Chapter 291
Christian Pierce finally decided to acknowledge his mistake. It wasnât a wrongdoing. It was simply a mistake. A mistake that any human might commit unconsciously at least once. Just that much.
Even if he possessed a perfect physique and a divine appearance, he was still human, after all. Therefore, the past when he squandered part of his fortune through gambling was a blemish, but not something inexplicable.
Christian resolved to accept his faults and forgive himself.
Of course, in the moment when he lost his assets and his investments failed, he had thought his life was over. But in the end, his life remained intact. He stood firm and continued to look down on everyone from above, as always.
If it was a mistake that could be made up for, a mistake he could cover by his own power, then to him, it could never be considered a wrongdoing. He wouldnât even let it become an opportunity for reflection.
This too, must be the result of his inherent luck.
Christian toyed with the information Caroline had brought, twirling it in his hand, the corners of his lips curling slyly like a fox.
âCaroline, did you send a reply?â
Sitting on the hotelâs reception room sofa, Christian asked her, who sat opposite.
âMm-hm, this morning.â
Caroline answered gently.
Caroline Lasphilla, one of the women who tailed after him. Among them, she was the most prude, making it difficult to find any reason to keep her by his side as a woman.
But to Christian at present, she was the very symbol of the luck he had lost and recovered.
âThat so? Well done.â
Christian rose lightly, like a swallow, and perched himself in the center of the sofa where she sat. Caroline, who had only barely been sitting on the edge, flinched at his approach.
Tsk, still such a boring woman. Swallowing the words, he gently drew her shoulder closer.
ââŚâŚ!â
She trembled and stiffened her back, but did not push Christian away. Like a block of wood with its base cut off, she sat rigidly, receiving his touch.
She even awkwardly pressed her forehead under the heavily perfumed stock collar with a show of initiative.
Christian, taking advantage of her averted gaze, gave a crooked smile. When her eyes, wavering between fear and excitement, finally rose to meet his, he was smiling harmlessly, like a cherubic angel.
âThank you. Thanks to you, I can finally breatheâŚâ
He stopped mid-sentence. He didnât want to reveal the time when he had been desperate before her. That would be more shameful than exposing himself naked.
No, thatâs not right. Showing himself naked was not shameful at all, actually. Thatâs something to be proud of.
Christian continued.
âIâve found a good source of information. Thanks to you.â
âWhat did I⌠If I was any help to you, thatâs enough for me.â
Donât mix in modesty. Thatâs not how you really feel, is it?
âYou must want to marry me.â
You must want to be the next Duchess of Pierce.
âShould I give her that position?â
That might not be so bad. Even if sheâs boring, her background isnât bad, and her looks are good enough not to be ashamed of in public.
Sheâd fulfill the role of lady of the house well. No matter what he did outside, sheâd keep her mouth shut and guard his secrets as a wife. What matters most to her is honor.
âDo you think youâre the first woman Iâve been with? Donât pretend to be pure.â
He knew well enough that what she really wanted from him wasnât love. Ironically, even her own desires were so messy that sheâd rather look away.
Even if she wrapped up her intentions with the finest packaging and call it pure love, itâs still just wrapping. The contents were always blunt and direct.
âI donât even dislike bluntness.â
So having her as his partner wouldnât be so bad. As long as she wouldnât try to restrain him with such a shallow relationship.
âChris, arenât you hungry? Letâs go out.â
âNow that you mention it, itâs almost afternoon tea time.â
âYes, I heard this hotel is notorious for its terrible desserts. Instead of staying here, why donât weâŚâ
Christian didnât want to listen to her pointless chatter any longer. He cut her off and lifted her chin. When her head dropped, their lips met.
Her body jerked violently, almost as if in convulsions. That was all. She still had no real talent for resistance. Even though she was so startled, all she could do was clutch his arms.
âWith dessert right in front of me, is there any need to go anywhere?â
