Chapter 10
If she were to say that a chill ran down her spine, would that be too much of an overreaction? Still, when Cayente said she wouldn’t be able to leave, Yulia genuinely felt a cold shiver run down her back.
“I was wondering why the wedding was being rushed… It seems the Count truly loves you very much.”
Love? That couldn’t be true.
Cayente didn’t love her… In fact, could this even be called love? Even if she had heard those words from a man who truly loved her, Yulia felt she would’ve reacted the same way.
When she looked up in surprise, Cayente’s sharp gray eyes were filled to the brim with a possessiveness so intense it seemed like he wouldn’t allow even a breath without his permission.
Yulia couldn’t understand why a man who usually left her completely alone would show such a suffocating level of obsession, even for a brief moment. And as much as she didn’t understand, she was afraid. No matter how she interpreted it, Cayente really seemed to believe that Yulia was his possession.
“Let’s get up now.”
“Young Lady, have you finished your meal?”
“Yes, I’m full after eating all that bread.”
At times like these, she felt even more grateful for Henry’s presence, though she had always appreciated it.
—Actually, I was so surprised when I first heard your name. Who would’ve thought that the cute little miss from back then would grow up and become the Count’s wife? It seems you two have been in touch all this time without me knowing.
On the way to the dining room, Yulia realized for some reason that Henry truly believed the two of them were in love. The excuses Cayente gave every time he treated her coldly weren’t just words to keep the mood light—they had been genuine attempts at explanation.
That misunderstanding was a bit baffling, but she wondered what it would’ve been like if it had just been her and Cayente. Henry looked older than a baron, with plenty of white hair, and it added to his warm impression alongside his ever-smiling face. His aura—like that of a kind, grandfatherly neighbor who would embrace anyone—balanced out the twisted darkness Cayente emitted.
If not for Henry, Yulia might have been crushed under that gaze and forgotten how to breathe.
“Well then, shall we go? This way, Young Lady.”
“Yes, sir.”
Although there would inevitably be times when they’d be alone after the marriage, the thought of Henry staying by her side for a while brought some relief.
“We finished furnishing recently and did our best to tidy up, but it might still be a bit messy.”
“It’s okay.”
“I’d prefer if this conversation happened after we left the dining hall. Aren’t we short on time?”
Cayente seemed to be just a bit more lenient with Henry, which was a small blessing in itself.
“Oh dear, I was enjoying our conversation so much I forgot I had an appointment. What should I do?”
“You had an appointment? It’s alright. I can visit the office another time.”
“No, Young Lady. There’s plenty of time to show you the office—it’s just that there might not be time to take you home afterward… Ah, I’ll just send someone to the house. The shoemaker will be sent to your residence. Count, please head to the office. I’ll find someone to relay the message and contact your home.”
“It’s fine…”
Rather than the office tour, Yulia preferred having Henry by her side. But before she could finish speaking, Henry had already walked off to find a messenger.
“You go ahead.”
Yulia hesitated whether to follow Henry or wait here, but Cayente didn’t allow even that brief pause while Henry was off talking to someone. He urged Yulia to walk.
“Can’t we wait for Mr. Henry…?”
“Walk.”
“…Okay.”
Yulia usually spoke her mind, but somehow, she could never easily go against Cayente’s words. It wasn’t just because she had to tread carefully around him. Even if money weren’t involved, it might’ve been the same. It was Cayente’s commanding tone that left no room for choice.
They had eaten together, and she thought maybe their relationship had improved a little. But things were right back where they started. Hiding a sigh that was about to escape, Yulia began to match her pace to Cayente’s. As they walked side by side, the surreal feeling of this marriage started to slowly sink in.
“Count, you’re here. Hello, Young Lady.”
“Hello, Count. Oh my, today you’re with your future wife.”
Those who greeted Cayente already treated Yulia like the Countess. In the empire, where engagement practically meant marriage, being treated like a wife before the wedding ceremony was expected. Still, Yulia felt incredibly awkward. Just a short while ago, those same people were gossiping about her behind her back, and now they looked at her with admiration. As she stared up at Cayente, who still didn’t spare her a single glance, the change felt surreal.
Were they acting like this because Cayente was the heir to a prestigious count family and a successful businessman who built a massive fortune? With his dazzling looks alone, women would probably show the same kind of admiration.
Regardless of his personality, was there a man more impressive than him?
—That’s why you don’t need to be grateful for even the clothes. I only had them made because I couldn’t let the future Countess wear worn-out dresses or go hungry.
Yulia still wasn’t ashamed of her clothes, but standing next to him like a Countess did feel somewhat embarrassing.
“Thank you.”
“What?”
Even though he said there was no need to be thankful, she expressed her gratitude again. If Cayente hadn’t arranged for the dress, she would’ve had to bear that embarrassment with no money to fix the situation.
But again, Cayente didn’t accept her thanks.
“I told you there’s no need to thank me.”
His face twisted in displeasure, as if the very idea that he’d done something deserving of gratitude offended him.
