Divorce Begins with Remarriage - Chapter 18

Shallow as it may be, there was much to be gained from this.

Of course, part of her was afraid that Livio might seek revenge against Berenice.

Unfortunately, that wretched Cornell had both power and money.

And in this irrational world, it was customary to yield to such things.

“Miss?”

Selphine cautiously called Berenice. It was clear that Berenice was not in a good mood, but she couldn’t help but deliver this news.

She expected that this letter would surely improve Berenice’s mood.

“A letter has arrived for you…”

After glancing at the headlines of the weekly newspaper, Selphine made a sad face.

The incident at the restaurant had deeply affected Berenice’s mind and body, yet only a mere fine had been imposed.

But a noblewoman like Berenice couldn’t cry over it, lament it, or protest it.

She had already done what she could.

Berenice’s trembling shoulders reflected her desolate heart.

“Where did it come from?”

“Duke Cyrilov sent it.”

“From Roberto?”

Berenice’s eyes widened.

The usually composed Berenice reached out with a flushed face.

The diligent Roberto had been working hard to bring romantic elements into their relationship, as he agreed with Berenice.

He would often send letters to Berenice.

In addition to the letters, he also did sweet and romantic things without hesitation, like picking her up at a tea party.

She doesn’t know if he’s a player or a serviceman.

‘Or maybe he’s just a sincere model student.’

But the contract was clearly meant for both of them, so Berenice couldn’t understand why she was feeling so unsettled. She couldn’t comprehend why she was feeling so excited about it.

Berenice smiled unknowingly.

He had never disappointed Berenice before, so he surely wouldn’t this time either.

With a heart full of excitement, Berenice touched the letter envelope.

She had long forgotten about Livio.

Selphine also smiled as she saw the gentle smile on Berenice’s face.

Fortunately, the letter Selphine brought seemed to be the right answer to lift Berenice’s spirits.

Selphine smiled proudly.

The letter Roberto sent to Berenice was an invitation to attend the 18th birthday party of Marquis Mikelov’s eldest daughter, which would take place in three weeks.

Even though it was really nothing special and she had already expected it, her laughter deepened.

Perhaps it was to fulfill Berenice’s expectations.

Roberto added another suggestion.

He mentioned that it would be nice if Berenice took charge of the date, as this was his first time being in a relationship with a woman.

「For that day, I think we’ll need a new dress. And since we’ll be attending the party together, it would be better if our outfits’ colors and concepts were similar. 

That way, people will think we’re in a good relationship.  

I would like this to be our second date. 

Can I pick you up tomorrow? 

I’ll be waiting for your answer.」

Roberto remained true to himself until the end.

He smoothly requested a date from Berenice.

Selphine, who vividly observed the change in Berenice’s expression, peeked at Berenice’s shoulder.

Trying to sneak a peek at the contents of the letter, Selphine asked Berenice, 

“What does it say?”

She wanted to ask what was in the letter for her to make such an expression, but she refrained from doing so, fearing that Berenice might conceal her true feelings.

Berenice looked much better now than when she was entangled with Livio.

After the divorce, Berenice seemed sharp and sad in everything she did. 

She always seemed on edge and was reluctant to connect with anyone. 

When Livio persistently pursued Berenice after their divorce, she sometimes looked as if she might collapse under the pressure of carrying on with her own affairs. 

She gave the impression that she was always barely holding on.

That’s why Selphine couldn’t help but support the two of them, even knowing about the contract between Roberto and Berenice. 

She hoped that days like these would continue.

She wished for Berenice to continue smiling as beautifully as she used to.

“It’s nothing. He suggested going dress shopping together tomorrow.”

“Well, why hesitate? You should reply quickly and agree.”

Selphine urged Berenice.

Berenice cleared her throat.

“Should I?”

“Yes!”

Selphine nodded eagerly.

Even though it wasn’t asked, she rummaged through a drawer and handed Berenice stationery and a pen. 

She also placed the letter in its envelope next to them.

Hoping that Berenice would write a positive reply to Roberto’s invitation right away.

Berenice handed over the letter with the response Selphine wanted.

Without any delay, Selphine promptly delivered the letter to Duke Cyrilov.

***

Roberto received the letter containing a positive response.

“What’s my schedule for tomorrow?”

He hastily sent the letter without confirming his schedule.

Alfonso was the one who reminded him about Marquis Mikelov’s birthday party, which he had forgotten. 

And Roberto, being the dutiful man that he is, remembered what his fiancée needed most at a time like this and wrote the letter accordingly. Of course, being close to the Marquis Mikelov, who was an old friend of the former duke, Roberto considered it suitable to announce his and Berenice’s relationship there.

But he thought that it was too sudden and that he might be rejected for whatever purpose.

So he didn’t bother asking Alfonso about his schedule. But after receiving a positive response, Roberto was able to ask Alfonso about his schedule with a lighter heart.

“Tomorrow’s schedule? Why all of a sudden?”

“If there’s nothing urgent, cancel everything.”

“What?” 

Alfonso’s eyes widened.

Isn’t Roberto blunt and conscientious? To think he’d suddenly cancel his schedule.

Unexpected things like this have been happening often lately. And most of these things were related to one person.

“I’m going on a date with Berenice.”

Alfonso nodded absentmindedly.

Do people change like this?

Of course, he didn’t have any urgent schedules for tomorrow. But Roberto was the kind of person who had to do what needed to be done immediately.

‘Is Lady Dante really going to be House Cyrilov’s mistress?’

Then it wasn’t unreasonable to be excited.

So, Alfonso also gave a positive response.

“Yes. I can do that without any trouble. Don’t worry, go on your date.”

Roberto nodded briefly.

***

Roberto dutifully came to Dante’s mansion to pick up Berenice.

It wasn’t something they had specifically agreed upon, but it was as if it were naturally supposed to happen.

That’s probably the most special thing about Roberto.

That he’s always sincere and serious.

‘You’re getting into a bad habit.’

Berenice stuck her tongue out.

Now, it would be strange if Roberto didn’t come to pick her up for their date. 

To feel strange would mean to be disappointed over such a small thing.

The two were bound by contract, but was that right?

Berenice didn’t want to burden Roberto, who sat stoically through the swaying of the carriage.

So, after hesitating for a while, Berenice finally spoke up.

“You know, Roberto.”

“Yes, go ahead.”

As though she had been waiting for it, Berenice chuckled at his prompt response.

“You don’t have to come pick me up.”

“What?”

Whenever there is a date, you come to pick me up. Even when there isn’t one. You don’t have to do that if we don’t make plans. It’s fine to just meet at the place we’ve agreed on.”

Roberto’s expression turned serious in an instant.

His demeanor darkened as if he were deeply contemplating something.

Then he said, 

“Did I commit any offense? Did I make any mistake?”

Berenice opened her eyes wide and lowered her head.

“It’s not like that… um. I think Roberto and I have shown people enough that we’re into each other. Just continuing with the dates will strengthen our relationship. But it’s bothersome for you to keep picking me up like this.”

“Not at all.”

“Even if you say that, Roberto…”

Berenice scratched her cheek and finally poured out her honest feelings.

“Someday, you might be too busy to come pick me up. And I don’t want to be disappointed by such a small thing. So…”

“Wait, Berenice.”

Roberto gazed at Berenice with sullen eyes.

Is there a problem?

Berenice furrowed her brow.

The truth was, not even Livio came to pick her up for every date.

‘Oh my. Who am I comparing to whom?’

A human and a trash.

Berenice reflected on herself.

And after quite some time, Roberto finally spoke up.

“I… I’m inexperienced. I’ve never had a proper date. But I’m trying. I’m trying not to make a mistake with you, Berenice.”

Roberto repeated the word ‘trying’ twice, then took a deep breath and continued, 

“If I have done something wrong, please don’t hesitate to tell me.”