Chapter 11.4

Lucas had worried earlier about Wendy finding out about their financial troubles, and now she was asking about the business. It was already hard enough with the financial strain, and he was trying to handle everything so she wouldn’t have to worry.

Those Avons were truly tiresome.

“Brother, this house is our home.”

“Of course, it’s our home. Don’t worry. Your brother isn’t that incompetent.”

Jayden tried to joke lightly, seeing Wendy so serious, but it didn’t work. He had a bad feeling about what Wendy might say next.

“There’s an easy way.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“I’ll get married.”

“What?”

“They said they’d help if I marry into the Count Avon’s Household.”

Honestly, Jayden had anticipated Wendy might react this way if she found out.

But suggesting marriage to Kevin Avon, whom she should detest, was unacceptable. Moreover, the most surprising thing was Wendy’s calm demeanor while expressing such a bombshell decision.

“Send a letter accepting, Brother.”

“No. I’m going to refuse. I just haven’t had time to send the reply, but I’ve already written it.”

Refusing was obvious, and it was so devoid of importance or value that it slipped down Jayden’s priority list. If Lucas hadn’t reminded him today, he might have continued to forget the rejection letter buried under the pile of documents.

“Brother.”

“I can’t let you ruin your life just because things are tough now.”

“Even if I want it?”

“Wendy.”

Jayden frowned deeply, but Wendy quietly smiled.

However, Jayden found that smile too painful. It seemed beyond calmness to resignation. Moreover, he felt pathetic for having driven Wendy to such a decision.

“I love this house. It holds all of Father’s life. And you must feel the same.”

“I know. I will definitely protect it. So don’t worry unnecessarily…”

“I think you will too. But let me play my role as a member of this household.”

Surprisingly, Wendy was firm.

She had thought and pondered for about a week. But the conclusion remained the same. Her remaining family was precious to Wendy, and so was this house.

Jayden knew that he would eventually overcome the current difficulties. But what if the mansion ended up in the hands of the bank or someone else? Recovering it would be complicated.

Wendy couldn’t imagine how her mother, already overwhelmed by the loss of her husband, would endure another shock.

“In return, take good care of it from now on. If it gets too hard, and there’s a time when I can’t endure, I’ll come to this house for comfort.”

“Why go when you know it’ll be hard?”

“They say marriage life can’t always be good. Mother once had a big fight with Father and ran away.”

That’s how everyone lives.

Though she had started off on the wrong foot with Kevin, Wendy believed that with effort, things could change. The cold gaze of Countess Avon was concerning, but Wendy thought that sincerity could change Kevin and the Avon household. Though she wasn’t sure how much effort that would require.

“So do it, Brother.”

“Wendy, you…”

When did she grow up so much, really? Why did she suddenly mature? At times like this, couldn’t she just remain an innocent, carefree sister? It would’ve been better if she had thrown a tantrum.

Various thoughts tormented Jayden.

“Do you still have a lot of work left?”

“Oh, a bit.”

“Finish quickly and get some sleep. You look tired.”

“You too.”

“I’m going to sleep now, so don’t worry.”

Wendy smiled. Though she hadn’t received a definite answer from Jayden, she felt she had strongly expressed her opinion. Jayden wouldn’t want to end up homeless either.

Everyone in the Rosewood Earl’s household opposed the marriage, but for Wendy, it was everything she could do. It was the best way to protect her father’s legacy and her mother and Jayden.

So Wendy thought she could endure a bit of unhappiness, or rather, she must.

***

“It’s been a while, Miss Wendy.”

Someone spoke to Wendy. She turned to see Kevin Avon, whose voice seemed familiar.

He was in a carriage, lowering the window to greet Wendy.

“Lord Kevin Avon.”

“I didn’t expect to meet here. I heard you rarely go out.”

“Yes, I had some errands.”

Memories from almost a year ago made Wendy hesitate.

But she couldn’t afford that. She was seriously considering marrying him, so showing any reluctance was not good. Wendy forced herself to smile naturally.

“I’m out buying medicine for Mother.”

“You could have sent a maid. You still have a good relationship with your mother. By the way, is the Countess well?”

“Oh, yes. She’s much better.”

“I see, that’s fortunate. Miss Wendy, could we talk for a moment?”

Kevin was surprisingly gentle and polite, unlike his past rude behavior. Perhaps he was also trying for a harmonious future.

Wendy thought it was a relief, though deep down, her wariness towards him hadn’t faded.

“It’s just a moment. I don’t want to be rude, so please don’t refuse my request.”

“Oh.”

“Get in. Being aloof won’t help our relationship in the future.”

“……”

“If we respect each other, there won’t be any incidents like last time. I promise.”

Though reluctant, Wendy couldn’t refuse his request.

She couldn’t make him cancel the proposal, and she might marry him, so avoiding him was not an option. Reluctantly, Wendy accepted his escort and got into the carriage.

Fortunately, he maintained a certain distance from Wendy inside the carriage.

“Have you been well? Oh, it’s inappropriate to ask since the Earl passed away.”

“It’s been chaotic.”

“You don’t look well. Given the situation at the Rosewood Earl’s household, it’s understandable.”

“Oh, yes… How have you been, Lord Kevin?”

“Not well. My right hand is wrecked and unusable.”

He showed his right hand. His faint smile was somehow chilling, but Wendy tried not to show it.

“Oh. Um. That must have been hard.”

“Well, yes.”

Then an uncomfortable silence ensued. Kevin didn’t speak further, and Wendy, having brought up the topic of his right hand, had nothing to say.

Eventually, the carriage arrived somewhere. It was a small building located in a quiet residential area away from the city center. It didn’t seem residential and was a four-story brick building, with the shop on the first floor empty as if it had closed.

It felt eerie. Wendy was scared but steeled herself. If she upset Kevin and made him cancel the proposal, Jayden would struggle even more.

“Come in.Let’s talk openly in a quiet place.”

“Oh, yes.”

Following Kevin, Wendy went up to the second floor. The first floor was empty, leaving a poor first impression, but the second floor was neatly organized. It was furnished as if someone lived there, with simple household items. Moreover, everything was of high quality.

Kevin seated Wendy at a table and personally made tea.

“What is this place?”

“Just a play area. I spend time here when I have nothing to do.”

“I see.”

“No one knows about it. As you saw, the first floor is empty, so it looks like an abandoned building.”

Suddenly, Wendy’s instincts warned her, sending chills down her spine. She unconsciously rubbed her arms, adjusting her sitting position towards the door to flee if necessary.

“You said you wanted to talk openly? I brought you here because I’m curious about something.”

“What is it? What do you want to ask?”

“Did you enjoy it? Being with the Duke Devon.”

“Lord Kevin!”

It was an incredibly rude question. He even dropped his honorifics.

Though Wendy raised her voice, Kevin chuckled indifferently. His smile was starkly different from the polite and gentle one he had shown earlier, making Wendy flinch involuntarily.

“I have some friends in the capital, so I checked. Isn’t it unfair? I can’t use my right hand anymore.”

“That’s because of you, Lord Kevin…!”

“Well, what’s done is done. Thinking differently, maybe it’s better. Rather than being naive and ignorant, a wife who pleases her husband might be more cherished.”

“……”

“We both acted recklessly, so let’s call it even.”

Kevin shrugged.

Though it was regrettable she wasn’t a v*rgin, it wasn’t bad. If the Duke Devon was involved, it didn’t hurt his pride. He felt secretly pleased to have what the Duke didn’t. Whether the seemingly innocent lady was dumped or left, he didn’t know.

“So let’s not pretend, Miss Wendy Rosewood. Trying out before marriage might not be bad. What do you think?”

“You’re truly rude. I’m leaving.”

As Wendy stood, Kevin grabbed her arm and pulled her forcefully. Facing his fierce and vile eyes, past memories resurfaced, making her feel frozen and then tremble slightly.

She was scared. But this wasn’t the Devon ducal residence. There was no one to help now.

“Accept it willingly. You’ll spread your legs for me eventually. It’s just a matter of now or after marriage.”

“Lord, please.”

“Or do you want the proposal canceled? Do you want to end up on the streets with the bankrupt, ill Countess? You might end up with an even worse husband. For instance, one who’s old but insanely rich?”

In the end, the household was already ruined, so wasn’t this better?