Chapter 2.2

Was it really such a surprising question? 

Ophelia looked at him with a puzzled expression. 

“I asked if you’re leaving.” 

“Do you want me to go?” 

“Obviously.” 

If she tried to take a big bite of this dessert, her cheeks would puff up like a chipmunk’s. 

She didn’t want him to see her eating dessert. She was also worried he might laugh at her if he saw. 

Cedric’s face hardened instantly, as if her response wasn’t to his liking. 

Had I been too cold in my reply, even though he had given me dessert? 

A pang of guilt made her throat feel tight. While she was trying to think of something to add, Cedric spoke first. 

“Fine. I’ll leave as you wish, so enjoy it.” 

“I’ll enjoy the dessert. Thanks.” 

It was a sincere expression of gratitude from the heart. Whether he noticed her feelings or not, Cedric’s expression softened quickly, and only then could Ophelia feel relieved. 

After confirming that the door was closed, Ophelia took a big bite of the dessert he had brought. She chewed carefully, moving her small mouth as she savored each bite. 

As expected from something brought from another kingdom, it had a unique flavor she had never experienced before. The refreshing scent filled her mouth, leaving a light and clean aftertaste. On top of that, the soft yet bold finish was impressive. 

Not bad at all. 

Ophelia’s eyes lit up at the rare taste. Feeling it was a shame to eat just one, she pulled out another and took another big bite, a satisfied smile spreading across her face. 

“What’s this? Turns out he has a surprisingly decent side.” 

As she continued to eat the strawberry pie, Ophelia began to ponder why Cedric had suddenly brought her dessert. 

Was he trying to act like a proper fiancé after neglecting me all this time? Did someone criticize him for his behavior? 

How should she interpret his actions? It felt too sudden and out of the blue. 

Could father have found out? 

No, if that were the case, he would have surely been furious. 

Ophelia had never told her father about Cedric’s behavior toward her. If she had, it was obvious her father would have summoned Cedric to reprimand him for not acting properly as her fiancé rather than breaking off the engagement. 

“Could it be that the Duke of Bristol noticed something first?” 

Cedric was arrogant, but he always obeyed the Duke of Bristol. Hadn’t he just mentioned that he went to the Parkon Empire on an errand for the Duke? It was possible the Duke had ordered him to bring a gift for Ophelia. 

Was he now trying to act like a proper fiancé, fearing the Duke’s watchful eye? 

Cedric’s uncharacteristic behavior left her confused. As his fiancée, she could naturally accept it, but she couldn’t. Shouldn’t he apologize first for his cold behavior up until now? 

Although she had many grievances about Cedric’s actions, eating the strawberry pie seemed to ease her resentment. 

Someone who gives delicious food couldn’t possibly be bad, right? In Ophelia’s mind, there was no such thing as a bad person who gave her tasty desserts. 

But the problem was that the person in question was Cedric. 

Even though she thought she knew Cedric well, as they were childhood friends, hadn’t he betrayed her trust before? That’s why, even if his attitude seemed friendly now, she needed to remain cautious. 

With a firm expression, Ophelia nodded to herself and recalled the day she first met Cedric. 

* * * 

The first impression Ophelia had of Cedric was… to be honest, she thought an angel had descended from heaven. 

His golden hair shimmered like waves under the sunlight, his skin was fairer and clearer than hers, and his delicate features seemed crafted by the gods. She was so stunned that she dropped the rabbit doll she had been holding. 

‘Ah, Father, an angel is approaching us!’ 

Without even realizing her doll had fallen, Ophelia pointed at Cedric and shouted. The Earl of Granville laughed heartily at her reaction.

‘That’s not an angel, my dear. That’s your fiancé.’ 

‘My fiancé?’ 

‘It seems you like him already. Be sure to get along well from now on.’ 

Feeling too shy to face him, Ophelia hid behind the Earl. 

‘Hello?’ 

‘Ah, hello.’ 

It was Cedric who greeted her first. Ophelia, unable to bring herself to look at him, returned the greeting from behind her father. And so, her first meeting with Cedric ended awkwardly. 

However, during their second meeting, they quickly became close, thanks to a change in Ophelia’s feelings. She had heard that the Duchess of Bristol had passed away shortly after giving birth to Cedric. 

Although she didn’t pity him, after learning that he had grown up without a mother’s love, Ophelia decided to try to get along with him. 

Surprisingly, they got along well and shared similar thoughts. Being around him made her feel comfortable, and they quickly grew close. 

Cedric was good at everything. Whether it was drawing, horseback riding, singing, or playing musical instruments, he excelled at anything he learned. 

On the other hand, Ophelia struggled even after learning something multiple times. It wasn’t that she lacked talent; she was simply average. But compared to Cedric, who was exceptionally gifted, her abilities seemed lacking. 

Despite the clear gap in skill, which could have made things boring, Cedric always wanted to take lessons together with Ophelia.  

She had always thought Cedric was her closest friend, and it was only natural that he became so. He helped her without complaint so that she could keep up despite her shortcomings. 

Without needing any formal invitation, Ophelia would often visit the Duke of Bristol’s estate. 

Sometimes, the three of them—Ophelia, Cedric, and the Duke of Bristol—would play chess together. The Duke often took Ophelia’s side rather than his son’s, showing how fond he was of her. 

Though she didn’t fully understand the meaning of marriage, Ophelia once thought that maintaining this kind of relationship with Cedric wouldn’t make their engagement so bad. 

But after that day, the distance between them grew. 

It wasn’t because of any special incident—it was simply because Ophelia came to realize Cedric’s true feelings. 

“Is Cedric here?” 

That day, too, Ophelia wanted to paint with Cedric. Without notifying him in advance, she packed her painting tools and visited the Bristol estate. 

“Young Master Cedric is currently speaking with a guest who arrived earlier. If you wait, I will let him know that you are here, Young Lady Granville.” 

“All right.” 

Unlike Ophelia, Cedric had many friends. 

So, whenever she visited unannounced, there were times when he was already spending time with someone else who had arrived before her. 

“The conversation should end soon. Would you like to wait here, or shall I guide you to the art studio?” 

In such cases, Ophelia would usually go to the art studio first and start painting. Once Cedric finished his business, he would join her there. 

“Guide me to the art studio.” 

“Yes, my lady.” 

The maid began walking toward the art studio, and Ophelia followed without much thought. 

But as they passed the drawing room, Ophelia suddenly stopped in her tracks. 

She had overheard a conversation, and it seemed to be about her. 

Even though she knew it was wrong to eavesdrop, she couldn’t resist the urge to listen. 

She gestured to the maid, who looked troubled, signaling her to stay quiet.  

“Shh!” 

The maid’s pupils trembled slightly, but she nodded in response. 

Holding her breath, Ophelia focused on the conversation. 

“Your fiancée seems gloomy. Are you getting along with her?” 

Gloomy? 

Just because she preferred wearing dark-colored dresses, she never thought she’d be labeled as gloomy. 

Did Cedric think I was gloomy too? 

Ophelia suddenly became curious about what Cedric thought of her. Holding her breath, she waited for his reply. 

“Well, she’s all right, I guess.” 

“With all the young ladies you could choose from, why the Granville Young Lady?” 

“Why do you care so much? It’s none of your business.” 

Cedric replied indifferently, as if he had no interest in Ophelia at all. 

“She’s your fiancée, so of course I care. From the moment you got engaged, it’s only natural that people would pay attention.” 

“I didn’t want this engagement either, so just drop it. There’s no need to take an interest in someone else’s fiancée, especially one who isn’t even attractive.” 

The moment she heard Cedric’s words, it felt as though her heart had dropped. 

Her head spun, and she was left speechless. 

She already knew it wasn’t an engagement he wanted. 

But unattractive? 

What nerve. Who said I wanted to be attractive to you? I don’t like you either! 

“What? You didn’t want this engagement either?” 

“She’s gloomy, isn’t she? Let’s stop talking about Ophelia now.” 

Eavesdropping was wrong, and pretending she hadn’t heard anything would have been the polite thing to do. 

But she couldn’t. 

Gloomy? Is that what he thought of me? 

He had always acted kind and caring in front of her, but behind her back, he thought this way? 

She never imagined Cedric, whom she considered a good friend, would think such things.