Chapter 73

“So… You are Madame Deborah Sohare, correct?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

At her response, the hotelier smiled warmly.

“Alright, it’s confirmed.”

The hotelier handed her ID back to her.

The fake ID, made with a bribe, didn’t take long to create. Originally, it was supposed to take three days, but Costance slipped some money into the man’s back pocket and gave him a one-day deadline.

In reality, it took less than a day to complete the ID. By the time they had lunch at a restaurant and strolled through the park, the ID was ready. Costance paid the man extra and headed straight to the hotel.

The four-star hotel was popular among couples. Being a Friday night, there were many other couples and lovers checking into the hotel alongside them.

“If you have any luggage, please hand it over to the bellman along with the key.”

“Thank you. Let’s go, Madame.”

Costance, who had received the room key from the hotelier, placed his hand on her shoulder. The gestures, which had once felt unfamiliar, now came as naturally as if they had been doing them every day.

Their assigned room was on the 9th floor, featuring a king-sized bed.

When the bellman opened the door, they were greeted by the sight of roses and a box of handmade cookies inside the room.

“How is your back now?”

As soon as the bellman left, Costance asked.

“Are you really that worried?”

“Of course.”

He insisted on giving her a massage and told her to change into something comfortable. Taking the kennel from her hands, he gently pushed her into the bathroom.

Inside the bathroom was a new pajama gown. She took off the clothes she had been wearing all day, folded them neatly, and wrapped the gown over her undergarments.

“Costance?”

When she stepped out of the bathroom, Costance was staring intently out the window. Irini, who had emerged from the kennel, was already fast asleep on the soft bed.

“With this high-rise city view, you can see the entire village.”

Just as Costance said, the village streets were visible at a glance. Even if the agency’s people suddenly raided the village, they could easily track their movements.

“Do you think the agency’s people will come here?”

Though it wasn’t a big village, it had facilities like a police station and offices. Most notably, the presence of a casino nearby meant there were several large hotels in the area. She looked at the brightly glowing neon signs in the distance.

“That must be the casino, right?”

Costance nodded.

“There’s only one route to the casino. Anyone suspicious lingering in the area would immediately draw attention.”

“Are you saying they could also be agency people?”

She pointed at a couple kissing at the hotel entrance.

“Possibly, but not them.”

“How can you be so sure?”

“The agency knows me, and I know them. To catch me, they’d deploy new black agents to the field. They’re all rigorously trained, but they’re newcomers.”

“……”

“Whether they pretend to be lovers, a married couple, or act alone, their intentions are transparent. You’ll likely notice it too, Madame.”

Indeed, the couple she had pointed at seemed like genuine lovers. Their gestures and actions toward each other made it evident.

“Wouldn’t we look awkward and suspicious to the agency’s people?”

“Why do you think that?”

Costance turned his gaze to her. In the dimly lit hotel room, the neon lights from outside faintly illuminated his face.

A soft glow spread across Costance’s features, yet his eyes shone brighter and softer than usual.

“Because we’re not a real couple.”

Costance gently grasped her lower lip.

“My love for you is real.”

“……”

Costance locked eyes with her.

“I’m so utterly obsessed with you that I’ve lost all sense of reason. Who could possibly think I’m acting?”

Costance spoke with sincerity. Naturally, she couldn’t offer him any response.

***

After receiving a massage from Costance, they visited a large supermarket next to the hotel. Initially, Costance had insisted on going alone, but he changed his mind and brought her along. From the moment they exited the hotel elevator to the walk toward the supermarket, Costance never let go of her hand.

The only time their hands parted was when they checked out their items.

“Hello, Miss.”

A stranger’s voice came from the side.

Turning her head, she saw a man wearing a uniform with the supermarket’s logo, smiling amicably.

“Are you looking for hair dye?”

“…Ah, yes.”

She glanced at the hair dye section in front of her.

“Are you looking for a specific color, Miss?”

“I’m not sure.”

As she answered, she tugged her cloche hat down slightly. However, the man scrutinized her hair, seemingly gauging which color would suit her best.

“You’re so beautiful that any color would look great on you. Why don’t you try one of these? These products are trendy these days.”

The man pointed to a bright silver color. Her gaze naturally lingered on the silver dye.

“Madame.”

Huh?

“Here you are.”

Costance wrapped an arm around her waist and shot a sharp look at the man beside her. Intimidated by Costance’s imposing aura, the man refrained from recommending any more colors and quietly walked away.

“Don’t be alone. It worries me.”

Costance whispered into her ear.

“What color do you think would suit me?”

“Color?”

Only then did Costance glance at the hair dye products in front of them. Without answering, he carefully examined the colors.

“Hmm… I think they’d all suit you. What color did that salesman recommend?”

“Silver.”

“Then let’s rule out silver.”

Costance deliberately turned the silver hair dye box around.

“That’s my natural color.”

“As if I wouldn’t know that.”

He replied with a pout.

It seemed he was still sulking because she had wandered off to the hair dye section, leaving him alone at the checkout counter.

Costance briefly considered the black dye, then stared at her for a while. Next, he looked at the dark brown dye, then gazed at her again.

“How about black?”

“Black?”

“Yes, I think it would suit you.”

Once Costance suggested black, no other color caught her attention. She boldly picked up the black dye.

After finishing their shopping, they stepped outside and noticed the sky had grown dim. The streetlights along the road flickered on one by one.

“It’s already dark.”

Costance didn’t respond. His stiff expression made it clear he was still upset. She wondered what she could say to lighten his mood, but her thoughts were interrupted when he grabbed her hand and pulled her along.

“Ah!”

Costance took the bags from her hands and continued walking. Before long, he glanced around and abruptly pulled her into a narrow alley.

“Wait, wait a minute!”

The place he led her to was a cramped alley.

Nearby, a ventilation fan hummed noisily. Empty oil drums were scattered around, and the faint smell of oil lingered in the air.

“What’s going on?”

Could it be… Were agency people nearby?

She scanned the area but didn’t spot anyone suspicious.

“What on earth…”

Costance was looking down at her.

He let out a small sigh and rested his forehead on her shoulder. His sagging body felt unbearably heavy.

“Are you okay? Are you hurt?”

“Madame.”

“Yes.”

She immediately answered. The unease Costance felt was palpable to her.

How could I alleviate his anxiety? 

She gently grasped his arm before wrapping her arms around his waist.

“Haah.”

Costance flinched and exhaled a trembling breath.

Every time his warm breath touched her, a shiver ran down her spine. Costance didn’t pull away; instead, he lifted his head slightly and lightly bit her shoulder.

“Don’t be alone with another man.”

Costance buried his head in her neck. The scent of his shampoo overpowered the lingering smell of oil. He clung to her as if he had no intention of letting go.

“If you’re ever alone with another man again, I’ll kiss you.”

This wasn’t mere childish jealousy.

Accidents happen without warning. If the salesman had been an agency operative, she would’ve been captured without resistance.

In that case, she and Costance wouldn’t even have had the chance to say goodbye before being separated forever. Costance was worried about her disappearing in an instant. He was terrified of a permanent farewell.

“…I’m sorry.”

“Yes, it’s your fault.”

The moment he lifted his head, he immediately sought her lips.

The kiss began without warning, pressing her back against the wall.

Costance didn’t miss the opportunity, gently holding the nape of her neck as he kissed her deeply. Their mingling breaths created a sensual sound.

“Mm.”

Her strength slowly drained. Costance slid his thigh between her legs.

With their bodies completely pressed together, there was no escape. His warm breath filled the small space between them, pulling her closer.

She exhaled shakily and quietly looked up at Costance.

“Madame.”

The tension in Costance’s jaw was evident in her view. He cupped her cheek with the hand that had been holding her neck.

Both of them were flushed with excitement. 

Damn it. 

As soon as their lips parted, Costance growled.

Perhaps it was the oil nearby, but the parts of her body touching Costance felt sticky and slippery. It was almost unbearable.