Chapter 14

“This is just protection. That guy is strange.”

Theo remembered Calvin at the alley entrance. Calvin had clung desperately to Rosie, but when she turned away, his gaze changed in an instant. When Theo met his eyes, Calvin quickly looked down, but the feeling was bad.

“Keep watching him. If Rosie gets even a scratch, they won’t get away with it.”

Theo closed the file and stood.

“No, I understand. I get it, but when? When did it happen?”

Leaving Ruth stomping behind, Theo left the office.

* * *

Count Keplan was famous as a scholar. Publishing various humanities books, the old man’s only hobby was hosting parties.

The parties Count Keplan spent months planning had become must-attend events for the nobility.

“What will he do this time? I’m really curious.”

Mia said excitedly, pinning a butterfly clip in Rosie’s hair.

“I don’t know. The theme is flowers and butterflies, so it’ll probably be bright.”

Rosie answered indifferently. Whether it was Count Keplan’s party or not, meeting Calvin again after they parted ways was uncomfortable.

After they parted ways, she hadn’t heard from him at all.

‘Ah, what should I say when I see him?’

It was bound to be awkward. Rosie sighed so deeply it felt like the ground would swallow her. She really hated awkward situations.

“All done!”

Mia stepped back, pleased.

In the mirror sat a young lady with rosy cheeks. On her white skin, big blue eyes and petal-like pink lips. Her golden hair, braided loosely and fixed with a butterfly pin, made Rosie the very image of “flowers and butterflies.”

Anyone would fall for her at first sight, Mia was sure. But Rosie herself looked distracted and annoyed.

“Mia, do I really have to go?”

“What? After two hours of getting ready?”

Rosie sighed again.

“My Lady, you’ll make the floor sink.”

“Ahhh!”

Rosie stomped her feet and sighed even louder at Mia’s words.

“I really hate this. Ugh~”

Knock knock.

“My Lady, Sir Calvin is downstairs.”

Rosie’s shoulders drooped even more at the maid’s announcement. Mia pushed her back.

“Go on. You were so eager to meet him before. Whether you break up or not, you have to meet him to settle things.”

Rosie dragged her feet.

‘How long until two weeks?’

But contrary to her worries, Calvin waited with a very bright face.

“Rosie! You’re more beautiful than ever today. Your beauty will shine brightest at tonight’s party.”

Rosie gave him an awkward smile as he laughed as if nothing had happened.

“Thank you, Calvin.”

Calvin, gentle-faced, took her hand and led her to the carriage. It wasn’t as awkward as she feared. Rosie sighed softly as she settled in.

Today, he was just as gentlemanly as when they first met. He kept a proper distance in the carriage and didn’t cling unnecessarily.

“Rosie, have you read Rastang’s ‘A Day in the Life of a Vagabond’? I read it and……”

The carriage was filled with Calvin’s chatter. He kept talking about the book he’d read yesterday, and social issues lately. He looked excited as he spoke.

‘Well, this is better than silence.’

Rosie watched his round face as he spoke passionately.

‘How did this happen?’

She wondered if she ever truly loved Calvin. Lately, the person occupying her thoughts wasn’t Calvin, but Theo.

Looking back, she didn’t think she liked Calvin that much. Maybe she just didn’t want to be dumped five times in a row.

It wasn’t a relationship of passionate love from the start. They just met by chance, and she thought he seemed decent.

‘Will Theo come to the party tonight?’

Since the Duchy was friendly with Count Keplan, he’d likely attend unless something came up.

Flowers and butterflies—what would Theo wear?

“We’re here, Rosie.”

The carriage stopped. Seeing Calvin’s excited face, Rosie forced a smile and took his hand, feeling guilty for thinking of Theo.

The banquet hall was decorated with real flowers to match the theme of flowers and butterflies.

“If you mix too much, it can look tacky, but Count Keplan did it well.”

Calvin praised as they entered.

Just as he said, the colorful flowers blended beautifully, expressing spring.

And Rosie could spot the person shining brightest among the flowers.

Theo wore a black uniform matching his hair. His neatly combed hair revealed a smooth forehead, tidy brows, sharp nose, and well-shaped lips.

Tonight’s flower was Theo, she thought.

Though his outfit didn’t fit the theme, maybe out of respect for Count Keplan, he wore a small butterfly brooch on his chest.

“Wow, that side is impressive.”

Calvin commented, seeing where Rosie’s gaze landed.

Indeed, a swarm of young ladies surrounded Theo.

Rosie suddenly felt annoyed. Theo sensed her gaze and met her eyes, but she quickly turned away.

‘What is he doing with all those girls?’

She knew they hadn’t been called by Theo, but couldn’t help feeling upset.

“Rosie, let’s go over there.”

Calvin, looking like an excited child, pulled her along.

‘Well, I’m not one to talk, coming arm-in-arm with another man.’

He led her around, introducing her to acquaintances. There was no talk of the future or anything like last time, but it was still uncomfortable.

“Calvin, I’ll be back in a moment.”

“Sure, go ahead, my Rosie.”

Rosie frowned at “my Rosie,” but Calvin, soaked in champagne, didn’t notice.

‘Where does he learn these weird things?’

She clicked her tongue and walked toward the garden.

Fresh air in the well-kept garden made her feel better.

“I want to go home already.”

“Already?”

She was muttering to herself when an unexpected voice startled her. She spun around.

“Eek!”

Theo caught her waist as she nearly fell. He pulled her closer.

“You like parties. Count Keplan put a lot into this one.”

His low, deep voice sounded intimate, making Rosie swallow nervously.

There was no way Theo’s voice wouldn’t be heard in the quiet garden. He asked, smiling,

“Were you that surprised?”

Her heart pounded. Rosie worried he’d notice her racing heart.

“Why did you come out?”

“Just to rest a bit.”

“Tired?”

He nodded and asked. His gentle voice matched the soft touch as he stroked her back.

“A little. Why did you come out?”

She leaned her chin on his chest and looked up, seeing Theo’s chiseled jaw even more sculpted in the moonlight.

“I was frustrated. People kept talking to me, so I got annoyed.”

His words reminded her of the scene at the party entrance. Rosie pouted and pushed him away, then glared at him.

“There were girls lining up for you. What’s so frustrating? You didn’t even push them away.”

Theo smiled. His lips curled up charmingly, and Rosie’s heart raced wildly.

‘Ah, am I sick?’

She put her hand on her chest, took a deep breath in and out.

“Are you okay? Did you drink too much champagne?”

Theo’s worried eyes, his big hand covering hers on her chest, made her feel every cell in her body awaken to welcome him.

‘This is bad. I’m sick. This is a problem.’

Rosie looked up at him with wide eyes.

“Is it bad?”

She liked his slightly furrowed brow and concerned gray eyes. Just moments ago, she’d disliked seeing him surrounded by women, but that feeling vanished instantly.

“I’m okay. Just a little out of breath.”

“You should go home. Tell Kevin and leave early.”

“It’s Calvin.”

Theo shrugged as if it didn’t matter.

“I’ll handle it. You go in first. I’ll rest a bit longer.”

Theo nodded obediently, but instead of leaving, he cupped Rosie’s face.

Then he kissed her lips—a soft, light, feather-like kiss.

“You look so pretty tonight.”

He whispered low. Rosie’s face flushed instantly.

“So pretty I want to lock you up and keep you all to myself.”