My Ex-Husband is My Neighbor - Chapter 10
Chapter 10
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Hugo emphasized the word โfriendโ deliberately.
With the conviction and belief that the relationship between the two will never change in the future.
In a strictly hierarchical society, there was a clear difference between men with titles and those without, akin to the difference between adults and children.
Even aside from titles, the gap between Hugo and Paul was significant.
Hugo, though owning a small estate, managed it himself and fought through the Empireโs harsh wars.
While Paul, born to a wealthy family, traveled under the comfortable protection of his parents.
In Hugoโs eyes, Paul was a child, and in Paulโs eyes, Hugo was a dullard.
โIโll receive it someday. Itโs better to call me by my future title than to change it later. Nice to meet you, Viscount.โ
The tension between the two men continued over their clasped hands.
Hugoโs grip tightened. Paul, who had been enduring calmly, furrowed his brow.
โCatherine, where are you headed?โ
Paul, unable to admit his hand hurt, turned to Catherine.
He twisted his body, forcing Hugo to release his hand.
โIโm just out for a walk.โ
Paul shook his hand subtly and spoke.
โI was thinking of having a cup of tea at your house. Itโs been a while since we met. Oh, has it been even longer since you two met? How long has it been?โ
Paul looked at Hugo with a sly smile. Hugo pressed his lips tightly.
โPaul, didnโt you say you wanted some tea?โ
Catherine noticed that Hugo and Paul didnโt seem to like each other.
โIndeed. Will you give me some tea? The tea I had at your house three months ago was really good.โ
Catherine tilted her head.
Three months ago, during tea time with Paul, he had pestered her to get some good tea.
Paul, having traveled the world on gourmet trips, had a discerning palate.
โLetโs go to my house.โ
Before Catherine could recall, Hugo spoke.
โYour house?โ
Catherine asked in surprise. Hugo smiled at her.
โThink of it as a casual visit before a formal invitation, Catherine.โ
โPardon?โ
โConsider it an appetizer.โ
Comparing a house invitation to a full course meal, and mentioning a formal invitation, felt strange.
But instead of pointing out Hugoโs analogy, Catherine looked at Paul.
They couldnโt keep talking in the street, and going to her house felt wrong since she had just turned Hugo away.
So, hoping for a refusal, Catherine gave the choice to Paul.
โWhat do you want to do?โ
โThat sounds good. Where is your house?โ
Catherine had forgotten.
Paul was someone with a very strong curiosity and desire to explore.
And he loved making new acquaintances more than anyone.
โPaul, arenโt you busy?โ
โWhat are you talking about? I said I was on my way to have tea at your house.โ
โThatโs right. But what should I do? I have work to do.โ
When Catherine spoke with a frown, Hugo replied immediately.
โWhat do you mean? You were just out for a walk without a destination.โ
โI meant to take a very short walk, Hugo.โ
โTea can be short too. Heโs your friend, are you going to leave him with me?โ
Catherine looked at Hugo, who was questioning her, with incomprehension.
โWhy did you invite him then, when heโs my friend?โ
โYou should come along since heโs your friend.โ
โYes, Catherine. Letโs go together.โ
Earlier, they didnโt seem to like each other, but now they were teaming up to pressure Catherine.
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Catherine felt tricked by Hugo and Paul.
While Catherine was hesitating, unable to decide, her eyes darting around.
โCatherine!โ
With a bright and cheerful voice, someone hugged her tightly.
Catherineโs body swayed greatly. But she didnโt fall awkwardly because two men grabbed her arms on either side to support her.
โOh my, Viscount Edward? And who is this?โ
Lillie asked, confirming the faces of the three.
โIโm Paul Enderick.โ
โOh, Mr. Paul. Nice to meet you. Iโm Lillie France.โ
Lillie nodded her head slightly to the side. Then her gaze fell on Catherineโs arms.
โAre you two practicing walking with Catherine?โ
โNo.โ
Catherine answered irritably, shaking her arms. The hands that had held her arms tightly let go.
โMiss Lillie.โ
Hugo called Lillie sternly. Lillieโs eyes widened.
โHugging someone from behind can be dangerous. Catherine almost got seriously hurt just now.โ
Hugoโs voice was low, but his tone carried a hint of anger. Lillie stepped back, retreating.
โIโll be careful from now on.โ
She replied in a small voice and hid behind Catherine.
โSo, what are you three doing here?โ
Catherine, who had been momentarily subdued by Hugoโs presence, spoke up.
โWe were on our way to have tea.โ
Paul replied.
โOh, really? Thatโs great. I was just wanting some tea myself. Can I join you?โ
Lillie looked at Hugo. Hugo looked at Catherine.
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Since Lillie appeared, Catherineโs expression hadnโt been good.
โCatherine, is that alright?โ
Hugo asked very cautiously. At his question, Catherineโs eyes focused sharply.
โOh… Itโs fine. Letโs all go together.โ
Seeing her lifeless appearance, Hugo stared intently at Lillie.
His cold gaze, as if looking at an unwelcome guest, made Lillie shrink like a turtle, but she didnโt say she wouldnโt go.
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โMiss Lillie, youโre staying at Catherineโs mansion?โ
Although Hugo had extended the invitation, Paul led the conversation.
Hugo wasnโt talkative by nature, and Catherine wasnโt in good condition.
Having invited the guests, Hugo was solely focused on Catherine, leaving Paul to interact with Lillie.
โYes. I live at Catherine House. But I didnโt know the Viscountโs mansion was right next door.โ
Lillie blushed as she spoke.
Seeing Lillieโs ears turn red, Catherineโs hands trembled slightly.
โI guess weโll see each other often at parties. May I ask you to dance then?โ
Paulโs words were merely courteous. But Lillie twisted her body and replied.
โI have someone I want to dance with separately.โ
At that moment, Catherine put her teacup down with a look of something boiling inside her.
โEven though weโre divorced, heโs still your friendโs ex-husband!โ
If Lillie thought of Catherine as a friend, she should hide her feelings for Hugo in front of her!
It wasnโt that Catherine still had feelings for Hugo that made her upset.
โItโs a matter of manners!โ
Catherine couldnโt stand it any longer.
โLillie.โ
Her voice calling Lillie was unusual. Everyoneโs eyes turned to Catherine.
โHugo doesnโt know how to dance.โ
โOh, Catherine, I’ve learned.โ
Hugo quickly added. Catherineโs brow furrowed.
โHugo wonโt have time to dance.โ
He would be busy finding a woman to match with Brian.ย
Of course, only Catherine thought so.
But Catherine said Hugo would be busy.
โNo, Catherine. I can dance.โ
Catherine glared at Hugo.
โWhat does he keep saying he can do? Does he intend to dance with Lillie right in front of me?โ
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Though Lillieโs interference in their married life was a thing of the past, it left a painful memory for Catherine.
Even if she were criticized for being narrow-minded, she couldnโt bear to see Lillie and Hugo being affectionate in front of her.
Hugo, oblivious to her feelings, acted as if he was desperate to dance.
โCatherine, why do you keep talking about the Viscount?โ
Lillie interjected cluelessly.
โWhy? Did you forget what you said to me yesterday?โ
Catherine retorted.
After declaring you would marry Edward!
โNo way, Catherine?โ
Lillieโs expression twisted bizarrely.
With a face that was neither crying nor laughing, she opened and closed her mouth.
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