When That Door Opens - Chapter 52
‘I love you, Adela.’
His words piled up in my heart, until I couldn’t keep them inside any longer. In a trembling voice, I finally said,
‘I love you too.’
For the first time, he smiled as if he had the whole world. Saying I love you felt awkward, but seeing his happiness gave me courage.
I wanted to be the reason for his life. Cupping his cheeks, I whispered,
‘When this is all over, I’ll tell you I love you every day.’
‘I’ll look forward to it.’
* * *
The next morning, Lakian broke the chains that had locked my door.
Within the temple, Lakian permitted me to roam freely.
This gesture felt like proof that he wouldn’t engage in dangerous actions, lifting my spirits considerably.
I had a strong sense that everything would turn out well.
With excitement, I asked him about his exact plans and if there was anything I could do to help.
‘There is something I need you to do, but it’s a bit unclear right now. Once it’s certain, I’ll definitely let you know. I won’t keep you waiting long. I’ll share all the details of the plan then.’
Lakian replied as he prepared to leave.
Watching his busy form made me suddenly anxious, but I shook it off.
He had spoken of a future with me.
If I doubted his words and showed my anxiety, he would have to constantly reassure me. I couldn’t afford to hold him back when I had no useful skills myself.
After he left, I rested on the bed before stepping out of the room. As soon as I exited, Lakian’s subordinate, who had been standing guard, bowed his head.
I awkwardly greeted him and walked on. Without being told, he maintained a certain distance and followed me.
It was a bit burdensome, but I assumed he was the bodyguard Lakian had assigned to me and let it be.
I walked slowly along the path. Although I hadn’t been out for just a few days, the scenery felt incredibly unfamiliar. Looking around awkwardly, I soon realized the reason. The people who usually bustled around the temple were all gone.
I clasped my hands tightly. Every time I thought about that day, my heart felt a chilling squeeze. The sky was a clear blue without a cloud, yet it felt as though Lakian and I were sinking into a vast swamp. The same was true for Lakian’s subordinate who trailed behind me.
“Did you say you came from Gracion?”
I spoke to the guard, trying to shake off my gloomy thoughts. He seemed startled by my sudden question but answered nonetheless.
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Could you tell me more about Gracion? Since it’s where Lakian grew up, I’d like to know about it. We might go there together once this is over.”
“Together, you say?”
The guard looked at me quizzically
Suddenly, I felt as though something was amiss. As I stared at him intently, he flinched and avoided my gaze. Clearing his throat, he began to speak.
“What exactly do you want to know? I’ll answer to the best of my ability.”
I remained silent, my heart pounding loudly. Lakian had definitely told me he would propose. He said he wanted to walk into the future with me. He wouldn’t have lied to me.
I gazed at the guard and slowly opened my mouth.
“I want to know about the proposal customs.”
“Proposal customs?”
“In Schultz, men usually propose to women. Is it the same in Gracion?”
The guard, who had been tense as if expecting a heavy question, relaxed and smiled as he replied.
“Yes, it’s quite similar.”
“What do you use as tokens? In my homeland, during a proposal, a woman cuts her hair and places it in a pendant or a frame as a gift. It signifies that she wants to be loved for a long time.”
“It’s somewhat similar in Gracion. There’s no set item for a proposal, but a token containing hair, that’s quite romantic. By the way, I wonder if this is the reason you cut your hair…”
I forced a smile, despite the strain.
“It has nothing to do with a proposal. I just found it c*mbersome and asked Lakian to cut it.”
“Ah, I see. It suits you very well.”
* * *
That night, Lakian returned close to midnight. Instead of welcoming him, I sat on the bed, waiting.
Lakian, seeing me sitting there, didn’t seem surprised. He calmly took off his coat and hung it on the hanger. After unbuttoning a few buttons on his shirt, he approached me.
“I missed you, Adela.”
His lips immediately came toward mine, the dry touch somewhat hurried as he devoured my lips.
I let my body go limp, averting my gaze as if I felt nothing. As if his kiss meant nothing to me.
Sensing something was off, he pulled away with a soft sound.
