The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 19
Chapter 19
“I haven’t been entirely truthful with you. I’m not a commoner. I have a title, an estate… but I can’t tell you more right now. I’m only passing through here, staying temporarily. But the point is, I could live with you. And there’s something else…”
“…?”
‘He’s a nobleman?’
Ailee glanced at Daykin’s clothes. Come to think of it, even covered in dust yesterday, his attire had been brightly colored and of fine quality.
“Yesterday, when we met… I wasn’t running and hiding because I was being chased. I was looking for a place to be alone, to control my… outburst. Then I met you, and it just… stopped. What I’m saying is…”
‘Perhaps you have an ability too.’
Ailee’s eyes widened, almost comically large enough to swallow her whole face. They were already big, but now they seemed even larger, reflecting Daykin’s face back at him. Her light violet eyes held a mixture of excitement and disbelief.
“You’re lying… Don’t say things like that just to comfort me.”
“It’s true.” Daykin murmured, trying to find the words to convince her.
‘When did we get so close?’
The slightest movement would bring their noses together. Suddenly aware of the proximity, Daykin felt a blush creep up his cheeks, making it difficult to meet Ailee’s gaze. He averted his eyes, finally noticing the small gift box pressed between the floor and his trouser pocket. The box itself was part of the proof. If she didn’t have an ability, he wouldn’t have brought a gift as thanks… or would he have anyway? Still avoiding her gaze, he pulled the box out.
“I brought you a gift… to thank you for saving me.”
The obviously expensive box sat before Ailee. She wasn’t particularly interested in the contents. The fact that this boy, this Daykin, had prepared something for her was what mattered.
“And you’re saying my ability saved you?”
‘Lies! I didn’t feel anything.’
It was common knowledge that both the user and the recipient of an ability should be aware of its activation point, however subtle. Besides, an ability to quell outbursts? She’d never read of such a thing. She had once, full of hope, devoured every book on abilities, convinced hers was simply too subtle to be detected, even by herself. She’d clung to the belief that she possessed some rare, inconspicuous power…
‘But there was nothing like that.’
Over a hundred books, and nothing. But if Daykin was telling the truth, she could finally stop blaming herself. Ailee carefully took the proffered box. Smooth and soft to the touch, it felt even more luxurious than the clothes she wore.
Daykin watched her reaction, his mouth suddenly dry. ‘Does she like it? I hope she likes it. What if she doesn’t?’
The box opened fully, revealing a glittering jewel. Even if store-bought, the vibrant color and large stone clearly indicated its value.
Ailee gasped, unconsciously dropping the box.
“Are you that greedy for jewels? Huh? Are you?”
“They say those who have nothing are always greedy…”
Her heart pounded. Voices, unheard yesterday, now assaulted her ears, each one distinct and sharp.
Daykin, watching Ailee’s face pale, knew his gift was a complete disaster.
The box landed with a soft thud, followed by an unnerving silence. Looking at Ailee’s pale face, Daykin was at least grateful he hadn’t mentioned it was a birthday gift. Disappointment gnawed at him, directed squarely at himself for giving such a thoughtless present.
“I’m, I’m so sorry. Thank you so much, I mean, thank you, but I was just so surprised.”
Ailee, regaining her composure, quickly retrieved the bracelet.
‘Will I be able to wear it?’
The spot where she’d been struck yesterday still throbbed, a dull, lingering ache. The pain was so multifaceted she couldn’t even categorize it. Worse than the physical pain, however, was the echo of the shouted insults.
‘But Daykin gave this to me.’
He gave it to her, believing she have an ability. Taking a deep breath, she carefully examined the bracelet. Despite the rising panic and the hallucinatory voices, her breathing steadied, the tears receding.
‘It’s beautiful.’
More beautiful, more brilliant, than Lane’s pendant.
‘He really must be a nobleman. A commoner could never afford something like this. And stealing…’ Even the thought of theft startled her, but she maintained a calm facade. Daykin wasn’t a thief.
‘But even if you’re a nobleman, even if you can afford this, I can’t go with you.’
