Chapter 32

“The sea breeze is awfully cold tonight. You should keep this on.”

‘What’s gotten into him…? Did he eat something strange?’

Evelyn tilted her head in confusion while Chloe, standing nearby, seemed thoroughly entertained by the scene.

“My, how considerate you are.”

Axion nodded, utterly composed.

“I’m just doing what anyone would.”

Perhaps it was because he had spent so many years pretending to get along with her, but he managed to put on a flawless act even in front of Chloe. Evelyn clicked her tongue inwardly.

‘He really is getting more shameless by the day.’

Chloe, oblivious to her thoughts, let out a soft chuckle.

“Well then, I’ll leave you two to enjoy your private moment together.”

“See you later, Chloe.”

Evelyn watched her friend walk away with a hint of reluctance before she cast Axion a look that was more wary than annoyed.

“Hey, why are you suddenly acting out of character?”

“I told you. I’m just trying to suit your tastes.”

He replied, tilting his head slightly, as if genuinely surprised she hadn’t figured it out yet. To think he could say something so sweet in such a nonchalant tone…

‘Save that sort of thing for the heroine, why don’t you?!’

A quiet sigh slipped from her lips, and Axion lifted his mouth in a languid, almost lazy smile.

“Weren’t you the one who said you liked considerate men?”

“What? When did I ever say that?”

Evelyn stared at her fiancé, eyes wide with disbelief. She was certain she had never said such a thing, yet somehow, he seemed to know her type exactly.

‘We’re not even the sort of couple who talks about things like that, are we?’

As she tilted her head in puzzlement, Axion spoke again, his voice dry, his words cryptic.

“If you don’t remember, then never mind.”

‘What’s that supposed to mean…?’

She was frowning when, suddenly, an idea sparked in her mind, and her green eyes lit up.

“Oh, by the way, did you hear the Count of Lorenheim officially adopted a foster daughter?”

“Yes, I heard she’s attending the riverboat soirée tonight.”

So, you’ve already met her then!

Feeling hopeful that things might finally work out, Evelyn made a casual remark.

“I’ve heard she’s really beautiful.”

According to the original story, Dahlia’s delicate charm would make anyone passing by stop and stare.

“Axion, what did you think?”

“About what?”

At her fiancé’s indifferent reply, she pressed him for an answer.

“Didn’t your heart flutter, even a little?”

At her words, his expression stiffened as if he was forcing himself to be serious, then he lightly placed a hand on her forehead.

“That’s odd. You don’t seem to have a fever.”

“What are you talking about? I’m perfectly fine.”

It was clear he hadn’t fallen for the female lead at first sight. As Evelyn narrowed her eyes in disbelief, Axion muttered under his breath.

“Ah, is this the reaction you wanted?”

There was mischief in his gaze as he spoke.

‘I know what you’re getting at, don’t you dare say it!’

While she couldn’t hide her look of horror, Axion’s lips curled into a languid smile.

“You’re the most beautiful, Evelyn.”

No, not to me, you idiot!

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

Before she knew it, night had fallen, the sky deep and black, strewn with brilliant stars. When Axion went off to mingle with the important guests, Evelyn leaned against the railing to let the sea breeze wash over her. Shivering in the chill, she hugged her fiancé’s wool jacket tighter around her.

“So, when are the two of them actually going to meet?”

She had come up to the deck early, eager to witness the long-awaited first meeting of the story’s protagonists. After all, having been reincarnated inside a novel, she couldn’t miss the chance to see such a historic scene unfold with her own eyes.

‘Is my dream finally coming true?’

Her eyes sparkled with anticipation, only to be interrupted by a sudden sneeze.

Ah-choo!

Her nose tickled, and as she sniffled and sneezed again and again, someone approached and gently offered her a handkerchief.

“Excuse me… are you alright?”

Evelyn nodded, accepting the handkerchief and murmuring her thanks.

“Thank you, I’m fi—”

But she never managed to finish her sentence. The moment her eyes met a pair as lovely as wisteria blossoms, she could only stare in stunned silence.

“I’m glad you’re okay.”

The young woman replied, her pure white hair falling softly as she smiled with delicate grace.