Chapter 44

Just as Evelyn, now thoroughly resolved, reached out to seize the book from his hand—

“….!”

—Axion seemed to catch on and lifted the book higher out of her reach. The book that was almost within her grasp now slipped away again, and Evelyn bit down hard on her lower lip.

‘Why won’t he just give it back?!’

“My, my. Try a little harder, Evelyn.”

Despite the fact that he said in a tone that sounded almost sympathetic, his mouth was curled in a languid, amused smile. She cursed the infuriating man in front of her under her breath, then took a steadying breath.

“You. You realize this is basically robbery, right?”

She glared fiercely at her fiancé, and he just gave a small shrug, replying.

“Is it? I was only reading a book in your room. Do you really consider that robbery?”

Watching him argue logic, even in a situation like this, made her feel as though she might burst with frustration at any moment.

“Who gave you permission?!”

At her indignant outburst, he let out a short, amused laugh. Then, as always, he began to lower his arm with that same unhurried, relaxed manner. Sensing her chance, Evelyn rose up on tiptoe to snatch the book away, but unfortunately, in that fleeting moment, she lost her balance.

As she teetered, about to fall, Axion’s strong arm swept around her waist.

‘….!’

Unintentionally landing in her fiancé’s arms, her eyes darted about in a panic. Her cheek ended up pressed firmly against his solid chest.

The sudden closeness left her completely speechless, her mouth opening and closing wordlessly.

‘I-Is this really happening?’

Beyond her confusion, her head was spinning.

Through the fine fabric of his shirt, she could feel how toned his body was… It was dangerously enticing, almost unbearably tempting.

Evelyn found herself staring at his body without even realizing it, then abruptly snapped back to her senses.

Between the two of them, she could hear the steady thump of someone’s heartbeat, though she couldn’t tell whose it was. No matter how hard she tried not to notice, the silence only made her more tense. This was nothing more than a sudden, unexpected accident, so of course, they were both just startled.

‘Yes. It’s just an accident, nothing more.’

Convincing herself of this, she did her best to act as if nothing had happened.

“Thank you for catching me, Axion.”

But no reply came from the man.

Evelyn’s green eyes flicked about before she slowly lifted her head.

“….!”

She found Axion’s sharp, crimson gaze fixed intently upon her. The moment their eyes met, she couldn’t help but recall the day they were first imprinted.

‘Why am I thinking of that now…?’

Desperately trying to erase the memory from her mind, she hurriedly turned her gaze away. It was just then, as she fumbled to escape his embrace, that she realized his arm tightened around her waist, gently but firmly, drawing her closer.

‘What… what is happening right now?’

Startled by her fiancé’s sudden action, Evelyn’s lashes fluttered.

Axion drew in a short breath, and as he softly ran his fingers through her silky hair, he murmured almost to himself.

“I just can’t seem to handle you.”

“…Handle me?”

When she looked at him, her eyes wavering, he let out a quiet, amused laugh.

“Nothing.”

Her brow furrowed at his evasive answer.

Knock, knock—

A sudden, light rapping sounded at the door, and then, without warning, someone flung it open.

“Father sent me to bring you some snacks… wait, what are you two doing?”

The one who barged in as if catching them in the act was none other than Viaton Inevasel.

Evelyn’s face froze instantly at the sight of her brother.

It was late in the evening, and here she was, in a closed room, no less, standing far too close to a man… Anyone would leap to the wrong conclusion at a scene like this.

‘No matter how strange the world gets, this is the one thing that absolutely cannot be misunderstood!’

In a panic, she pushed Axion’s chest away and raised both hands, as if to proclaim her innocence.

“I can explain! It’s all a misunderstanding, Brother.”

But Viaton, already letting his imagination run wild, quietly stroked his chin.

“Don’t tell me you two…”

No, that’s not it at all. This is all just a misunderstanding!