The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 59
Chapter 59
As soon as my answer faded, another kiss was showered upon my temple. “We should get matching costumes and masks.”
Kin gently stroked my wrist. Had he already noticed? While bathing, I’d entrusted my bracelet to a maid, leaving my wrist bare. The ring… I was still wearing that, however. I’d thought the dim light would hide it, but he seemed to have noticed. “We’ll need to get a new bracelet too.”
Kin’s voice held no trace of hurt. Relieved, I relaxed—though I shouldn’t have. Does hurting him this much bother you so little? I inwardly berated myself. You’re supposed to be distancing yourself.
Silence descended, and I thought I could hear Kin’s heartbeat through the back of my head. Or was it mine? Whichever it was, I wanted to deny both. They were beating too fast. If it were my heart, I wanted to tell it to slow down, for I was descending into hell.
If it were Kin’s, I wanted to tell it to find peace, for nothing would come of this. But I always chose the worst path, and this time was no different. The thought was so ludicrous I laughed inwardly. Ha. Both hearts pounded relentlessly—fast and hard.
As if sensing this, Kin spoke my name.
“Ailee.”
Unwilling to answer, I buried my face in his arm.
“I’ll give you whatever you want.”
Not I’ll try to, but I will. His grand, arrogant words almost sparked a rebellious retort. How can you give me everything I want, you fool? …You won’t even listen when I ask for a divorce.
“I kept this position to bring you here, to make things easier for you. But if you hate it, I’ll give it up immediately.”
He was laying it on thick, going beyond mere flirtation. Seeing him try to sway me with sweet words made my heart ache. “So, Ailee…” His words trailed off.
What was he about to say? Judging by the flow of the conversation, he was probably going to ask me to stay. I was about to silently refuse when he spoke. “I love you.”
His unexpected confession pierced me. I was grateful to have my back to him. If we’d been face to face, he would have seen my stunned, foolish expression. I remained silent, offering no response to his confession. You’re the worst. Truly, the absolute worst.
***
The tranquil lake shimmered like a fish’s silver scales each time the sunlight touched its surface. The gentle churr of the rowboat cutting through the water soothed the frantic pounding of my heart. So… What am I doing here?
“Your hair is so lovely, dear. Youth is truly a blessing.”
Swish, swish. My hair, grown as long as my wingspan, was being gently braided by Mother. A pleasant humming tune drifted from behind me. My head stiff, I stared blankly at the lake.
How did things end up like this? Gazing at the serene surface, I began to retrace the events that had led to this moment.
This morning, I awoke to Kin’s sweet voice, just like yesterday. “Ailee, let’s have breakfast.”
Breakfast? I’d thought groggily, then gasped. The sight that greeted me was Kin, generously displaying his bare chest.
“Where’s your shirt?”
He’d been wearing clothes last night when we went to bed, though they hadn’t served much purpose. Now, even that meager covering was gone. Kin simply shrugged, as if it were nothing.
“I must have taken it off in my sleep.”
“…Put it back on.”
“Why should I?”
Why? Was that even a question? Last night, the darkness had been a shield, but now, in the morning light, his torso was on full display. The blatant flex of his muscles sent a blush creeping up my neck.
“…You’ll catch a cold.”
“Is that really all?” Kin stared intently. Perhaps because he was shirtless, his usual gaze felt strangely charged.
“I guess I don’t need to wear it if I won’t catch a cold.”
Exasperated by his stubbornness, I finally confessed, “It makes me uncomfortable.”
Though it wasn’t truly discomfort, but rather the frantic racing of my heart… I’m trying just as hard as you are, so please just stay still. You’ll never know how much I’m doing this for you, you fool.
Kin pretended to ponder my complaint, then smirked.
“I’m perfectly fine, but if seeing me like this bothers you, you can dress me yourself. Your husband has absolutely no intention of getting dressed.”
“What kind of…”
“The one who wants it more has to make the move.”
His absurd logic left me speechless. I wanted to argue, but I bit my tongue. I had a feeling that any further conversation would only lead to more of Kin’s manipulative words. As if I can’t do that.
