Don’t Trample on Innocent Love

“I’m a bit jealous since I don’t know much about Miss Denev yet. But I’ll get to know her better over time.”

When Hugo said that in a calm tone, Robern retorted.

“I’ll let you know if you need to, it’s been three years, I’d know her better than the businessman whom you’ve only just met.” 

“I prefer learning through trial and error. I gratefully accept your offer, though.” Hugo started again.

“and then she might just run away. I was in the process of getting to know her, but she suddenly turned her eyes to another man.”

Robern concluded.

The one who cut through the tense exchange was none other than Grace.

“Oh, I just remembered something I was curious about. Miss Denev, how is your brother doing?”

It was a blatant attempt to change the subject, but Ophelia couldn’t help but to take the bait. Ophelia, who had been sitting on pins and needles, responded.

“As a matter of fact, my brother has returned.”

The strength drained from Grace’s hand, which had been holding the cup nonchalantly. The sound of the glass cup breaking startled the attendants, who came running. Grace blinked her eyes with a surprised expression. Ophelia stood up abruptly.

–

“Your Highness, are you alright?”

“Ah, I’m fine. I was just lost in thought.”

The attendants hurriedly arrived and cleared away the debris and checked on Grace. Grace casually waved her hand, dismissing the surrounding attendants.

“So, Fabien has returned.”

“Yes. Brother Fabien and Brother Ren have both returned.”

Ophelia was momentarily puzzled by the statment, but shrugged it off. It was already widely known that after the eldest brother’s death, Fabien had run off, taking the third brother Ren with him.

Of course, there had been a lot of talk about it at one time, causing a headache for Eric.

“I was just curious and asked. Congratulations on his return, I guess. Then, shall we end the gathering for today?”

Ending the gathering was what Ophelia had wished for. After bidding farewell to Grace, Ophelia quickly hooked her arm through Hugo’s. Robern, who had been wiping his mouth with a napkin, watched their retreating backs intently. Ophelia, feeling the gaze on her back, turned around unconsciously. For a moment, her eyes met Robern’s, who was staring at her as if he could see through her dress.

Robern slightly curled his lips, then suddenly pressed them in a small smile.

‘What.’

How childish…..

Ophelia, trying not to lose their staring contest, found her gaze unconsciously drawn to his lips– She could vividly feel the sensation of his lips touching hers. Whether consciously or subconsciously, Robern licked his lips with his tongue, and Ophelia quickly turned her head, as if she had been burned.

‘What was I just thinking about?’

To be recalling something she had tried to forget, right in front of the person involved. Ophelia hid her flushed face in Hugo’s shoulder.

“Just a moment, let me stay like this for just a moment… I’m so embarrassed.”

The gaze that trailed over her body refused to leave.