Chapter 4.1

“Have you not read them?”  

Robert, who appeared carrying thick fabric samples and a bundle of papers under his arm, asked as he glanced at the untouched stack of books.  

It had only been a few days since Violet had declared she would buy out the entire bookstore, but she had already lost interest in the erotic novels. More accurately, ever since Robert defined their relationship as something temporary that had to end someday, her mood had been downcast, and she could no longer focus on such novels.  

“What’s that?”  

“Since you haven’t been visiting the atelier lately, Mr. Weather sent over some new fabric samples. I barely managed to send him back after he insisted on showing them to you in person. Would you like to take a look?”  

Weather’s atelier was the most frequented by the noblewomen of the social circles, and among them, Violet was undoubtedly their most important patron. New lace or fabric designs were always reserved for her first. When she stopped visiting, Weather personally selected fabric and design sample books to send to her.  

Even as Robert spread the fabric samples on the table, Violet remained indifferent. There was no place she particularly wanted to go, even if she ordered a new dress. Seeing her lack of enthusiasm, Robert didn’t press further.  

“Have you taken your medicine?”  

“Mm-hmm.”  

In truth, she hadn’t, but that’s how she answered. She had no explanation if he asked why she hadn’t taken it. Even she didn’t know why she avoided it. Why didn’t she want to take the medicine?  

If the side effect of lactation disappeared, she wouldn’t need to pump milk every day, layer pads upon pads, or endure the discomfort of damp clothes.  

Then why?  

It was all because of Robert.  

What? He said we had to end everything when I got married? Acting like he would give me everything I wanted, as if he would always be by my side.  

Though he never explicitly said he would leave, Violet’s heart felt as if she had received a breakup notice. And if she married Duke Antoine, separation was inevitable.  

Could I really live without Robert?  

“That’s good to hear. Then you’ll be back to your original state before the banquet at the Duke’s residence. It just so happens that it’s in seven days.”  

“A banquet?”  

“Yes. A servant from Duke Antoine’s residence just delivered the invitation personally.”  

At the mention of Antoine, Violet’s heart sank. Robert handed her an envelope sealed with a golden emblem. As she read through its contents, her expression grew increasingly complicated.  

“You must attend this time. It’s about time you made an appearance in society. If you skip even the banquet hosted by your fiancé, Duke Antoine, baseless rumors might start circulating.”  

“Baseless rumors?”  

“Rumors that there’s a problem between the two of you, or that you have some unspeakable reason for not showing yourself, things like that.”  

“Well, the latter is true.”  

“Even if it’s true, it must never be discovered. You know this well. That’s why you’ve been cautious.”  

“If they find out I’m lactating, what’s the worst that could happen? A broken engagement?”  

Violet spoke sharply, like a child throwing a tantrum. Robert looked down at her with a tilted gaze before softening his tone.  

“Why are you so prickly today?”  

“What did I do?”  

“Should I give you a piece of chocolate?”  

“Do you think I’m a child?”  

“Oh, right. You’re a proper lady.”  

Robert’s composure and playful demeanor irritated her to no end.  

“Then should I give you something else to suck on? Would that make you feel better since you seem so upset?”  

“Robert!”  

“Or perhaps you’re just sexually frustrated.”  

Leaning in, Robert studied Violet’s face closely before poking her chest. Despite the thick layers of her dress and pads between them, he precisely touched her n*pple. By now, he knew her body thoroughly, even without seeing it bare.  

“Ah!”  

“Was what I did this morning not enough?”  

Of course, it wasn’t enough. After handing her the medication, Robert had touched nothing else and only suckled her milk. Perhaps because of that, even the slightest stimulation now made her wet between her legs. Yet she didn’t want to reveal such a biological reaction. She hated how he always remained composed while she alone grew restless.  

“I don’t need it.”  

When she coldly pushed him away, Robert backed off with a peculiar smile. Annoyed by how he teased her sensitive spots without actually satisfying her, Violet puffed her cheeks in frustration.  

“Even if you’re going to break off the engagement, you should be the one rejecting it, not getting rejected yourself. Who dares to discard the Violet Laurent?”  

“……”  

“You’ll attend the banquet, won’t you?”  

Robert kept pushing Violet toward Duke Antoine. 

Had only my attachment turned into affection? Did Robert truly feel nothing? Was it mere curiosity that drove him to bed a high-ranking noble lady? Was it all just a game to him?  

As such thoughts spiraled, sadness welled up, and her heart ached as if pierced by sharp thorns. Determined to show that she, too, could be indifferent, Violet replied with defiance.  

“I’ll go.”  

“Good decision. I’ll inform Duke Antoine’s residence. Since you’ll likely dance at the banquet, shall I summon Miss Melanie?”  

Melanie had been Violet’s dance instructor since childhood. Her teaching was so exceptional that when Violet debuted in society and danced for the first time, she captivated everyone’s attention. However, Violet didn’t feel like going through the trouble of preparing just to dance with Duke Antoine.  

Not long ago, she had wished for her br*asts to grow to impress him. How much things had changed. Duke Antoine no longer occupied her thoughts.  

“There’s no need. I still remember how to dance.”  

“Are you sure you won’t need practice?”  

“I’ll practice.”  

“Then you’ll need a partner.”  

“You can do it, Robert.”  

The thought came to her suddenly. She had been carried on his broad back, held in his arms, and engaged in many secret, intimate acts, but she had never danced with him face-to-face.  

Violet had practiced countless times with Miss Melanie to prepare for the social season and find a suitable husband. She had danced with many gentlemen, but now, the person she wanted as her partner wasn’t some nobleman of high status. It was Robert, who had always silently supported her.  

“I should?”  

“Yes.”  

“Shall I, then?”  

After a moment of deliberation, Robert agreed. His smile, radiant and elegant, was so dazzling it melted away Violet’s irritation.  

How could someone smile so alluringly? 

Just looking at him made her heart ache. With Robert filling her so completely, her fluttering feelings turned into a dull pain.  

Gazing into his deep, kind hazel eyes, Violet stood up.  

“Even for practice, I should dress appropriately.”  

She chose the most extravagant dress she owned. Though Robert remained in his butler’s uniform, he exuded more dignity than any gentleman, more nobility than any aristocrat. Truly, a good face completed the look.  

“Shall we begin?”  

There was no grand music, no spacious hall, no dazzling chandelier, and no applause from the audience. Yet, the two placed their hands on each other’s shoulders and waists, moving slowly in time with one another.  

Robert was more graceful and rhythmic than Violet had expected. In the parts where the man was supposed to lead, he guided her with precision and impeccable posture, neither excessive nor lacking. Even his dancing was quintessentially Robert.  

“Your skills haven’t rusted at all.”  

“Of course not.”  

“You’re stunning, My Lady. Absolutely dazzling.”  

As they moved closer and farther apart, spinning gracefully, sunlight poured down upon them. Every time their bodies touched, her heart pounded so loudly it felt like it might burst.  

Though she wasn’t feverish, her body temperature rose. Without needing to touch her cheeks, she could feel how hot they had become. Even the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood on end. The two held each other’s gaze longer than they ever had before.  

His deep gaze seemed to pierce through her entire being. Although not much time had passed, when she glanced outside, the sun was already setting. She hesitated deliberately, reluctant to let go of his hand.  

“Any gentleman who dances with you would surely fall for you.”  

Robert?  

Violet looked up at him with eyes full of fervor. She didn’t care whether other men fell for her or not. What mattered was his feelings. 

Was his heart racing as painfully fast as mine? Was his mind filled entirely with thoughts of me?  

“Duke Antoine must also be utterly smitten with you, unable to think straight.”  

Her elated heart sank in an instant. Already short of breath from the dance, Violet leaned back against a chair. Robert, never sparing his compliments, poured her a cup of tea.  

As she sipped, only one thought crossed her mind: she wished to forgo the banquet entirely and spend time alone with Robert like this at home.  

“As you said, there’s no need to summon Miss Melanie. Even though you’ve stayed in the manor for so long, you’re still as graceful as ever. The nickname ‘White Butterfly’ wasn’t given to you for nothing. You’ll undoubtedly shine the brightest.”  

“……”  

“After the banquet, perhaps you should take a vacation. Summer won’t last much longer.”  

That wasn’t what Violet wanted to hear. A vacation was the least of her concerns.  

Her beautiful face clouded over with gloom.