Chapter 19
“It’s not true, Your Grace.”
Amelie’s voice trembled. Even if she had to stand before him in her vulnerable, n*ked state, she couldn’t let the misunderstandings persist. Once they were cleared, all that would remain was Amelie Grint—a woman who had lost her inheritance and home because of her damned brother, who had been expelled from the academy despite her education degree, who had nothing left but her feelings for Kailo von Estricen.
“These lingerie pieces were made by my friend Nina. I just helped her by modeling them.”
“…”
Perhaps realizing she was trying to say something important, Kailo stopped his movements and gently stroked her golden hair.
“I accepted the job because I needed money urgently… because my home…”
But words failed her in such a situation. The logical truths she had prepared in her mind became jumbled due to the emotions swirling within her.
Amelie, who had always spoken clearly in front of professors, students, and even Ethan, suddenly found herself struggling to articulate her thoughts.
“Marcus Grint… My parents’ inheritance…”
Hesitating, Amelie’s face crumpled as she fought back tears.
“And now Marcus, that damned man, says he’ll speak ill of us, Your Grace.”
She hadn’t intended to bring up her brother while leaving Kailo, but her weakened resolve betrayed her. What had started as a messy explanation now threatened to make their parting even more complicated.
Even as the unfamiliar truth spilled from her lips, Kailo simply gazed at her with warm eyes. His unexpected reaction made her emotions spiral further out of control. The sorrow and lingering feelings she had suppressed surged forth, especially under his tender gaze.
One by one, tears began to fall from Amelie’s pink eyes.
Kailo lifted her trembling body into his arms, gently patting her back as she cried. His blue eyes were filled with concern as he watched her.
Amid her sobs, Amelie’s true feelings slipped out.
“I enjoy being with you, Your Grace.”
“…”
It was impossible to understand why receiving comfort only made her want to cry more. As Amelie wept until her face turned red, Kailo offered his embrace, allowing her to cling to him tightly. Her tears soaked his firm, bare chest, and for some reason, she felt as though she could say anything to this man.
Perhaps it was an illusion, but she didn’t mind.
“When I was young, my parents used to hide gifts for me in the tree on the south side of the garden whenever I did something well or when they wanted to encourage me.”
What on earth was this? Following an angry man, engaging in heated passion, and now suddenly crying while talking about my childhood?
Everything was a mess. Looking back, it seemed as though everything had been spiraling out of control since the day she received the news of her parents’ passing.
This chaotic time had to come to an end.
“They would leave things like new books, feather pens, pretty toys, or a locket with their faces inside. Before long, peeking into the hollow of that tree became my favorite thing to do.”
“…”
“Meeting you feels the same, Your Grace. It’s the most joyful, thrilling time I can spend.”
Amelie let out a soft sigh. The time she had first met him, gotten a job at the Ducal household, and grown closer to Kailo all felt like a distant dream.
“Even when I was miserable, cast out onto the streets and living off the kindness of a friend, or when the work of being a tutor felt overwhelming, Your Grace, your presence made me forget my hardships.”
“…”
“It’s laughable, isn’t it? I’ve ended up becoming someone who only causes trouble for you.”
Kailo never took his eyes off her, listening intently. His blue eyes seemed as though they could draw her in completely. Saying everything out loud and putting it in order gave her a strange sense of relief. Amelie felt a surge of courage.
“I never wanted our relationship to be reduced to something so shallow. No matter how I may have seemed, I’m not an experienced woman.”
“…Amelie.”
“And stop being jealous of a man who doesn’t even exist.”
“…”
“I can’t stay in this house any longer.”
When she finished speaking, the warmth in Kailo’s gaze, which had been so gentle, turned into something unreadable, like a glacier sinking into deep waters.
“Is that your conclusion?”
“Pardon?”
“You’re leaving?”
His gaze, now cold to the point of being scalding, startled Amelie. She tried to pull away, but his strong arms held her firmly in place, leaving her unable to move.
“You said you liked me, didn’t you?”
“Yes… Yes, but…”
“And now you’re going to abandon me?”
The man growled with an intensity that made Amelie flinch. She protested in alarm.
“D-Didn’t you hear what I just said? My brother is going to ruin your reputation—mmph!”
But her words were cut off as Kailo silenced her with his lips. Her upper body was gently laid back onto the bed as he climbed over her, trapping her within his embrace. Kailo spread her legs as he positioned himself.
Their hips pressed together, moving with a growing heat. As Amelie trembled at the unexpected situation, he stroked her soothingly and whispered sweetly into her ear.
“You are mine, Amelie.”
“Ah, ah…!”
Despite the tenderness in his voice, his movements were firm, claiming her as his own. The way his body enveloped her in warmth felt like comfort, and his deliberate, repeated actions on her most sensitive spots seemed to tell her not to think about anything else.
Amelie surrendered herself to the overwhelming sensations.
“Estricen’s woman, Estricen’s possession.”
“Hah, ugh…!”
“So don’t think about anything else.”
His voice sounded distant, as though coming from far away. Though she thought her body had calmed after crying so much earlier, it was still burning with heat. Her insides, now wet and ready, welcomed him eagerly.
Before long, she felt something burst within her, leaving her lower body soaked. Just as she was about to lose herself completely to the sensations, she felt his arms wrap around her tightly, holding her as though he would never let go.
Amelie drifted into a deep sleep.
* * *
“Wake up, Amelie.”
“Mm…”
Light kisses fell on Amelie’s bare skin as she stirred in her sleep.
“Come on.”
When she finally opened her eyes, Kailo’s face came into view. Unlike her, still lying disheveled in bed, he was already fully dressed and composed.
“What time is it…?”
“It’s morning. There’s somewhere we need to go. Get up.”
Kailo retrieved one of the pieces of lingerie scattered across the room and helped her put it on. The delicate bra and panties barely covered her, making Amelie’s cheeks flush. She could feel the heavy, warm presence of him against her back.
“I won’t touch you right now, so don’t worry.”
Kailo von Estricen might occasionally seem like a bad man, but he wasn’t a liar. When Amelie stood up to follow him, he personally dressed her in a blouse and skirt. His gentle, attentive hands made her heart flutter, but only for a moment. She quickly steeled herself.
‘I can’t let myself waver.’
Though she had lost consciousness, her memories of last night were still intact. She had told Kailo everything—her side job, her financial struggles, and all the ways she fell short of the dignity expected of a tutor in the Ducal household. Not to mention her malicious brother.
‘I’m not exactly a catch.’
Though Kailo had been kind enough to comfort her and put her to sleep last night, she was sure he would eventually tell her they needed to part ways. She resolved not to be surprised, no matter what happened.
Amelie followed Kailo out of the mansion and into the carriage waiting outside. It was a luxurious carriage, proudly bearing the Estricen family crest. Kailo climbed in after her, taking the seat opposite hers. The ride was smooth and comfortable, a testament to its craftsmanship.
Even in parting, the Duke of Estricen was exceptional. Dressing her kindly, offering her a luxurious carriage—he even made farewells seem elegant. With such a goodbye, she thought, she could leave with grace, even if she ended up crying once she returned home.
‘If I burst into tears at home, will Nina comfort me? She’s probably busy preparing for the launch right now.’
But the carriage passed her neighborhood without stopping. Amelie, who had been gazing out the window and mentally preparing herself, asked in confusion.
“Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.”
Kailo gave her an enigmatic smile, as though asking her to look forward to it.