Chapter 110

In contrast to her own overflowing arms, he seemed to have selected only a handful of treats, quite few, considering he’d once claimed to love sweets. It almost felt as though he was simply matching his pace to hers, and that thought left Evelyn feeling a twinge of guilt.

Just then, an idea occurred to her, and she brightened at once.

“Shall we take a look at the dog treats while we’re here?”

“Dog treats?”

“Yes, these days, desserts for pets have become quite popular.”

That seemed to catch Khalid’s interest as his blue eyes lit with curiosity.

“Would that be alright?”

“Of course! Let’s go.”

︵‿୨ ₊‧꒰ა ཐི༏ཋྀ ໒꒱ ˚₊ ୧‿︵

After finishing their tour of the dessert fair, Evelyn and Khalid left the bustling crowd behind, strolling together down a quieter street. Her gaze lingered on the man beside her, whose arms were now filled with treats for his dog, and a gentle smile played at her lips.

“By the way, what’s your dog’s name?”

“Happy.”

She had half-expected a grand, aristocratic name from the story’s male lead, but instead, it was simple and unpretentious. Somehow, it seemed a perfect fit for a golden retriever.

“That’s a lovely name. I imagine just calling him makes you feel a little happier.”

For a moment, his eyes turned contemplative, as if a shadow had passed across their depths. Then, with visible effort, he drew the corners of his mouth into a faint smile.

“I only hope that Happy grows up bright and healthy, happier than anyone else.”

She sensed that his wish came from a place of sincerity—a longing, perhaps, for his dog’s life to be free of the scars that had once marked his own childhood. Perhaps, deep within Khalid, the wounds of his childhood still lay dormant.

Evelyn listened quietly, then, after some hesitation, finally spoke.

“Have you ever read the fairy tale 《 The Blue Bird 》?”

“I believe I did, long ago.”

Khalid replied, tilting his head slightly at the sudden mention of a story most would only recall from childhood.

Smiling softly, she went on to share the tale.

“For those children, the blue bird represented happiness closest at hand.”

“….”

“Perhaps, to Happy, you are that blue bird.”

The original story hadn’t even mentioned the male lead’s dog, so she knew little about the animal’s role. But through their conversation, she’d come to recognize just how much warmth he held for his pet. She believed, without doubt, that such genuine affection must have been passed on to Happy as well.

Khalid’s tawny brows twitched ever so slightly as he listened. For a moment, he seemed lost in thought, saying nothing and only holding her gaze with quiet intensity.

‘Was I out of line…?’

Evelyn wondered anxiously, her green eyes flickering. However, just as she was about to retreat, his tightly sealed lips eased into a faint smile.

“…It appears the Blue Bird is you.”

At that very moment, a burst of magical fireworks exploded above, scattering vibrant confetti all around them in celebration.

“What did you just say?”

When she tilted her head, having not quite caught his words, Khalid deliberately stilled his posture. Then, slowly, his earlobes began to flush red.

Huh? Why’s he acting like that all of a sudden?

She found herself staring at the startled blue of his eyes when a flat, almost mechanical voice cut through the moment.

“What are you doing here?”

“….!”

Her green eyes widened in shock. She would have recognized that voice anywhere. With stiff, halting movements, she managed to turn her head, unable to fully close her parted lips.

There he stood, midnight hair falling around eyes the color of fresh blood, his posture casually defiant as he watched them both.

Axion… What on earth is he doing here?

Left speechless by the sudden appearance of her fiancé, she could only gape wordlessly. Axion’s dark brows twitched as his gaze flicked to the boxes of desserts in their hands. His lips curled in a thin, sardonic smile, eyes sharpening with accusation as he jerked his chin at Khalid.

“Would you care to explain, then? Why you’re here with my fiancée.”

It was a situation ripe for misunderstanding, but Evelyn knew there was nothing to misconstrue. There was no reason to let this spiral into conflict. Just as she steadied her breath, prepared to speak in Khalid’s stead, it happened.

“The lady is… my friend.”

It took only an instant for the male lead to let slip words that struck like a storm.