Chapter 102

Dong, dong—

She had intended to return directly to the marquisate as planned, yet for some reason, she found herself unable to turn away.

‘They must still be open, right?’

The new item she’d seen at the boutique lingered at the edge of her thoughts. If she didn’t go back, it would haunt her all night.

After a moment’s indecision, Evelyn made up her mind.

I’m just going to take another look, that’s all.

As her carriage drew up beside her, she leaned in to whisper to the coachman as though confiding a secret.

“Would you take me to 472 Western Street, to the boutique?”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

After instructing her knight escort to wait outside, Evelyn pushed the boutique door wide open.

Jingle—

The clear sound of the doorbell echoed as she entered, and the staff, recognizing her at once, offered polite greetings.

“Welcome, Lady Inevasel.”

Perhaps because it was evening, the boutique was far quieter than it had been in the afternoon. The owner, having just finished assisting another customer, approached and bowed with impeccable grace.

“Good evening, Lady Inevasel. Have you perhaps forgotten something during your last visit?”

The madam recalled her earlier stop at the shop.

Evelyn composed her voice before answering.

“I came to take another look at the new chain brooch.”

The boutique owner gave a gentle nod and smile.

“If you’re interested in the new arrivals, you’ll find them displayed in the glass case.”

Guided by Madame, Evelyn made her way to the showcase, where this month’s newest items were neatly arranged.

Oh, thank goodness it hasn’t been sold yet!

Her eyes went immediately to the ruby chain brooch that had occupied her thoughts all day. The vivid red stones instantly brought to mind Axion’s vivid crimson eyes. Flushing, she shook her head, embarrassed by her own wandering thoughts.

‘Why does he keep popping into my mind like this?’

Maybe it was simply because she’d been seeing her fiancé more often lately, but his face seemed to appear in her mind at the most unexpected moments.

It was all because of this ridiculous contract romance.

No matter how rational she tried to be, there were times when even she couldn’t tell what Axion was truly thinking. He could be so indifferent most of the time, and yet, at times, he would act just like a real lover.

‘If only we could break off the engagement, I wouldn’t have to trouble myself with these thoughts at all.’

For now, they were spending far too much time together, but surely things would return to normal before long. With that thought, a sense of calm washed over her.

Forcing herself out of her reverie, Evelyn parted her lips and asked quietly.

“May I take a closer look at this chain brooch?”

“Of course. It’s a one-of-a-kind design, so there’s nothing else like it in the world.”

When the boutique owner happily retrieved the brooch and presented it to her, she couldn’t help a quiet breath of admiration. The chain brooch, delicately set with rubies that shimmered with a soft, gem-like glow, was dazzlingly beautiful. Seeing it up close, the thought became unavoidable.

Even though she was reluctant to admit it, it would suit her fiancé perfectly. He might drive her to the brink of exasperation more often than not, but if nothing else, he was undeniably handsome.

“It would truly suit Lord Valentino.”

“It would… Pardon?”

Evelyn nearly bit her tongue at the remark, feeling as though her private thoughts had been laid bare. Hastily, she tried to explain herself.

“It’s not as though I want to give it to him just because it suits him…”

Her flustered reply only made Madame’s smile deepen, as if she understood everything.

“But doesn’t it seem like a design made for the Lord?”

“Ahem, well… I suppose you’re right.”

Rather than agonizing over it alone, sometimes it was best to seek the guidance of an expert. At the thought, Evelyn nodded slightly, absently fidgeting with her fingers in embarrassment.

‘And I do feel a bit guilty, always on the receiving end of his gifts.’

Having reasoned things out to her own satisfaction, she allowed herself a faint, rueful smile.

“Then I’ll take this one, please.”