117: It’s a Secret
Good, judging from the question, it seemed that she hadn’t blurted out what she was thinking this time around.
Avril hastily smiled.
“No, I’m not thinking about anything.”
“No, that’s the expression you make when you’re thinking about something incomprehensible. I can tell.”
“Eh—”
So, her expression alone was enough for him to discern her thoughts? Dylan asked gently as he cupped Avril’s cheeks with both of his hands.
“…Do you perhaps dislike my visiting the separate building?”
“…”
Dylan tried to deduce the on goings of her mind based on the flow of their conversation, but he was off the mark.
At the very least, she wished that they wouldn’t bring the annex back to the townhouse at the royal capital. Of course, in Avril’s mind, that was a possibility, but objectively speaking, it was just unthinkable.
“No, Lord Dylan’s duty is to conduct hearings regarding the demolition of the separate building, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
“…I see, if it’s for work.”
Avril blinked at his affirmation, which sounded a little meaningful.
…Is it as I though? Will I require the dignity and experience needed to bring all the mistresses together?
—But wait a minute, the fact that Avril wasn’t a real villainess wasn’t only known to Dylan, but also all the mistresses in the separate building. Therefore, acting like the evil woman who kept angering the former duke wouldn’t work.
Then, there was only one answer.
Avril, alone and feeling defeated, smiled dejectedly.
“…I’d be lying if I said I don’t mind you visiting them other than for work, but it can’t be helped. In that case, I’d appreciate it if you could spare some time for me…”
“…”
There was a pause, and when she looked up, she discovered Dylan was covering his mouth for some reason.
“Avril, you always give me the perfect answers. I feel so guilty.”
“? I don’t really understand, but I don’t have Lady Lucy’s tolerance or allure. No matter how you look at it, I’m not capable enough to bring everyone together.”
“What?”
Dylan stared at her for a few solid seconds. His eyes seemed to be asking, ‘What in the world are you talking about?’
The moment she thought that, she suddenly felt like time had stopped.
Dylan, who was supposed to be seated next to her, seemed to be leaning a bit closer. The tension was slightly different from those times he gently hugged her. Before she knew it, their hands were overlapping on the seat.
After blinking a few times at the slightly different atmosphere than usual, Avril could see herself reflected in Dylan’s smiling blue eyes.
Lord Dylan’s face is so close… It’s making my heart pound.
The carriage halted. They seemed to have arrived at the photo studio in town.
The voices of Chris and Grace could be heard as they alighted from the other carriage first and prepared to greet them. Just as she was momentarily distracted, Dylan’s voice echoed from somewhere close by.
“Have we arrived?”
“Y-yes, it seems so.”
By the time she answered, they had regained some distance.
What was that just now?
Avril didn’t know what happened, but Dylan casually told her.
“So, let’s quickly catch Teresa and return to the townhouse in the royal capital. The issue with the separate building and the former duke is such a hassle. I want to resolve them as soon as possible.”
“Lord Dylan isn’t telling me to return to the royal capital by myself first.”
“About that… If it had been before, I would have told you to go back without a second thought.”
…’If it had been before’?
Then, Dylan averted his gaze and smiled bashfully.
“Now, I can’t, not even as a lie. Because I don’t want that.”
“!”
The door of the carriage opened with a creak.
Dylan, who alighted first, offered his hand as her escort. Even though it was the usual sight, for some reason, her heart was pounding like mad.
Today, we’ll be taking a photo to send to Lord Dylan’s mother.
Avril would wear the new wedding dress, while Dylan would don the same formal attire as the one he worn at their original wedding. Then, she suddenly recalled something.
Now that I think about it, couples usually kiss at their weddings, right? As Lady Alexandra said, not on the cheek but on the lips…
At her original wedding, it never even occurred to her. In fact, she believed that Dylan would exercise caution and manage the atmosphere.
—but now…
When she stared at Dylan’s profile as he escorted her to the entrance of the photo studio, her entire body felt as though it had become one with her thumping heart.
My heart is beating fast for some reason… I feel like I want to run away, even though it’s too late now.
***T/N: Avril is slowly awakening to her love you guys! Be patient!!!!
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