Don’t Trample on Innocent Love

“Lord Valent, are you there?”

Ophelia brushed past the stiffened Robern and pulled aside the curtain. Just a slight opening so she couldn’t see inside, which revealed a hand reaching for the curtain. Daisy. Startled, withdrew her hand in embarrassment.

“I’m sorry, my lady. I don’t think the person you’re looking for is her.”

“Oh. I apologize. I thought I heard voices…”

“Well.”

“……I understand.”

Daisy peeked through the crack as if wanting to check inside. Ophelia blocked the gap, and Daisy turned away, giving up. As she turned back, Robern was leaning against the wall, watching her. His arms crossed, his eyes narrowed. Somehow, he looked amused, causing a crease to form between Ophelia’s brows.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“I was just wondering when you became such a good liar.”

Feeling there was no value in responding, Ophelia slid the curtain closed. When she peeked out, she saw no sign of Daisy. She must have left. As the tension eased, Ophelia exhaled and gestured outside at Robern.

“Now you can go. Your lordship’s fiancée is looking for you urgently.”

“Sure.”

With a cool expression, Robern let out a low chuckle. Finally, he was leaving. Just as Ophelia relaxed and let her guard down, he suddenly turned back and grabbed her arm.

His grip was firm, pulling her back. His lips curled into a languid smile, his eyes holding a sharp glint.

“I’ll be waiting at the coffee shop at midnight tonight. I’ve behaved so well, I think I deserve a reward, right?.”

Robern left her with that one-sided notice. He was so self-willed, coming in, going out, and making plans as he pleased.

  *

“My Lady, the bathwater is ready.”

“Mm….” she replied dryly.

Ophelia’s distracted gaze was fixed outside the window. “My Lady, My Lady?” The maid, who had been by her side for a long time, called out again as Ophelia seemed lost in thought.

She didn’t hear the maid’s call because her mind was filled with thoughts.

She wondered if Robern had arrived by now.

When she finally gathered her thoughts, it was midnight. Time had flown by so quickly that she couldn’t comprehend how a whole day had passed. The hour of their meeting was approaching, yet Ophelia couldn’t make up her mind. She should have been done bathing and resting by now, but instead, she supported her chin in her hands, deep in contemplation.

Should I go?

No, why would I go there?

Caught in a clash of emotions and reason, Ophelia let out a small, pained sound.

“My Lady, let me help you with your bath.”

Ophelia snapped back to reality at the gentle grip on her arm. She lightly pushed the maid’s hand away.

“No, I’ll do it myself.”

The maid was surprised by Ophelia’s sudden assertiveness, but soon retreated with a slight bow. Rising from the window, Ophelia dipped her hand into the steaming bathwater, stirring it. Splash. The water made a crisp sound as it rippled. Splash, splash, splash…

[I’ll be waiting at the coffee shop at midnight tonight. I’ve behaved so well, I think I deserve a reward, right?]

At the moment Robern’s face reflected on the clear water, her meaningless gestures came to a halt.

Ophelia jumped to her feet, as if drawn by an unseen force. Wiping her hands on a towel, she stormed out of the room. The maid, who had been pacing in front of the room, unable to believe her, called after her, “My Lady!” but Ophelia hurried down the stairs.

The invitation to meet at midnight might be a test.

He was the kind of man skilled at confusing people, so when she arrived at the meeting place, he might not be there at all.

No, no.

He won’t be there.

He shouldn’t be there.

Ophelia wanted to shatter her hopes. She wished to break apart the very thought that Robern might be sincere.

To end this futile hope, she reached the coffee shop.

“Hah….”

Robern was indeed there. The man waiting for her stood in front of a gas lamp. A lie. Ophelia closed and opened her eyes. Once, twice, three times… To no avail, there was Robern waiting for her.

Why?

Why the hell was the man who was supposed to be gone as usual…….

“My Lady?”

Ophelia’s knight called her, noticing her frozen state. Her gaze was fixed on Robern. As she slowly turned to look at her knight, her expression grew sorrowful.

What was she doing here?

This was where she was meant to be.

“My Lady, are you alright?”

Ophelia finally made a decision. Perhaps the answer was simple. It had been decided long ago, yet she had chosen to ignore it.

“Let’s go back.”

For the first time, Ophelia stood Robern up.

It was her revenge after three years of unrequited love.

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