Don't Ask, It'll Hurt If You Know - Chapter 14
“Not going to answer?”
“I-I’m sorry, Miss.”
Realizing the situation, the servant quickly bowed and apologized.
“I must have not heard you properly. I’m truly sorry, Miss.”
“Then I’ll forgive you. Prepare the carriage right now.”
Chloe ordered as she slipped her shoes back on.
“We’re going to Countess Elena’s residence.”
* * *
What if I really am dead? And if it’s during my funeral…….
Just the thought of it was terrifying, so Chloe tightly shut her eyes. The entire journey to Countess Elena’s residence was filled with a dry mouth and trembling legs, her body in a state of anxiety.
“…….”
Finally, upon reaching the Countess’s estate, Chloe took a deep breath as she saw the familiar mansion through the window.
If, by some chance, they are holding a funeral, don’t panic too much.
Trying to calm herself, the carriage came to a stop in front of the main gate. Soon, there was a knock, and Chloe opened the window. The guard at the estate bowed politely and spoke.
“If it’s not too much trouble, may I ask the purpose of your visit?”
The fact that they were asking why she had come meant that her body was still alive.
If she had been dead, they would have asked if she had come for the funeral and would have directed her to the memorial area, possibly even walking her there. The fact that the guards weren’t wearing black clothing was also proof she wasn’t dead.
What a relief. Chloe felt both relief and a new unease. The thought that perhaps Bianca had entered her body just as she had entered Bianca’s.
I hope not. Chloe hid her anxious thoughts behind a sad face as she spoke.
“I heard that my dear friend was seriously injured, so I came to visit…… May I come in?”
“I will ask the butler right away, please wait a moment.”
The guard entered the mansion, and shortly after, the front gates opened.
After a brief security check, Chloe was able to enter Countess Elena’s residence. Standing in the central hall, she surveyed the interior of the mansion.
Perhaps it was because she had come here as Bianca Lloyd, not as Chloe Elena. The place, which had been home for 22 years, now felt slightly unfamiliar. The mansion, usually brimming with energy, seemed unusually quiet….
“Chloe’s friend came to visit?”
As Chloe was admiring the mansion, she turned her head upon hearing Aaron’s voice. He was standing on the landing of the central staircase, between the first and second floors.
He was the older brother who had always been bothersome and irritating, yet seeing him in this situation made Chloe feel tearfully happy. It was surprising to think there would be a day when she would be so relieved to see him. She caught the hem of her dress and lightly curtsied.
“Nice to meet you, Sir. I am Bianca Lloyd.”
Bianca Lloyd. Even after rolling the name around on her tongue several times, it still felt foreign.
As she straightened up and lifted her head, Aaron, who had approached her without her realizing, came into view. His usually bright face was clouded with concern, and his expression was filled with worry.
“I hope you can understand that this isn’t an occasion for a warm welcome, Lady Bianca. As you probably already know, my sister, Chloe, has had a fall and is in a coma.”
A coma meant she was unconscious, which also meant that Bianca hadn’t taken over her body. Chloe inwardly whispered a ‘Nice!’ but outwardly, she tried to hold back tears and pretended to be concerned.
“Oh my, a coma! I knew she had fallen, but I didn’t realize it was that serious…….”
“Please, don’t cry, Lady.”
Aaron, moved by her performance, quickly handed her a handkerchief, flustered.
“Chloe is tougher than most monsters, and her life force is as strong as they come. She’ll wake up soon.”
……Was that a compliment or an insult?
Chloe, pretending to wipe her tears with the handkerchief Aaron had given her, shot him a quick glance. The warmth she had felt earlier, the overwhelming desire to throw herself into his arms, had completely vanished.
“I beg you, Young Master Aaron.”
Despite her displeasure, she had something to ask of him, so Chloe clutched his hand tightly, her eyes still shimmering with tears.
“Chloe is my only precious friend. I can’t just leave without confirming her condition, especially after hearing she’s so seriously hurt. Please, even for a moment, let me see her.”
“This is…… quite something.”
Aaron, unsure of how to respond, rolled his eyes before letting out a deep sigh.
“Fine, I’ll let you see her since you’re asking so earnestly, but…… please don’t be too shocked when you do.”
What kind of state am I in that he feels the need to warn me like that? Chloe swallowed dryly and nodded.
