CH 43

“Don’t you get it yet? I’ve been telling you that all along.”

I was surprised by his sudden confession. I couldn’t believe it. So, I muttered with trembling lips.

“B-but… I thought love liked Tatiana.”

“What! Where did you get that misunderstanding?”

“On the first day of dance lessons…you were looking at Tatiana.”

With a confused mind, I managed to say something, and Jeremiah looked momentarily stunned before laughing happily. I didn’t understand why he was laughing, and I felt left behind and frustrated.

“That’s the reason. Actually, I’ve already talked to her and Bruno about my feelings. I asked them to cooperate with me in a roundabout way. That’s why I was looking at her. But when I introduced you to her, Tatiana seemed to like you a lot. She’s a good friend, but she’s only Bruno’s wife. You’re the only one I want as my wife.”

“T-Then…”

Is it true? That you love me, that you’re in love with me? As if scooping up the thoughts floating in my eyes, he said,

“Ah, I love you.”

I heard it clearly. It wasn’t a mishearing, I heard it clearly!

I stare into his eyes, worried that he might say, “I’m just kidding.” But he remains silent, showing no signs of joking. I am convinced.

It’s not a lie.

The fact makes my eyes well up with tears. He looks at me and adds more words.

“Even if you can only have friendship towards me, that’s okay. I hope you will eventually come to love me. But I didn’t want you to be with another man… I am sorry for forcing you into this engagement, but I don’t regret it.”

He releases my hand and embraces me tightly. I remember the pained expression he showed just before he hugged me, and I realize that I have to tell him the emotions I have been pretending not to notice for so long. Above all, I feel that I will regret it if I don’t say it now.

“I, I… have always thought that I am not worthy of you. So I convinced myself that it was enough just to look at you. But I couldn’t help it.”

“Lorraine?”

“I love you too. I really do…”

I tell him and cling to him tightly.

I am so happy that my head feels like it’s about to explode. But I am happy enough to accept it.

“Is that… true?”

Jeremiah’s voice trembled. I nodded repeatedly in his arms. Then, he hugged me tighter and spoke in a voice that seemed to be overwhelmed.

“My God. If that’s the case, I didn’t have to do this.”

“No, if you hadn’t made me aware of many things, I wouldn’t have accepted it. So, it’s not a waste.”

“Ah! I see… I’m happy. This is the best day ever!”

When I said that, Jeremiah laughed loudly. I also laughed along with him. However, there was something that bothered me.

“Um, how far was it planned? Maybe, Lord Caldelara or that lady…”

“No, I don’t know about them. That incident was unexpected even for me.

I just wanted to make you my fiancé by any means necessary while you were here. I planned to ask you to be my lover first, and then slowly persuade you.

Even if it didn’t work out, I was planning on arranging for us to spend the night alone together and then use the scandal as a way to bring about our engagement.”

I was surprised by what was revealed.

It could have been a terrible situation if he had made one wrong move. However, if he went so far as to try and make me his wife, there was nothing more I could be happier about.

Still, that incident was definitely the catalyst. When Emilio touched me at that moment, I finally became certain of my feelings of love. Until then, I had dismissed this painful emotion as mere admiration.

“I intended to use anything available. That’s why I used my position… If someone tells you that they will take responsibility and marry you, kind-hearted people like yourself wouldn’t refuse it right?

Above all else, for someone who is looking for a marriage partner like yourself, I should have been an ideal candidate. If your wish came true, even if there was another man in your heart at the time, I thought you would choose me.”

“But there wasn’t such a man… From the beginning when even I didn’t realize it myself until now…I’ve always loved you.”

To be clear Jeremiah let go of my body and cupped both of my cheeks with his hands before asking,

“So you’ll marry me then?”

“Yes.”

“I want you to see me only as a man. I won’t tell you not to have male friends, but if you do something like that, I might kill the other person and imprison you somewhere.”

I couldn’t help but laugh at his words.

“That’s impossible. The only face I want to look at for the rest of my life is yours. Not just now, but even when we’re old, I want to see your happy face, angry face, sad face, and even your slightly mean face… all of them.”

Upon hearing that, Jeremiah smiled with genuine happiness.

Then, his face came even closer.

“Well then, it’s better to see it up close. I also want to feel you closer…”

Even with his breath on my lips, I didn’t run away. Instead, I leaned in closer. Eventually, our lips met in a gentle kiss. As I closed my eyes and felt the soft sensation, I was embraced tenderly.

At first, it was just a simple kiss.

But gradually, it became more passionate and deeper.

When I slightly opened my eyes, I saw a face that I thought was the most beautiful and beloved in the world. From now on, I would continue to gaze at it without ever getting tired. I was incredibly happy. Filled with joy that I could live with him, I thought to myself.

I never thought that I would confess to him, who I thought I could only admire from afar and never have any contact with. I will never forget this night…