Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 170
Nigel’s true adversaries were undoubtedly Guinevere and Ulysses. Well, since Ulysses had no intention of claiming his inheritance, the one Nigel truly wanted to crush was Guinevere.
“You’re aware that she’s my chaperone this time, right?” Cecilia asked.
Nigel remained silent, his expression uncomfortable.
Cecilia added helpfully,
“I’m also staying at the Rosencrantz estate at the moment.”
“Do you take me for a fool because I’m staying quiet? Don’t waste time stating the obvious.”
Nigel snapped.
“So? What does your sneaking into my family’s house have to do with this? Are you planning to poison Guinevere’s food? Let me warn you, she’s quite thorough.”
“Oh, so that’s why she prefers using silverware,” Cecilia remarked. “Yeah, if such an opportunity arose, I’d have more chances than you.”
Her expression was calm as Nigel glared at her, a smile playing on her lips.
“But you’re her enemy, aren’t you?”
“…”
“I’m not.”
At least not yet.
…No, not even yet.
Guinevere still didn’t see her as a threat. That was a weapon Nigel could never have—his opponent’s underestimation. Sometimes, that was the best weapon.
“It’s a trait of the Lasphilla family. Once they look down on someone, they rarely change their mind. You saw it for yourself last time.”
“…”
Nigel knew that Cecilia was involved in the attempted poisoning of Nathan. He couldn’t simply ignore what she was saying.
“She could have died that time.”
“But you let her live.”
“Because I needed her back then.”
“And now?”
“I don’t need her anymore.”
The brutal answer slipped out with unsettling ease. Nigel’s lips tightened, and Cecilia, smiling as if pleased with his seriousness, said,
“Right now, I need you.”
For a moment, his amber eyes wavered, betraying his emotions. It was only a brief flicker. He quickly regained his composure, his face stiffening.
“So, you’ll toss me aside soon enough, too.”
“Unless you get rid of me first, that is.”
He didn’t deny it. See? He’d be the first to act as if he didn’t know Cecilia if things went wrong.
That’s why he’s the perfect candidate for this relationship. After achieving their goals, they could part ways at any time.
Or rather, as I said, you’ll be the one to discard me first. How incredibly convenient.
Cecilia thought bitterly to herself as she continued speaking.
“Taking just one eye from her wouldn’t satisfy you, would it? You don’t hate her just because she’s aiming for the marquisate.”
Nigel’s mother was dead. The cause was unknown, but even a blind man could guess who the culprit was.
“Sir, you need to avenge your mother.”
“…!”
He straightened from the sofa, lifting his chin. His ferocity wasn’t aimed directly at her, yet it felt sharp enough to cut.
“Do you think you can handle this?”
His voice was as sharp as his gaze.
“I’ll do my best. As your lover.”
If their relationship became public, betrayal would become much harder. Nigel must have thought of that too.
In any case, this relationship would be Cecilia’s downfall, not his. He could discard her and easily find a better match. Not the one Guinevere set up, but someone he truly wanted.
As she said, Nigel had little to lose in this deal.
“…Fine. I’ll play along.”
Finally, the answer she had been waiting for.
As Cecilia’s face brightened, Nigel issued a stern warning.
“Just taking one eye won’t be enough. She needs to be completely barred from setting foot in the marquisate. If there’s a swamp, push her in. If there’s a cliff, shove her off.”
His gaze burned hotly as he coldly ordered,
“If you can kill her, do it.”
“…”
“Can you do it?”
“I’ll do my best…”
“No, I’m not betting on your ‘best effort’. If you’re that confident, you should guarantee the result.”
“…”
Cecilia slowly nodded. A faint smile curved Nigel’s lips, his expression becoming unexpectedly pleasant.
“Then let me ask you in return. What’s your goal?”
Cecilia tilted her head.
“Well, a passionate romance with the Young Marquis…?”
“Cut the bullsh-t.”
At his sharp response, Cecilia admitted her jest with humility.
“To be honest, I merely needed someone to play the role of my lover. You just happened to be the most useful.”
“It’s touching to know that someone as insignificant as you finds someone as valuable as me so useful. So, what’s the reason?”
Cecilia thought of a certain man’s face.
“I want to break off my engagement.”
Nigel interlaced his fingers over his knee and leaned in, ready to listen.
“Why? Weren’t you thrilled to be engaged?”
How would you know that…?
Well, anyway.
…Yes. There was a time like that.
“…”
It felt like a distant memory.
Cecilia shook her head.
“Not anymore.”
She spoke as if organizing her thoughts.
“I don’t like him anymore.”
