I Abandoned the Male Lead Who Cheated with the Villainess - Chapter 31
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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Could it be because of the noticeably changed appearance? The way he spoke, as if it wasn’t his business, and the slightly cold and indifferent purple eyes made Ivonne feel a bit distant.
Even though they had only been together for a week, the Rix she knew was the affectionate knight who had rescued her from Aten and Hamel’s schemes. Seeing Rix seemingly unconcerned about the events of the previous night, Ivonne found herself at a loss for words.
‘I was worried that he might be concerned about that incident, so I came to explain.’
Why are humans such visually weak beings? If Rix had displayed the small stature he had during their time together, Ivonne would have casually brought up the topic without worrying about it.
She wouldn’t have been concerned about things like ‘What if he laughs at me?’ But now…
‘It feels imposing…’
Although Rix had never acted aggressively towards her, the atmosphere he emanated felt that way. Only now did Ivonne realize the regal aura she had sensed from Rix during their first encounter.
However, it didn’t last long. Ivonne soon realized that she had no reason to act so timidly.
‘He didn’t seem surprised, but it’s okay for me to be surprised.’
Just as people have varied interpretations of a piece of art, Ivonne, who had subconsciously lowered her gaze, lifted her eyes. And in that moment, she confirmed that her thoughts were not wrong.
“Ah…”
A small sigh escaped, but that was it. She felt no embarrassment.
Because Rix was smiling.
While Ivonne was having second thoughts due to the somewhat overwhelming atmosphere from him, Rix was happily admiring the thermos she handed over, like a child receiving a gift.
The saying that a smile creates a river seemed appropriate in this situation. Watching him, the unknown anxiety that had gripped her chest seemed to melt away.
‘Yeah, Rix is still Rix.’
Changing one’s face and physique, so what? Even if the atmosphere has changed. Even if there’s a hidden story and depth behind it. The essence of the person in front of her hadn’t changed.
‘He’s still the considerate and polite neighbor and colleague.’
Thinking that way somehow made the awkwardness and discomfort fade away, and her wandering gaze found a more comfortable place. Ivonne returned to her usual calm self.
“That’s right, if you drink it warm, it’s good for hangovers, but it’s also delicious cold.”
“Then… there’s no need to heat water separately.”
“Do you have ice? If not, I can go home and bring some. And I can also bring the lemon honey preserves I made.”
For some reason, the conversation became much easier. Rix, who had been staring at the thermos all along, raised his purple gaze.
“You’re… coming back.”
Was it a misunderstanding? For a moment, his pupils seemed to flicker. Ivonne briefly reviewed her words, but couldn’t find anything strange. Well, who knows? What might seem like a harmless remark to her could be a trigger for someone else.
So Ivonne decided to ask directly. That would be the most certain way.
“Uh, did I perhaps say something wrong just now?”
“No, no… um… yes. Well then, please go ahead.”
Rix nodded deeply, as if making a promise to himself or taking an oath. It was strange. Ivonne was the one taking action, but it felt like Rix was making a commitment or pledge.
However, Ivonne didn’t dwell on it and promptly stood up. As she left the cabin and headed towards the Tens Mansion, Ivonne absentmindedly turned around.
Beyond the wide-open window, he was silently watching her.
‘….Uh.’
For a moment, shwa! a shiver ran down her spine—an instinctive and unpleasant signal.
But it was just for a fleeting moment, and the early summer sunlight pouring down above her head was so peaceful and warm that Ivonne ignored that feeling.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
“Ah, it’s refreshing.”
As Ivonne set the glass down, the sound of ice clinking against the transparent glass echoed crisply. The sound was akin to the swaying noise of the scenery hanging on the terrace of the Tens Mansion. Essentially, there was no difference.
The place where the two were sitting now was indeed the terrace of the Tens Mansion.
A little while ago, Ivonne had returned to Rix’s cabin with lemon honey preserves and ice, but as the sun rose to its zenith, the temperature inside had risen too. In other words, it was as hot as the heart of summer.
“The breeze is a bit lukewarm, but it’s still cooler than inside the house, right?”
“…Yes.”
Rix nodded with a slightly embarrassed expression, patting his lower back. Unlike Ivonne, who had urged, “Let’s go to my house!” enduring the heat in the cabin, Rix hadn’t said a word about the heat.
However, was it hot for him too? The drink she had left for him was already almost halfway gone.
“The house is small… I thought it would be cool with ventilation…”
Rix, realizing that Ivonne’s gaze had fallen on the glass, hurriedly offered an explanation.
Despite his enormous stature, the way he hunched his shoulders, as if he were carefully watching, was cute.
