“Stop.”

The warmth of the large hand gently cupping her cheek was comforting.

Cornelia lifted her head to look at Carlisle.

“I’m not upset. I was just frustrated that I couldn’t act the way I wanted.”

“I’m the one who made you feel that way.”

He shook his head.

“You gave advice, but I was the one who accepted it and acted on it. No one can blame another for the consequences of their own choices.”

Carlisle’s gaze, fixed on Cornelia, was intense and resolute. Thanks to that, she knew his words weren’t just meant to comfort her. She also understood that his words were tied to the deep wounds of the past that still underpinned their relationship.

As he gently brushed her tear-stained cheek with his thumb, he said,

“I may be acting gentlemanly now, but you know me well. If things go wrong, I’ll flip the table—my way.”

His rough words stood in contrast to his tender touch.

A small chuckle escaped Cornelia’s lips. He always had a way of easing her guilt with such nonchalance. Because of him, the heavy air between them lightened.

“What if things escalate?”

At her soft question, Carlisle flashed a wide smile, his dimples showing.

“Even better. Negotiation is my specialty, and the bigger the stage, the more I can gain.”

With that final statement, any trace of gloom on Cornelia’s face vanished.

Carlisle wrapped her in his arms. That solid embrace, leaving no gaps, soothed her even as it declared his unyielding claim over her.

“You prepared a delightful gift.”

As his relaxed voice fell over the top of her head, Cornelia tilted her face up to look at him.

“I did?”

Her wide eyes looked genuinely innocent.

He pressed a gentle kiss to her cheek and added,

“The Elder Council’s corruption.”

“Ah.”

Cornelia’s lips curled upward. She understood what he was referring to.

“Even if the game went off track, the gift you gave was such perfect evidence that I could still steer it in our favor.”

“Did you like it?”

Cornelia asked shyly. She was dying to know how he’d felt when he received what she’d sent.

“I liked it very much.”

Thankfully, his first words were affirmative. She smiled, her lips lifting with satisfaction.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.”

Just as relief was about to settle quietly in her heart, Carlisle’s low voice followed.

“The only problem is that it was such a great gift, I almost wished I could just accept the sentiment, not the item itself.”

“Carlisle.”

She hadn’t been unprepared for a negative reaction. Still, hearing it directly hit harder than expected.

But Cornelia stayed composed and said what she had to.

“I won’t take it back.”

Her voice was firm. But so was his stance.

“Lia. While you’re with me, I want your life to be safe and peaceful.”

Carlisle said softly.

“Right now, I feel safer and more at peace than ever.”

“Lia.”

“And besides, I’m happy because you’re with me, Carlisle.”

So much so that she nearly forgot what she was originally trying to say. Cornelia’s words melted Carlisle’s heart like sweet chocolate.

“If you’re happy, then I’m happy too.”

He chuckled quietly and then spoke in a calm voice.

“But if things like this keep happening, I’ll be plagued with anxiety and fear that I might lose you each time.”

“Carlisle, that’s a bit—”

“I sincerely hope that never happens. Because if I lose you, I wouldn’t be able to go on living.”

His crimson eyes held only truth.

Quietly. Cornelia, who had been staring into his eyes, stood on tiptoe and raised her hand. Just as he had done before, She smoothed out the slightly disheveled strands of his black hair.

“Can’t you just pretend not to notice?”

“…”

“You said you’d always be on my side. The documents I sent this morning—that’s the first step in keeping that promise.”

Their eyes locked.

After a brief pause, she continued.

“I’m not as fragile as you think. If it ever gets too hard, I’ll reach out. And you’ll take my hand, won’t you? Isn’t that right?”

Cornelia’s light brown eyes sparkled with conviction.

She was certain—Even if he shook his head now, Carlisle would eventually grant her request.

That he would, reluctantly or not, nod in agreement to her words.

Carlisle didn’t respond immediately. His lips remained firmly closed, his emotions unreadable. Had they been visible, she might have understood him at a glance.

It felt like the air around them had grown thick with tension.

Just as Cornelia instinctively tightened her grip on his arm, He broke the silence.

“No. This will be the last time.”

“Carlisle…”

Cornelia’s nose crinkled, and her lips pouted.

“You said you wanted to help. That you didn’t want me to be the only one struggling through difficult times.”

When her attempt to persuade him fell short, her true emotions started to show. First among them was disappointment.

Seeing her vulnerable feelings, Carlisle let out a low laugh.

“My answer to that was this—‘Just stay by my side.’”

That side of her, shown only to him, was utterly endearing. He wanted to lean in and kiss those pouting lips, to share in her affection.

“You did say that. That’s why I’m right here in front of you now. Isn’t this enough?”

Her slightly raised voice prompted him to gently pat her hand. The steady rhythm of his warm touch slowly melted the mountain of disappointment building inside her.

“Calm down. I don’t doubt your heart. I know you did it for me.”

“Then, just this once—”

He shook his head.

“The only thing I want is your safety.”

His expression, laced with firmness, signaled that narrowing this difference in opinion wouldn’t be easy.

‘Good grief. Talking to a wall might be better than this.’

A dry laugh slipped from Cornelia’s pink lips.

On the same topic, From beginning to end, Like a stubborn child—His unwavering persistence was unfamiliar to her.

But at the same time, she didn’t dislike the fact that she was the one who had made the once-indifferent Roman emperor this way.

For now, it was her turn to take a step back. She quickly reached a conclusion and looked at Carlisle seriously.

“Then, what do I get out of it?”

“What?”

“Even between lovers, it’s only fair to clarify terms. If I have to behave and stay quiet for the sake of safety from now on, then it’s unfair if I’m the only one doing so.”

Cornelia’s slender fingers lightly tapped against his broad chest, Much like a diplomat knocking on a desk to buy time before negotiations.

With that, the mood shifted.

“So tell me. What do I get out of this deal?”

Tilting her head slightly, she met his gaze boldly and confidently. The light brown eyes that had been filled with disappointment moments earlier now sparkled mischievously with a different intent.

Cornelia’s smile deepened. Somehow, she didn’t mind the confusion spreading across his crimson eyes.

‘Now, what kind of answer will I get?’

Her heart thumped in anticipation of his response. But in an instant, the corners of her lifted lips fell.

“Carlisle?”

As he suddenly pressed his forehead and lowered his head halfway, Cornelia’s face turned anxious.

“What’s wrong? Are you sick?”

Alarmed, she grabbed his arm and asked, but Carlisle raised a hand and waved it side to side.

“…Hopeless.”

“What did you say?”

Barely audible. It sounded like a muttered thought.

“Ahh. Why couldn’t I have met you sooner?”

She had thought maybe he was unwell, But hearing that, she realized it wasn’t the case—thankfully.

Cornelia’s delicate brow furrowed.

“Carlisle. You scared me!”

“The time I spent without you feels wasted.”

Carlisle added with a groan, helping her finally understand the situation.

“I keep feeling so wronged that we only met now.”

Her eyes crinkled prettily as she smiled and teasingly asked,

“Why do you feel wronged?”

Carlisle let out a short scoff.

“Ha. You really have to ask when you know the answer?”

“Do I? Know what, exactly?”

Their eyes met. Carlisle’s red gaze narrowed slightly.

‘When did she learn to do this? Did that Popland lady teach her?’

He had thought she was a haughty, aloof golden cat. But Cornelia also had the sly charm of a cunning fox.

Carlisle took the small hand resting on his chest and pulled it into his arms. The remaining space between them vanished instantly.

Their bodies pressed together, they could now feel each other’s every breath.

“Carlisle?”

Was it his imagination, or was there a tail playfully swaying behind those innocent-looking light brown eyes?

As Carlisle paused briefly in thought, Cornelia subtly leaned her upper body away. But of course, her attempt was quickly blocked by his sharp intuition.

“I wish you’d stop already. Just how far are you planning to drive me crazy?”

“Wh-What are you talking about?”

Cornelia quickly averted her gaze from his piercing red eyes, her pupils darting around.

‘Busted… What now?’

She had only meant to tease him for a moment, but the backlash was stronger than expected.

Flustered by how the atmosphere was shifting in a rather intense direction, Cornelia slowly pulled her hand away from him.

That was when—

Ah—!

A large hand yanked her back firmly before she could escape.

Startled, she gasped sharply.

“Carlisle!”

“Are you really doing this on purpose?”

His rough breath brushed right against her face. He growled the words lowly.

“Why do you keep pulling away?”

“Well, that’s because you—”

Her response caught in her throat. Saying it honestly would just be too embarrassing.

‘Why did curiosity have to strike at that exact moment…!’

A wave of regret hit Cornelia belatedly.

As she struggled to figure out what to say, she bit down gently on her pink-tinged lips.

That tiny movement drew Carlisle’s intense gaze.

She had only been moving her lips mindlessly while trying to find the right words— But to him, who was already on edge, it was a strong provocation.

Perhaps her very existence had been a dangerous temptation to him from the start.

“Lia. I really tried to hold back.”

Carlisle’s crimson eyes gleamed like a beast facing its prey.

It was a warning sign.

Cornelia’s eyes widened.

“What do you—”

But her words were too late.

‘Carlisle…!’

The invader had no patience. Carlisle grabbed her delicate neck and devoured her crimson lips with relentless hunger.

He kissed her roughly, aggressively. She couldn’t even think straight.

The overwhelming passion, pouring down without pause, was too much for someone inexperienced with kissing to endure.

As her mind began to blur and she couldn’t hold out any longer, she pounded against his broad shoulders. Only after several tries did she manage to create a tiny gap, enough to breathe.

Gasping for air, she caught her breath as Carlisle’s crimson gaze slowly swept down her body from head to toe.

‘Ah…’

Even after all that time being locked together, The desire blazing in his eyes only seemed to grow stronger, ready to consume her whole.

It was so intense, it felt like she would melt under the heat.

Carlisle turned his head and brushed his lips along her neck and collarbone.

He couldn’t stand even a moment of separation. Slowly. Leisurely.

His lips traveled downward.