Mareena was the first to notice Cameron’s change in health. Whenever she caught a whiff of tea, she’d cover her mouth and bolt out of the room. Not only that, she often sat down due to feeling lightheaded.

Without malice, Mareena simply enjoyed her meals as she worried about Cameron.

I wonder if it’ll be soon.

Mareena had been pregnant for four months, and her stomach had swollen slightly. As she had been wearing loose-fitting clothes that were easy to move in, those around her failed to notice.

However, the same couldn’t be said about Cameron. Despite being easy to move in, her dress was a form-fitting one that wouldn’t hinder her work. Perhaps because it constricted her stomach, she changed into a slightly larger dress.

“Cameron, you’re looking pale. Why don’t you get some rest?”

“L-Lady Mareena, I’m sorry, but I’ve been feeling under the weather lately…”

“You don’t seem to be eating much.”

“That’s right.”

“You’ve done enough today, so please rest in your room.”

“Thank you.”

Cameron quickly withdrew from the room.

I wish you’d reveal the truth, already. What a foolish girl. You look to be in so much pain. C’mon, out with it, what if something happens to the baby?

Mareena’s complicated feelings were in a constant state of faltering.

If you had told me, we could have still made peace—

—No, I will never forgive you.

But…

Upon witnessing her excruciating expression, Mareena wanted to give her some rest. If she still didn’t feel well, Mareena intended to massage her back—

—and if it wasn’t for the fact that it was Mason’s child, she’d have protected the baby at all costs.

As to how many times she had sighed out, she had lost count. Looking above, she saw a cloudless blue sky.

***

Cameron went to the room Mason was in. As she entered, Mason frowned.

“Cameron, why are you here?”

“I’m at my limit.”

“—Be quiet!”

Mason hastily pulled Cameron’s hand.

“I’ve had enough! This dress is too tight! What are you going to do!? What am I supposed to do!?”

“I know, but there have been no opportunities…”

Even if he were to tamper with the carriage, it’d always be inspected in advance. So far, there were two failed attempts, and because it happened thrice, the carriage was under strict surveillance. As such, there was nothing he could do.

Moreover, Johan was always by Mareena’s side to keep an eye on her. Lately, all he could do was check on the inventory and order supplies for the mansion.

“Why did this happen?”

Mason chewed his lips in frustration.

“My father is coming to visit.”

“But why? He’s been here several times before.”

“He said that he intends to meet me, not Lady Mareena.”

“That’s…”

“What should I do? What if he comes with another marriage offer?”

“Then you can refuse as usual.”

“…I see. I know that’s the only way.”

Abortion was illegal in that country. The act itself was the equivalent of blaspheming against God who had bestowed the miracle. Hence why, Mason and Cameron always used birth control—

—So why?

“…As I thought, I’m going tell Lady Mareena.”

“What? What do you mean?”

“I’ll tell her that I’m pregnant.”

“Don’t be silly! Do you want to drag me into it as well?!”

Mason’s fierce glare stunned Cameron.

“How cruel! You also played a part in this!”

“Shut up! We’re different. I’m about to become the head of this family! I don’t need you to hinder me!”

“That’s just awful! Do you hear yourself!?”

Cameron screamed and cried.

“Ah, no, I’m sorry… I am just upset.”

Upon coming to his senses, Mason doubled down and embraced Cameron in remorse. Then, he spoke kindly.

“Did you know? When I was born, I was supposed to be adopted by the Westmont Family. If not for Mareena, I would’ve become the head of the family. I’m suitable for the role. I’ll definitely become the head of the family. So please, be patient for a bit longer…”

“…I understand.”

While Cameron had nothing but unease, she could only depend on that man. As such, her only response was to nod.

Unbeknownst to them, the head housekeeper listened in on them and went to Mareena’s room.

***

A few days later, Silas visited the Westmont Family. Cameron was summoned while Mason was asked to be present.

For some reason, Mason’s father—the Count of Huntington—was there as well.

In the drawing room, Mareena, Mason, Cameron, Silas, and the Count of Huntington were seated around a table. Meanwhile, Johan stood behind Mareena.

…Why is my father here?

His father—the Count of Huntington—was in good spirits, which further confused Mason.

Once everyone was there, Silas—Cameron’s father, announced.

“Cameron, as of today, you’re engaged.”

“Huh? I’m engaged…? What are you talking about…?”

“I came to tell you that your fiancé has been decided.”

“It’s… been decided?”

“That’s right. Lord Alfred—the second son of Marquis Liddell, is to be your partner.”

“What?!”

Mason cried.

“Oh, what’s wrong?”

“What is it, Mason? Is there a problem?”

No wonder Mason was surprised—after all, Alfred was his cousin. As such, if Cameron was to be engaged with him, Mason’s infidelity would come to light. Not only would it greatly impact him, the Huntington Family would also suffer from the backlash.

“No, it’s nothing, Father. But, considering the difference in status between Alfred and Cameron…”

“Oh, is that it? There won’t be problem. After all, she’s a lady who received a good education from the Count of Westmont, and he himself even recommended her. While there’s certainly a difference in status between the marquis and the baron, Count Westmont asked me to act as an intermediary. As a result, Marquis Liddell was very happy to accept the proposition.”

“W, what’s that…?”

Seemingly proud, Count Huntington continued in a voice so loud, no one could hear what Mason muttered. As she shuddered, Cameron went pale.

“This engagement will undoubtedly bring the four houses—the Huntington’s, the Liddell’s, the Zion’s, and the Westmont’s closer. Wonderful, don’t you think?”

The Count of Huntington was visibly in good mood. Meanwhile, the protagonist of the story was blanching while her father was devoid of any expression. Of course, Mason also went pale. After watching everyone’s reactions, Mareena spoke.

“Cameron, aren’t you glad? I heard that you’re close with Lord Alfred. He’s very friendly and kind, so you don’t have anything to worry about. Don’t you think so too, Cameron?”

“T-that’s true…”

Mason, who was tightly clasping his hands, didn’t even spare Mareena a glance.

…Why aren’t you saying anything, Mason?

No matter how much Cameron stared at Mason, he never looked at her.

If Cameron said too much, it’d be all over. As for him, he couldn’t think of a good excuse.

“I, uhm, I—”

The attention shifted towards Cameron.

At last, Mason turned to look at the downcast Cameron. His gaze was piercingly sharp. If Cameron had seen those eyes, she wouldn’t have spoken a word, and then the marriage offer would go past the point of no return—

—-However,

“I can’t accept such a proposition…”

---

***T/N: saaaaaay iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiit…………!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Though, am I the only one who finds it surprising that Cameron would actually deny the marriage proposal? But I guess she does love Mason after all.

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