Chapter 24
“I’m fine. I’m not drunk,” Layla said.
“Look at yourself. What’s wrong with you? This isn’t like you.”
His voice held both scolding and concern.
“I just slipped. That’s all.”
Layla looked toward Yuliana.
Yuliana stared back with her usual calm, expressionless face—like she saw right through Layla and found her pathetic.
That look made Layla’s stomach twist with frustration.
So she pretended to trip and fell toward Kallion.
He sighed and gently pulled her up by the shoulders.
“That’s enough. Let’s get you back to your room.”
He supported her and began to lead her out, not caring at all how the others looked at them.
Before leaving the hall, Kallion paused briefly in front of Yuliana.
“I’ll be back soon.”
That was all he said before walking out with Layla.
The room stirred with whispers again.
Yuliana stood tall and still, left alone to endure all the stares.
“Everyone knew it was a loveless marriage, but… is Lord Kallion really involved with the Sorrentos girl?”
“Come on. Layla grew up with him. She’s his secretary, and they’re close. Maybe he just cares about her.”
“Whatever the case, it’s clear the lady of the house means less than the secretary.”
Even if she didn’t want to hear it, the murmurs reached her ears.
Yuliana clenched her fists.
Even Lord Darkin, head of the Valdormer family, stormed out of the hall, visibly upset.
In the sea of people and noise, she was the only one left to bear it all.
She felt hollow.
Kallion was the one who told her to fulfill her duties as the hostess.
Yet he didn’t even care about his own role as a husband.
Maybe he didn’t realize it, but what he did was basically abandoning his responsibility.
She didn’t care what he did in that secret room with Layla.
‘But Kallion… this is your family’s banquet.’
She worked hard, without complaint, to prepare this event—to secure her place as the Valdormer lady.
She told herself she didn’t care what he did, as long as the banquet went well.
But standing here, ignored and humiliated, she realized… it actually did bother her.
She had assumed—maybe foolishly—that since he demanded she do her part, he would at least do his.
What was I expecting…?
A bitter laugh escaped her lips.
Her chest felt cold.
The white gloves on her hands suddenly felt suffocating.
She stared at them for a moment, then calmly took them off.
Without hesitation, she walked out of the banquet hall, leaving the whispering crowd behind her.
***
“I’ll be back soon.”
That’s what he said so casually.
Don’t make me laugh, Kallion.
Even if you come back—I won’t be there.
She had walked out with confidence, but ended up in a quiet, hidden garden of the Valdormer estate.
Thinking about the mess the banquet had become gave her a strange sense of relief.
Maybe she would go back to her room, take a bath, and get some sleep.
Then, the rustling of leaves and a familiar voice reached her.
“Is it okay for the star of the banquet to be wandering out here?”
It was Lloyd, the second son of Silverstel.
She was briefly surprised, but quickly composed herself.
“I’m not the star. That’s Valdormer.”
“But you’re part of Valdormer now, aren’t you?”
She pressed her lips together at his gentle reminder.
Lloyd, noticing her silence, awkwardly stepped closer.
“Your husband doesn’t seem very aware of things.”
Yuliana didn’t want anyone to know how strained her marriage was.
“Don’t concern yourself.”
Lloyd hesitated, then quietly offered,
“Would you like some company?”
“I’ll pass.”
He gave a sheepish smile.
“Ah… I actually worked up some courage to say that.”
She looked at him suspiciously.
Lloyd smiled brightly.
“I know I can’t replace your husband, but I promise you won’t be bored.”
It didn’t make sense to her. He knew nothing about her. Why was he being so kind?
“I’m a Heister. Our families aren’t exactly on good terms.”
Trying to create distance, she reminded him of their opposing bloodlines.
Lloyd’s expression stiffened, but he calmly replied,
“You’re not really a Heister anymore, are you? You married into Valdormer—your enemy’s family.”
Realizing how harsh that sounded, he quickly added,
“Sorry… you’ve been pushing me away so much, I spoke without thinking.”
“……”
“To be honest, I don’t really care about politics or family ties.”
That’s right. He had always been like that.
Even though he had strong ice magic, he never wanted to be the head of his house. He had no interest in family rivalries.
“I just want to get to know you better.”
Yuliana frowned.
“Why?”
Why him?
In the past life, she had approached him on purpose—married him for her own goals.
She knew how much that hurt him.
Even though he gave her his whole heart, she never stopped looking elsewhere.
So this time, in this life… she hoped he would never get involved with her again.
And yet, here he was.
Lloyd gave a small smile and looked down.
“I don’t know. I just… feel drawn to you.”
“I’m married to Valdormer.”
He smiled awkwardly.
“Not all affection is romantic. I just felt… like I wanted to be closer to you. As a friend, maybe.”
“Friend…?”
She stared at him, confused.
He scratched his head and admitted,
“Okay, I won’t lie. I was a little disappointed when I found out you were married. But I still want to know you—not as Valdormer’s wife, but as Yuliana.”
“……”
“That’s why I begged my brother to let me come to this banquet.”
Friendship? Between her and the man who was once her husband?
She remembered how kind and gentle he had always been. Even in bed, he had always put her first.
She had never felt the thrill she once had with Kallion, but that only made her guilt worse.
How could she forget those memories and just be friends?
She shook her head.
“People will talk.”
“Does that really matter?”
He looked directly at her.
“You’re lonely right now, aren’t you?”
Her heart dropped.
It felt like he had seen right through her carefully hidden feelings.
As she stood there frozen, Lloyd suddenly changed the mood and said with a grin,
“Let me show you something fun, then.”
She blinked in confusion as he smiled and gently held out his hand.
“If this makes you smile, we’re officially friends.”
His open palm held nothing.
Then, he began to gather energy above it.
Ice magic.
Tiny snowflakes began to swirl and dance above his hand—just like he used to do in the past life.
A tiny snowy world formed in his palm.
“Amazing, right?”
“Yes…”
As she watched the tiny snowstorm, memories came rushing back.
‘If it were just you and me in this little world I created, would that be enough?’
‘Wouldn’t it be boring?’
‘Really? …I think I’d be the happiest man alive.’
She remembered that warm smile. That gentle, patient man.
Even though she never gave him a real smile, he always waited for her.
Never rushed her. Never pushed.
Maybe, just maybe… he really did want to be her friend—nothing more.
A bitter smile crept onto her lips as her doubts started to melt away.
Then—
“What are you doing out here, away from the banquet?”
A cold, familiar voice cut through the moment.
She turned in surprise.
Kallion stood nearby, arms crossed, leaning against a lamp wall, watching them sharply.
