doesn't fully understand that yet.

However, I might not fully understand the depth of Zain's love either.

Still, I wanted him to feel at least a little of my reluctance to part, so I clutched his shirt tightly. The arms around my back tightened even more.

I could hear Zain's slightly rapid heartbeat through his clothes, which made me even more nervous.

"We should get out of the carriage soon, or Father might get suspicious..."

Father, who has been staying in the capital out of concern for me after the magical artifact incident, would surely suspect something if I stayed in the carriage for too long.

Suppressing my sadness, I pushed against Zain's chest with both hands and looked up. Our eyes met at close range.

Even in the dim light, his golden eyes, filled with heat, shone brightly, making it impossible to look away.

"...I love you."

His incredibly sweet and gentle voice reached my ears, and our distance became zero once again.

The soft touch and warmth were still something I wasn't used to.

"I really love you."

After our lips parted, he whispered in my ear. The overly sweet atmosphere and his fingers trailing down my neck made me dizzy. My face and everything else felt flushed.

I realized that a kiss with Zain would never end with just one.

"I love you too."

"Ah."

As we repeatedly kissed, I truly felt happy to be bound to Zain, the person I love most.