Chapter 28

It was no secret to anyone in the Edward family that Hugo had moved to the capital because he couldn’t forget his ex-wife, Catherine.

Moreover, Roek knew a bit more. He knew that Hugo tossed and turned at night, longing for Catherine.

That’s why Roek had been in favor of Hugo’s decision to move.

He preferred Hugo to cling to Catherine and find peace of mind, even if it was messy, rather than wither away.

However, despite the move and the passage of time, Hugo’s sleeping situation hadn’t improved.

He still tossed and turned until dawn, and some nights he stayed awake entirely.

On the rare nights he slept well, it was always after he had seen Catherine.

Roek sincerely hoped that Hugo would confess his feelings soon and bring Catherine back as the Duchess.

But his master had no such intention.

Why on earth not!

“Your Grace, there’s nothing shameful about courting a lady.”

“Roek, do you think I’m not confessing because I’m embarrassed?”

“It is a gentleman’s duty to express his feelings to the lady he has in mind.”

“If you’re going to talk about the hundred etiquettes of a gentleman, you might as well stop, Roek. What I learned in my childhood is enough.”

“Confess to Lady Catherine, Your Grace.”

Roek’s family had served the Edward family for generations, and Hugo was like a son to him.

Roek was the only one in the Edward family who could give Hugo such direct advice.

Hugo’s eyes darkened at Roek’s straightforward words.

“Roek.”

Hugo called Roek to stop him. He confirmed that there was no one around except John and Roek before continuing.

“I want Catherine to choose me herself.”

“That’s only natural.”

“If I confess first, that natural thing won’t be natural anymore.”

“Your Grace, is it because I’m old? I can’t understand your words.”

“Catherine is kind, Roek. If she hears my confession, she’ll waver easily. Even now, look at her. You can tell by how she’s being dragged around by me because she feels guilty for asking for a divorce. I don’t want to turn my feelings into her debt.”

Roek didn’t agree with Hugo’s words.

Did Catherine, who had declared divorce without considering Hugo’s circumstances, feel sorry and be dragged along because of his confession?

But since Hugo saw it that way, there was no point in arguing further. Roek offered another reason instead.

“You must return before winter. You don’t plan to stay in the capital forever, do you?”

As Roek said, Hugo didn’t have much time.

And now was the right time to sway Catherine. Although it was unfortunate for Catherine, the situation was favorable for Hugo.

Nevertheless, Hugo said,

“I intend to wait for her to confess to me first. And I’ll do my best for that.”

He would open his body and heart wide and do his best to seduce her.

“Shall we go meet Catherine then?”

Hugo ended the conversation.

***

Hugo Edward.

What kind of man was he?

He was a man for whom the word “handsome” wasn’t enough. God was truly unfair.

Today, Catherine, looking at the even more radiant Hugo, criticized God’s favoritism.

“Catherine, you are beautiful today as well.”

But the man who was so loved by God lamented the unfairness of life while looking at Catherine.

To a third party, both of them were just enviable, a perfect couple.

“It’s the first time a compliment sounds like teasing, Your Grace.”

Hugo smiled and lightly kissed the back of her hand at Catherine’s words.

The residents of Catherine House, watching, gaped.

Hugo and Catherine were a perfectly matched pair to anyone who saw them.

The residents of Catherine House were filled with hope that they too could find a partner who would look perfect standing next to them.

“By the way, it’s your first formal introduction, right? These are the young ladies who will be accompanying me to the banquets this year.”

Brooke, Riena, and Lillie greeted him one by one.

“I’ve heard a lot about you. Catherine spoke very highly of Miss Brooke and Miss Riena.”

Hugo greeted Brooke and Riena, leaving out Lillie, whom he already knew.

“Is Sir Brian not coming?”

Anyway, Lillie wasn’t interested in Hugo. She asked.

“Brian decided to come directly to the venue.”

“It would have been nice if Sir Brian had come with us.”

Catherine poked Lillie’s waist as she expressed her disappointment.

Brian was a shy person.

Brian and Hugo were similar in their stubbornness but had completely different personalities in almost every other aspect.

Hugo, with his indifferent attitude towards both likes and dislikes, had remained expressionless when Lillie used to chase after him, but Brian would have hidden himself.

If Lillie didn’t want to play hide and seek all social season, she should heed Catherine’s signal to stop, but she didn’t notice.

Catherine had no choice but to speak directly to Lillie.

“Lillie, it’s best to be satisfied with just greeting Brian today.”

“Catherine, please help me at least dance with him.”

While Catherine and Lillie whispered, Hugo fulfilled his duty as a gentleman.

Hugo, who had escorted Riena and Brooke to the carriage, approached Catherine.

“Let me help you.”

Having overheard Catherine and Lillie’s conversation, Hugo said. Lillie’s face brightened noticeably.

“In return, Lady Lillie, would you help ensure that Catherine and I can dance together?”

Hugo asked Lillie. Catherine was dumbfounded that he would conspire with Lillie right next to her.

“Hugo, why don’t you ask me directly instead?”

“I thought you’d use the excuse of being busy to avoid it.”

“We’ll see.”

Catherine wasn’t pleased with Hugo talking to Lillie for long.

Although Lillie had clearly stated her interest in Brian, the past grudges hadn’t entirely disappeared.

‘Even if it makes me seem petty, I can’t help it.’

Catherine answered haughtily and turned her body. Hugo followed her.

“Aren’t you going to escort Lillie?”

“Do you mean to say I should escort someone else when my fiancée is going alone?”

“What? Fiancée? Are you going to get engaged to me?”

“Hmm, well.”

Seeing Catherine’s delighted reaction, Hugo quickly changed his words. Catherine glanced at Hugo and brought up another topic.

“The carriage is right in front of us.”

It was a way of saying there was no need for him to escort her.

“The same goes for Lady Lillie.”

Hugo’s firm stance improved Catherine’s mood.

Catherine composed herself and extended her hand to Hugo.

“Are you planning to accept my proposal, Duke?”

“No man who receives a proposal from you could refuse.”

It was a pleasing statement. It also reassured Catherine.

‘I can repay Charlie’s money and help the residents of Catherine House more securely.’

This time, Catherine didn’t hide her smile.

Catherine took Hugo’s hand and got into the carriage.

Hugo followed her into the carriage and closed the door. As he tapped the door, the carriage started moving smoothly.

“Let’s finalize our contract before we arrive at the banquet.”

Hugo leaned forward as if planning a secret operation.

He gestured for Catherine to come closer, acting as if he were conducting a grand espionage mission.

When Catherine narrowed her eyes and looked at him, Hugo chuckled.

“Aren’t we supposed to keep our contract a secret?”

“Yes, but it’s just the two of us here.”

“Catherine, I am a Duke. You never know where information might leak. And this carriage hasn’t been inspected yet.”

“Inspected for what?”

“For magical eavesdropping devices. Haven’t you heard? The Minister of Justice had an affair in a carriage, and it was recorded by a magical eavesdropping device, causing a scandal.”

The forms of magic that mages could implement were decreasing, while new inventions combining magic and science were infiltrating human society.

Magical eavesdropping devices were one of them.

The people who used magical eavesdropping devices the most were gossip magazine reporters.

And now, Hugo was one of the people those reporters had their eyes on.

Realizing Hugo’s elevated status, Catherine leaned forward.

They were so close that their breaths mingled.

For a moment, Hugo thought it was too close, but he didn’t back away.

Examining every fine hair on Catherine’s face, he slowly opened his lips.

“Catherine, I will accept all the conditions you proposed. I will actively play the role of your fiancé and restore all your legal standings.”

“Thank you, Hugo.”

Maybe it was because they were so close.

Feeling like she might get lost in his eyes, Catherine lowered her gaze.

“Catherine, I have something to add as well.”

“Hugo, you can add anything you want. Tell me, Hugo.”

“Does doing my best include things like this?”

Hugo reached out. His fingertips lightly brushed Catherine’s earlobe.

The brief touch sent a shiver down Catherine’s spine.

Catherine, placing her hand where Hugo’s had been, hastily backed away and looked at him.

Her large eyes trembled violently.