When That Door Opens - Chapter 62
It felt like her face was being stepped on, making her angry.
“Sorry, what did you say?”
Verne’s politeness made it worse.
“I said move your foot!”
Julieta yanked at her manuscript irritably.
But before Verne could move his foot, the new manuscript tore with a loud rip. Julieta’s face contorted in despair.
Her precious manuscript, her manuscript…
“Oh dear. I made a mistake. I apologize…”
“Mr. Verne, don’t worry about it and come inside.”
Delman pulled Verne along. Verne shook off Delman’s hand, knelt down on one knee, and lowered his body. His long fingers gathered the scattered manuscript.
Once he calmed down, Verne held out the bundle of manuscripts to her.
“I’m sorry.”
He apologized again and checked his pocket watch. Without waiting for her to respond, Verne went inside the publisher’s office with Delman.
“Ha, that was so embarrassing.”
Julieta realized too late that she had taken her anger out on Verne unnecessarily. She sighed deeply. Hugging her torn and trampled, undervalued manuscript tightly, she muttered to herself.
“They told me to pay 10 percent of the debt within a month.”
Julieta leaned against the cold wall, hugging her knees. She put her manuscript in her bag and buried her face in her raised knees.
She wanted just one more chance. She knew exactly what the problem was and just needed to fix it. So… Suddenly, a flash of inspiration struck her mind.
‘I can fix it! I might be able to write a novel that sells.’
Julieta rubbed her face vigorously with her sleeve. She glared at the firmly closed office door of the publisher. The answer was behind that door.
‘Don’t hesitate, Julieta. You know this is the only way.’
Julieta grabbed the doorknob. Just as she was about to forcefully open the door, it swung open. Julieta stumbled inside.
“Ugh.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, bracing herself for the imminent pain of falling. Sure enough, her nose slammed into something hard.
“Ow.”
She grabbed her nose in pain. It wasn’t as painful as she expected, but it still stung.
“Sorry about that. Were you trying to come in?”
A polite apology reached her ears. The same neat voice and courteous tone she had heard outside. Realizing it wasn’t the time to be dazed by the pain, Julieta quickly lowered her hands.
“You’re still here? Just go, go. We don’t need your writing anymore!”
Delman waved his hand dismissively, as if shooing away a fly.
“Enough.”
Verne frowned.
“That’s no way to treat a lady.”
Verne rebuked Delman coldly and looked at Julieta.
“Fortunately, you’re not bleeding, but it’s best to see a doctor. We can’t have anything happen to such a beautiful face.”
Verne spoke like a hero from a novel. Julieta raised her eyes to look at him.
Standing close, she had to tilt her head back to see his tall frame.
Jet-black hair, a broad forehead revealed every time he roughly swept it back with his large hands, thick and dark eyebrows underneath. Almond-shaped eyes with gray-blue irises, a prominent nose, lips as red as if rubbed with cherries, a solid jawline, a thick neck leading to broad shoulders… Julieta was mesmerized by Verne’s perfect appearance.
“Are you done admiring?”
“Pardon?”
“It seems I need to listen to your assessment, but I have a prior engagement. I’ll tell Delman to cover your medical expenses after you see the doctor. Delman, did you hear that?”
“Yes, Mr. writer. I’ll take care of it.”
Delman bowed repeatedly.
Julieta, who had been entranced by the man’s flawless appearance, only came to her senses once the heavy footsteps faded away.
“How troublesome. Why do you keep barging in? Let’s go to the doctor.”
Delman clicked his tongue.
“No, it’s not necessary!”
“Don’t be a bother later about medical bills, just come along!”
“I said it’s not necessary. Goodbye, Delman!”
Julieta adjusted her bag and dashed out.
‘I must catch Verne!’
For the first time in her life, Julieta ran down the stairs.
It was hard to believe she was a noblewoman, given her shabby appearance. She had once been quite wealthy and had received thorough etiquette training, her every gesture exuding grace. Despite going bankrupt, working like a commoner, and writing e****c novels as a maiden, she tried hard to maintain her noble dignity.
But now, she cast everything aside and ran after Verne.
“Wait a moment, Mr. writer!”
Huff, huff. Just descending four flights of stairs left Julieta breathless. She quietly cursed her own poor stamina.
Verne, who was about to step into a carriage, turned to look at her.
“Do you have something to say? I thought I had already properly apologized for earlier.”
“I have something to say!”
Her voice was so loud that it made Verne’s ears hurt.
“Please, just give me a moment of your time!”
Verne checked his pocket watch again. He had an appointment today. Although it was someone he didn’t mind making wait, Verne hated being late.
“We can talk inside the carriage, on the way!”
Normally, Verne would have refused without hesitation. But he liked the way her lips parted with every breath. More than anything, he was bothered by the two acts of rudeness he had committed. And… the desperation in her eyes was also to his liking.
