Deceived 13

Chapter 13

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“…….”

“If you feel uncomfortable, you are of course free to refuse.”

Then he calmly waited for Blair’s response. His expression was so composed that even if she flatly refused, it wouldn’t faze him in the slightest. After a brief silence, Blair nodded.

"Then... would you mind showing me the way?"

“Of course. This way, please.”

Edmund took Blair's candlestick and smoothly offered his arm. She placed her hand lightly on it, accepting his escort. She had to force herself not to notice the firm forearm and body heat she felt beneath the fabric.

Edmund led Blair down the left side of the deserted hallway. Reaching the door at the end of the corridor marked 'Members Only,' he grasped the handle and swung it open.

Blair stepped inside first and surveyed the quiet space. As Edmund had said, it appeared to be an unused study. One wall was filled with books, and there was a small sofa and a desk. Moonlight streaming through a small window illuminated floating dust particles, but overall, it was a tidy space, quite suitable for passing the time.

...If only the somewhat uncomfortable companion hadn't been there.

Thud. The sound of the study door closing made Blair turn around. Edmund placed a candlestick, its wax half-melted, on the desk and met her gaze.

"You may relax. No one usually comes here."

"I see."

"Shall I lock the door if you feel uneasy?"

Blair stared at Edmund, her eyes widening slightly. Wouldn't that be even more suspicious?

"Wouldn't that seem too suspicious?"

"This place is rarely visited to begin with. If the door is locked, whoever comes will just turn back on their own."

"What if they suspect we're up to something suspicious because of that?"

“Isn’t Miss Twyford’s imagination running a bit wild?”

He chuckled as he asked, and Blair's face flushed bright red, her thoughts laid bare. She couldn't help it. She always thought she knew how to control her emotions, but lately, her confidence in herself had been shaken more often than not.

"On the contrary, not locking the door might look even more suspicious."

Edmund added with a thoughtful expression, and Blair couldn't help but ask.

"Why is that?"

"Imagine being caught alone in a space where not even a light is on. Isn't that dizzying?"

It really was. And what if it were her fiancé, Isaac, who caught them? Blair found herself closing her eyes tightly.

"...I suppose we should lock the door."

"I agree."

Edmund moved as if he’d heard her request, obediently locking the study door. Click. Then he walked inside calmly.

"Sit down. Two hours isn't such a short time."

Edmund pulled a small sofa from in front of the bookshelf with one hand and placed it before her. He sat across from her, a small table between them, his long legs casually crossed. Blair sat demurely on the sofa and looked at him.

Aspects of him that had been hard to notice when she was choosing jewelry now captured her attention. The shape of muscles visible beneath his thin shirt, the scent of his body filling the air.

Only then did it truly sink in for Blair. The fact that she was alone with this man in a completely enclosed space.

Was he feeling something similar? His expression was hard to read, so she couldn't tell.

"I never expected to see you here again."

Uncomfortable, she spoke first. Edmund nodded readily in acknowledgment.

"We seem to run into each other quite often for it to be mere coincidence."

"Well, this is perfect timing. I wanted to thank you."

Now that they were finally alone, Blair seized the chance to properly express her gratitude, continuing in a belatedly polite tone.

"Thank you so much for your kindness twice now."

Edmund chuckled softly. He seemed amused by Blair's polite demeanor, delivered with the grace befitting a well-bred young lady.

"It wasn't much of a favor, really. But since you put it that way, I suppose I should expect repayment."

"A return favor?"

Exactly what...? Blair tilted her head, not immediately understanding. The man's eyes, lowered toward her, resembled the color of a faded sky. It was the same hue as the leaden clouds that blanketed the entire city during the rainy season.

"How about we have a cup of tea sometime?"

“…Ah, so that’s the kind of repayment you meant.”

“Is that not to your liking?”

"No, not at all. It's not that. Rather..."

Blair couldn't answer right away. She had received his help in some form, and if possible, she wanted to repay the favor. That was the courtesy she knew.

“I see. You’re uncomfortable spending time with a stranger while preparing for your wedding.”

That was exactly it. But they were already alone together, with the door locked.

"Well now, even suggesting we have tea somewhere quiet feels like I have to tread carefully."

“Do you wish to meet somewhere where no one sees us together?”

Blair, who had been silent for a while, calmly asked back. Edmund, who had been wearing a playful smile, maintained his silence for a moment. This time, he seemed deep in thought. He stared at Blair intently, his eyes darkened like shadows.

"That wouldn't be so bad either."

Then, his face shedding its unsettling shadow, Edmund continued in a soft voice.

"My lady, you do not flee upon hearing my name."

"Why should I?"

"They say I have a habit of touching any beautiful woman I see, and that I have over a dozen illegitimate children?"

His provocative tone seemed both to test her and to reflect his own self-loathing. Blair knew that mindset well.

"I've heard things about you, but I believe one shouldn't judge a person without experiencing them firsthand."

She didn't want to condemn someone based on mere rumors. Blair knew better than anyone that the truth could be vastly different from people's reputations. It was something born of experience.

How much misunderstanding had she endured throughout her life because of her mother, who had abandoned her husband and eloped with a lowly servant? People pointed fingers, saying she must be no different, having inherited that lecherous blood.

Having endured that cruel disregard and prejudice herself, shouldn't she know better than to judge others based on rumors alone?

Edmund silently regarded Blair. His gaze was thick, as if trying to fathom the long, unspoken words she hadn't added. Meeting that piercing stare, Blair steadied her breath.

"Most people just accept what others say and get swept along. It's easier that way, and more fun."

"......"

"You’re someone who prefers to judge things yourself, aren’t you?”

Those words sank deep into Blair's heart. Had anyone ever acknowledged her like that before? It was different from the praise she received from her father when she displayed virtue. That had been a version of herself she had carved and molded to fit her father's mold.

"By the way, you must be busy with wedding preparations."

Wedding. The moment she heard that unwelcome word, her mood instantly sank. It felt as if the jeweled ring, not yet even made, was weighing heavily on her shoulders.

"Not exactly. It still doesn't feel real."

"Have you set a date?"

"Yes. It's set for the first weekend of next month."

The ceremony was planned for when spring was in full bloom. That tiny diamond jewel now felt like a boulder crushing her chest.

"You seem troubled."

The man's voice was unusually low and soft in tone. Perhaps because of that, he gave the impression of a serious adult. Someone you'd want to confide your deepest, unspoken feelings to.

"I'm not the only bride feeling conflicted before her wedding. It's just that so much has happened recently, and my heart can't keep up."

Blair fidgeted with the fingers neatly placed on her knees before stopping abruptly. She'd been too honest. Realizing her mistake, she glanced at Edmund. He had been watching her the whole time, and their eyes met instantly.

“I’m sorry. I just blurted out unnecessary things because I felt so frustrated.”

“Have you ever considered calling off the engagement?”