It Seems Like The Infamous Trash Can is Right Here! - Chapter 84
As the carriage rolled on, I started rambling about why I preferred quiet places, why I always ended up in the annex library, and so on.
Lionel listened attentively, gazing at me the entire time.
I deliberately avoided mentioning Vaikal.
I wasn’t sure how Lionel felt about the conversation I had with my brother.
Of course, I needed to discuss Vaikal’s impending return with him soon, but at least, not tonight.
I left my mask in the carriage and took Lionel’s hand as he escorted me down.
It felt oddly natural to walk with him into the main estate.
On the way back, I had been too distracted by Vaikal to think about it, but today, Lionel and I had officially become engaged.
‘Was the engagement date listed among the anniversaries?’
I was sure the wedding anniversary was there, but…
The thought hovered at the edge of my mind.
‘I should check the contract again.’
Since the contract was now notarized and officially in effect from today, I needed to memorize the details more thoroughly. Lionel seemed to value anniversaries, after all.
Even though it had been a while since I last wore heels, I returned without so much as twisting my ankle. It was all thanks to Lionel, who never left my side and meticulously escorted me every step of the way.
‘Where else would I ever find such a kind and thoughtful man?’
He could be cold toward others at times, but if one truly got to know him, it was clear he had a good heart.
My brother seemed to have the wrong impression of him based on their time at the academy, but if they spent more time together, he would come to see it too—how much Lionel cared for those he allowed within his walls.
While I was contemplating how to resolve Vaikal’s misunderstanding, Lionel and I arrived on the third floor.
I assumed we would part ways and retire to our respective rooms, but instead, he accompanied me all the way to my door.
‘What should I say?’
Should I thank him for today? Or tell him he worked hard?
As I hesitated, I glanced up at him—only to realize he had already been watching me.
The moment our eyes met, I panicked and blurted out the first thing that came to mind.
“Today…”
“Shall I help you undress?”
…Oh.
Oh…
Wasn’t that usually the role of a maid?
Yet, for some reason, I couldn’t bring myself to refuse.
His deep gaze lingered on me, his voice a quiet murmur. It felt like Lionel wanted more than just that.
And I… didn’t want to turn him away.
Maybe it’s just my imagination…
Either way, I didn’t want to say goodnight just yet.
If anything, I was the one who wanted to spend more time together.
“Really? I was actually worried it’d be a bit difficult to manage on my own.”
Feigning innocence, I spoke as if I were someone completely unfamiliar with such things despite being raised in a noble household.
But had this man ever undressed a woman before?
It was trickier than one might expect.
When we reached the powder room, Lionel let go of my hand and slipped off his gloves.
Then, just as he had when he put my necklace on earlier, he stepped behind me.
A strange tension settled over me, and I swallowed hard.
“Serenia, there’s something I want to ask you.”
I felt his fingers brush against the ribbon that secured my dress across my back. He had a good eye, it was impressive that he found it so quickly. That wasn’t exactly easy to do.
“What is it?”
The sensation tickled slightly, and I instinctively shrugged my shoulders.
“When you said you chose me because you love me… That was a lie, wasn’t it?”
A sharp tearing sound cut through the air as the ribbon came undone. Something about it felt ominous.
