Thought It Was ‘The End’, Only to Return to a Changed Genre - Chapter 144

Lloyd never showed his emotions, so Adeline couldn’t tell if he was with her out of obligation or if he had even a sliver of affection for her.

‘But now, of all times…’

She finally saw it.

Adeline stared blankly at Lloyd.

Lloyd suddenly seemed to regain his composure and rubbed his eyes with his arm.

She thought he would quickly wipe away his tears and lower his arm, but instead, he stayed frozen, taking in a deep breath as his chest rose and fell.

“Lloyd…”

“…Do you know how terrified I was?”

“…”

“You’ve never really been on the verge of death before.”

“…”

“At least, not to me… you’ve always told me everything.”

Even on the day she escaped from Delmuz, she had shared her entire plan with Lucian and Lloyd. She told them she would let herself be stabbed, but she would immediately receive treatment and take painkillers, so they were able to remain calm.

Adeline realized her mistake. Lloyd was only seventeen, a boy who had never truly thought she might die.

This was the first time he had seen her really on the brink of death.

“Lloyd. I didn’t know either.”

“…”

“I mean it… I just…”

Adeline bit her lip.

Should she say this?

She couldn’t tell him everything. If she shared her secrets and something terrible happened to someone she trusted, she would never forgive herself.

Besides, Shane deserved to hear it first. She had promised herself she would tell him everything when it was all over and she returned to him.

But she couldn’t stay silent with Lloyd.

As she tried to figure out how much she could reveal, Lloyd lowered his arm and spoke.

“I’m not asking you to tell me anything.”

“…”

“I’m not even curious.”

“…”

Contrary to his cold words, Lloyd’s eyes were red.

“This place is a shelter.”

“The place where I was locked up before?”

“Similar.”

What does he mean, similar? Either it is or it isn’t. Adeline tilted her head in confusion, and Lloyd continued.

“The last place was one Duke Blanchard had prepared alone. Since he didn’t plan to keep you there for long, it wasn’t far from the capital and wasn’t too hard to track.”

“So that means…”

“This place was prepared by Duke Blanchard, the Saintess, and the Bertrand family working together.”

“…”

“They said they hoped it wouldn’t be necessary. That’s what your mother said.”

What? Who?

Adeline’s mouth fell open.

She remembered Emma, with her doe-like eyes brimming with tears every time she saw her.

Emma wasn’t the type to believe in the miracles of the Saintess, yet in front of Adeline, she kept insisting that she was so happy because miracles were real.

Adeline couldn’t just call her out for lying, but at the same time, she couldn’t question her without seeming suspicious, so she let it slide.

Even Adeline’s father, Gregory, only asked if Shane was responsible, and Patrick and Jeff didn’t ask at all.

Their silence wasn’t indifference; it was a reprieve, a chance.

An opportunity to come clean.

“You can go anywhere in the house. The garden is large, too. I’ve already taken a look, and it’s much bigger than the house we lived in. Since you don’t leave the house often anyway, you won’t feel cramped.”

“No, that’s not…”

“Wouldn’t it be better for your health as well? The Saintess will visit regularly.”

I don’t need such an illustrious doctor…

“Jeff will ensure fresh ingredients are delivered daily, but if you want something special, just let me know the day before.”

“…”

“Feel free to ask for anything you need. Lord Jeff said he’ll bring you some pamphlets. Madame Harper might visit from time to time as well.”

“What have they prepared…?”

A luxury version of imprisonment? What is this?

“I don’t know. I only found out now.”

Lloyd answered casually, watching as Adeline let out a half-amused, half-exasperated laugh.

“You’ve got quite the family. Including your husband.”