Andert, who had been listening without speaking, just blinked. Though he knew the dictionary definition of “care about,” he was dazed, unsure how to interpret Chloe’s words.

Chloe calmly gazed into the eyes of the seemingly defenseless man. And she revealed the conclusion she had reached after long deliberation.

“It’s true that the Dietrich name still makes me uncomfortable. So I don’t want to rush. I want to slowly get to know the you I didn’t know before. Although we were married, we only had the shell of being a couple, knowing almost nothing about each other. I loved you for a long time, but I didn’t see any of the important things.”

“……”

“That’s what I think. What about you?”

A gentle question was posed.

Only after some silence did Andert realize this was an opportunity Chloe was giving him. Of course, nothing was decided, and nothing could be guaranteed.

But it was enough. He had already let go of the desire to immediately return to being a couple with Chloe or to make her his wife.

“I……”

His voice, locked away for a long time, broke low.

“I will follow your wishes entirely. If you give me a chance, I would gladly want to be with you. Even if you take away that chance, I will also follow your wishes.”

It had been a time riddled with regret. He humbly confessed.

It was also an answer clearly stating that all choices regarding their relationship belonged to Chloe. Even if she promised him nothing. Just the fact that she hadn’t announced they should become complete strangers and never see each other again made his heart flutter.

With trembling eyes, he respectfully asked:

“May I come one step closer?”

Andert rose from his seat and quietly extended his right hand. He wasn’t trying to act hastily.

If permitted, he wanted to share an embrace saying he had returned safely, a greeting expressing relief that she was safe rather than himself.

But if Chloe didn’t want it, he would naturally step back. The green eyes that had been quietly watching him slowly changed direction. The next moment, a warm feeling transferred into his arms. It was a light embrace, barely touching his collar, as if concerned about his shoulder injury.

When Andert embraced her shoulder with one arm, a small whisper was heard.

“I’m glad. That you returned like this.”

At her voice, thick with moisture, he lowered his head. Resting his forehead on her slender shoulder, suppressed emotions surged.

Suddenly, small round stains appeared one by one on the light blue blouse before his eyes. His vision gradually blurred. The moment he realized he was crying, tears fell heavily.

He had never felt grateful for anything before. He had always believed that any situation was merely the result of numerous combinations.

But in this moment, he was thankful to God.

That Chloe had returned safely to Artion. That she could continue her daily life like this. And that he could meet her today.

Chloe noticed why her shoulder was becoming wet but couldn’t easily speak. She only hesitated briefly before raising her hand to gently stroke his back.

Until Andert, who had been silently shedding tears, could raise his head.

* * *

Chloe kept herself busy from early morning every day.

Several times a day, she felt tingling sensations starting from her toes, but she believed it would gradually improve. Though she wasn’t making major interior changes to the house, she started bringing in necessary items little by little.

Today, she was returning from the Royal University admissions office after finishing a consultation. Surprisingly, the admissions officer informed her that re-enrollment in the second semester of the third year was possible. With one condition, though.

“After carefully reviewing Miss Chloe Hardin’s academic records, we can restore your previous academic status. However, this is only possible if you pass the re-enrollment examination set by the admissions office.”

Back home, Chloe meticulously checked the subjects and scope of the re-enrollment exam she had received.

It was rare for re-enrollment opportunities to be given for mid-term rather than first year. Moreover, the Royal University’s re-enrollment exam was known for its extreme difficulty. Realistically, very few re-enrolled students managed to cross the university’s threshold again.

But it was a good opportunity if she could continue her studies without returning to the first year. Though worried, Chloe first wrote down the books she needed to prepare.

The first person she shared this plan with was Kate.

“Really? I absolutely approve! I was so upset when you quit school. Instead of just talking about it, let’s apply for a consultation at the admissions office right away.”

It wasn’t easy to bring up due to undeniable guilt, but Kate was genuinely happy as if it were her own news. The quick visit to the admissions office was entirely thanks to her friend.

“Don’t worry about the office work. Two employees from Bergen have come to the capital. Still, drop by occasionally. Quincy and Harper were very worried about you. Oh, and Tickelon has also returned to the Royal Library and started working. If you have time, visit his workshop too. He wanted to visit you in the hospital but couldn’t make it in the end.”

Kate shared various updates. Chloe, who had been uneasy about unfinished business, readily agreed.

Above all, she felt sorry for not being able to complete the work process with Tickelon who had trusted her. Kate patted her shoulder reassuringly.

“Don’t worry. I don’t know exactly, but Tickelon seems completely absorbed in his work, as if he received some inspiration. Plus, he said he would definitely keep his promise with you.”

Promise? At this unexpected remark, Chloe couldn’t help but tilt her head.

Looking back, she couldn’t remember making any promises with Tickelon. Ah, maybe…… When he had fallen into lethargy, he did say something the day before leaving for Bergen.

“Thank you. I will definitely meet the completion date we initially discussed, Miss Chloe. I will repay you with results that won’t disappoint.”

It wasn’t like him, but she had accepted it at the time. She hadn’t given it much thought, being preoccupied with her trip to Daloa.

Still, it was relieving to hear he was immersed in his work. Chloe decided to visit the office soon to greet her colleagues and then also visit the Royal Library.

An unexpected visitor arrived just as she was writing down the last tasks she needed to complete in her notebook. Standing at the door as the rose-colored sunset was fading was Aaron.

“Hi, Chloe. Do you have a moment?”

Chloe responded to the casual greeting with a faint smile. This was their first meeting since Aaron’s brief hospital visit.

“Sorry for dropping by unannounced.”

“No, come in, Aaron.”

Chloe guided him to the sofa as he apologized at the doorway. An awkward silence lingered while she boiled water and prepared cups.

Aaron refrained from speaking until the teacups were placed on the table and Chloe sat across from him. Though he had come with a purpose, words didn’t come easily.

He stared out the window overlooking the small garden with distant eyes. Only after some time passed did he finally speak.

“How are you feeling?”

“I’m much better, as you can see. How have you been? I guess you’re busy with the Cultural Foundation’s year-end event preparations?”

“Things should improve once the schedules set for the end of the year and beginning of the new year are completed. What about you? I heard from Kate. That you’re going to resume your studies.”

“Ah…… nothing’s decided yet since I need to pass the exam first.”

Chloe answered while awkwardly fiddling with the teacup handle. She didn’t want to say anything unnecessary since she might fail the exam spectacularly.

“You’ll do well, Chloe.”

It was a simple encouragement. When she thanked him, Aaron forced a smile.

The conversation flowed more smoothly than expected. Perhaps because it was about everyday matters.

Having asked Kate and found his way here, it was now time to speak his mind. He looked up after setting down his teacup.

“I’m planning to go abroad for a while.”

The words came as casually as their previous ordinary conversation. Chloe paused briefly before asking cautiously.

“……You’re going abroad?”

“Yes. Did I ever mention that I traveled around the continent learning about logistics before taking over the Cultural Foundation? I want to do that for a few more years. So I came to say goodbye before that.”

He wanted to be away from Artion for a while. Just a few months ago, he had imagined a happy future with Chloe. But he knew he couldn’t force that on her.

And he wanted to apologize for his mother’s actions.

“I found out belatedly. That my mother met with you. If not for a chance opportunity, I might never have known. I’m sorry, Chloe. For making you hear hurtful words. Let me formally apologize.”

Chloe shook her head at his serious apology, devoid of his usual conscious smile.

Aaron had done nothing wrong to her. If anything, she felt sorry for not being able to return his feelings.

“No, Aaron. It’s not something you should apologize for, don’t do that.”

Chloe, who had been answering calmly, suddenly stopped speaking. Could the reason for Aaron’s sudden departure abroad be…… She moved her lips with an incredulous thought.

Reading the concern in her eyes, Aaron briefly answered.