I Never Wanted His Child - Chapter 152
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
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The carriage stopped in front of the café. Only then did Emilia realize why he had come with her.
“Seems like you’re more concerned than you let on?”
“I’m not concerned. But unlike me, you might be.”
“Me?”
Emilia blinked, wondering why he was suddenly bringing her into this. Could it be that he was upset about her being treated like something ‘old’?
“There are many eyes watching.”
He once again played the role of a happy couple, taking her hand and crossing her arms, then reaching up to smooth her disheveled hair.
“That’s too much.”
“People love things that are too much.”
He whispered softly. As they settled in, a waiter quickly approached and greeted them.
The waiter guided them to a table with a clear view of the rain and pulled out a chair for her.
“Thank you.”
Emilia smiled brightly, and the waiter’s face turned a little red, clearing his throat.
“We’ll dry your wet clothes. Are you feeling cold?”
“A bit chilly.”
“I’ll bring you a blanket.”
The waiter took Mikhail’s jacket and quickly left.
As they sat where others could see them, the murmurs started right away.
“Oh my, isn’t that Duke Heinrich?”
“He’s with his wife. Even after the scandal, he looks so unbothered—how thick-skinned.”
“Well, from his perspective, it’s a forced marriage with constant surveillance. That must be tough.”
“That’s true. Look at her red hair. She’s bad luck just to look at. Her family was ruined, and she’s the only one who survived. No dignity, no honor.”
The whispers continued around them.
“They’re all so excited.”
Mikhail crossed his legs and watched the rain. He turned his head, propping his chin up, his profile sharp like a sculpture, with his defined jawline, straight nose, and piercing eyes.
The red in his gaze moved and settled on her.
“You’ve been seeing my face every day, yet you still never seem to tire of it?”
The corner of his mouth lifted in a smirk, and she couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. Then, she crossed her legs the same way and locked her hands around her knees, leaning back against the sofa.
“Yes, I never get tired of seeing your face. You’re quite handsome.”
Emilia smiled brightly as she said this. It was a smile different from the one she had given to the waiter, more genuine. But the compliment about his looks was sincere.
“…”
“Hmm?”
For just a fleeting moment, it seemed like his red eyes wavered.
Emilia widened her eyes, staring at him intently. Something seemed to crack, just for an instant, in his otherwise calm expression.
“Was I too honest?”
Emilia asked innocently.
“…It was a bit much.”
He muttered, then turned his head away. His red eyes, which had been fixed on her, no longer looked her way.
Emilia stared at him intently.
He must have been flustered, right?
He was staring out at the scenery, while Emilia watched him, her gaze following his.
Though their attention was directed at different places, for some reason, it felt like they were thinking the same thing.
“I… I’m sorry for interrupting. I’ve brought the menu. Please take your time to decide and call for me when you’re ready.”
The waiter cautiously approached and said. Emilia nodded and glanced at the menu.
“I think I’d like a warm tea. I’m feeling a bit chilly. How about you?”
“…I think whiskey would be nice.”
“That’s not good for your health. We’ll have two cups of warm chamomile tea, please.”
It was a very couple-like conversation. The waiter quickly glanced between the two of them.
“Also, could you bring the famous dessert from here?”
“Yes, of course. And I’ll bring the blanket you requested.”
“Thank you.”
Emilia smiled brightly again. This time, it was a genuine smile, not the one she had forced earlier.
“Do you normally smile like that at everyone?”
“…It’s part of basic social training. You know that, right?”
“It seems like you’re picking and choosing who to show it to, though.”
“Pick and choose?”
Emilia’s question made Mikhail tilt his head slightly. He continued to look at her, his legs still crossed. Then, he broke into a wide smile.
Again, just like before, it felt like only the light was shining on him. His golden hair seemed to glow, as if he was the only one glowing in the room.
“Now that I think about it, it feels unfair.”
“…?”
“The smile you give others doesn’t feel the same, and I don’t think you even realize it.”
Mikhail raised the corner of his mouth in a smile.
“But the smile you give when you look at me feels like this.”
The smile that radiated genuine warmth with eyes that sparkled was beautiful, but the forced smile was unsettling.
“Anyone could tell the difference. Emilia, maybe you should put in more effort. You shouldn’t make others feel like they’re treated like dogs.”
He was clearly irritated by the discrimination, his expression showing his displeasure. Emilia shrugged and said.
“I tried not to show it… but I guess I’m just not good at lying.”
Acting too. Fooling someone is a difficult task.
“Were you upset? You seemed flustered when I smiled earlier. I guess it showed.”
Mikhail slowly blinked and answered in a tone that sounded almost sulking, as though someone would really believe he was genuinely upset.
“Was it so obvious.”
