CWMBR 152

Chapter 152

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Bridget believed she had become a far more mature person than she was three years ago. That was, until she had to keep facing Ain Wise's face like this.

"Hmm, how about we just ban him from the premises?"

She had been trying to ignore it until Wayna, sensing her employer's strangely heightened irritability, quietly suggested it. But she soon had to admit it. Her belief that she had shaken everything off and become a more mature person was just a delusion.

"On what grounds?"

"Um, well... for offending you?"

"That sounds too petty."

"Oh, you can be generous to everyone else in the world, but it's okay to be petty with your ex-husband."

Is that so.

Bridget smiled at Wayna and turned her gaze away. Outside the window, the scenery beyond the Grand Theater came into view. It was almost time for the play to begin, and audiences were pouring in.

Understanding the preferences of the Grand Theater's primary patrons was naturally part of Bridget's job. In that sense, she was gathering information on various categories of patrons: those who frequented the theater exceptionally often, seeing every play; those who visited only when a specific genre was being performed; and those who came once and never returned. Among them, she paid particularly close attention to the frequent visitors as the theater owner.

The fact that Ain Wise had ended up on that list was, lately, quite a thorn in Bridget's side.

"It's true that thanks to that man, the Grand Theater's seen an uptick in visitors lately."

Bridget murmured indifferently, her gaze fixed on the bustling street. Wayna chimed in with a tone that suggested she didn't think it was a big deal.

"Well, no matter how badly he failed, the Wise family is still the Wise family."

Rumor had it he'd squandered astronomical sums on some venture in the New World. Complaints poured into the Wise family headquarters by the dozens daily from those who'd blindly thrown money after him. Yet, despite that, the moment he returned home, he dashed straight to Glyndford and began relentlessly frequenting the Grand Theater. Everyone flocked to him, filled with all manner of curiosity.

"It's surprising the press isn't hounding you, Miss."

"Well……………”

Ain Wise must have intervened. There was no need to find out for sure. Similar things had happened before.

Bridget didn't particularly appreciate such preemptive measures. She considered it simply the right thing to do. If they were going to continue these unwelcome visits, it was only fair not to interfere with business.

"Ah, here he comes again today."

Wayna, who had been looking out the window with Bridget, muttered. Bridget narrowed her eyes and watched the figure blending into the crowd.

The man, who seemed a head taller than most, walked briskly with his hat pulled low. Several people who recognized him glanced his way—Bridget could see it even from her office—but he paid no attention to those around him. But Bridget knew that the moment she appeared on the central staircase, his gaze would immediately land on her. It had always been that way. Just as it had been in that office where she'd gone to meet Iliont and had unexpectedly encountered him again. And just as it had been during the days she'd been coming and going from the Grand Theater.

"There hasn't been a single day I haven't thought of you. It feels strange and embarrassing, but I offer my belated apology."

Hearing only that far, Bridget felt a touch of boredom and tedium. More precisely, it felt as if some transparent barrier stood between them, leaving her utterly unmoved. But when she heard the words that followed.

"I know you've overcome the past."

Seeing the helpless expression on Ain's face as he uttered those words, the emotion that suddenly surged up was anger. An emotion she believed she had completely shaken off and buried.

"I actually think you're brave. ……You've always been that kind of person."

What do you know about me?

Instant rebelliousness flared up. Simultaneously, Bridget realized there was a past she hadn't yet overcome.

Ain Wise.

Her relationship with him hadn't improved at all since the past. Only the paperwork was finished; the emotional residue hadn't dissolved one bit. She no longer pitied her past self, but regardless, she harbored unchanging anger toward that man, Ain Wise. Because this feeling... had never been properly resolved.

So seeing Ain look at her with that pitiful expression was nothing but absurd and ridiculous.

"There's too much to apologize for."

Of course there was. Just as Bridget unconsciously pursed her lips, Ain, about to enter the Grand Theater, suddenly looked up. He was staring directly at Bridget's office window. Bridget stared coldly down at him before ruthlessly drawing the curtains shut.

"Miss?"

"I'll be going now. I'm running late."

Bridget attended several regular social gatherings. Through them, she naturally cultivated friendships with a few businessmen. All were people she'd connected with through ties to the Grand Theater's operations. The man walking beside her now was one such connection.

"The performance preparations are going well. Fortunately, we secured a decent rehearsal space."

"The final rehearsal will be this week. I'll contact you again as soon as the stage is ready. Rest assured, the practice schedule won't be delayed."

"I'm not worried about the schedule. After all, you're the one preparing it."

"Thank you for participating so readily. Having Director Randy's troupe join has made things much easier."

After dinner, Bridget was returning to the Grand Theater, chatting with the troupe leader she was preparing the upcoming charity performance with. Once Richard's play ended, they planned to hold the charity performance during the local festival period, and preparations were now almost complete. Although various organizations and businesspeople were cooperating, Bridget was the one practically driving the event forward. She was working tirelessly, taking every opportunity to exchange ideas with people to ensure a successful conclusion.

"Because you treated our actors so well before. It's a good cause, so there's no reason not to join in……………"

Randy, who had been speaking, suddenly paused, staring at something. Bridget followed his gaze and wiped the smile from her face. It was past the time when the audience should have left after the play ended, yet someone still stood in front of the Grand Theater. She recognized him. The man's expression froze in surprise when he saw her, then turned pale. As soon as his eyes met hers, he quietly averted his gaze and widened the distance between them. As if to say, move along.

"Ah, Miss Pennington?"

Bridget stared at Ain, who was pulling his hat down to hide his face, and only then noticed Declan standing beside him.

"Mr. Declan."

"I heard the performance date is just a few days away, so I came to visit before it was too late and was just on my way back when I ran into you! The audience all rushed out at once, and we missed our carriage. I suppose it was to see Miss Pennington."

His cheerful words sounded like an excuse for Ain lingering late in front of the Grand Theater. Bridget nodded, her smile unchanged.

"And this must be Director Randy. We've met a few times, haven't we?"

"Good evening, Mr. Rogers."

Unlike Declan, who offered Randy a warm greeting and a handshake, Ain stood with his lips tightly sealed, showing no intention of stepping forward. Yet, he kept stealing cautious glances at Bridget. Pretending not to notice his gaze, Bridget greeted Declan.

"I'll be heading off now. Take care getting inside."

"Yes, please go ahead."

Randy, who had been watching the situation, slipped over to stand beside Bridget. Wayna also scurried over to her side.

Randy and Wayna tried to strike up a conversation, but Bridget's attention was unconsciously drawn behind her. Declan clicked his tongue and scolded Ain in a low voice.

"Oh dear, my friend. You used to be half-witted, but now you're a full-fledged idiot."

The moment she heard those sigh-laced words, Bridget stopped dead in her tracks. A fresh wave of irritation surged in the corner of her heart that had been frozen solid.

"Miss Bridget?"

Instead of answering Randy's puzzled call, Bridget turned away again. Declan, who had been sighing heavily and lecturing Ain, noticed her presence and frowned in confusion. Ignoring the puzzled stares directed at her, Bridget stepped closer to Ain and spoke.

"You said you would apologize."

Ain's eyes widened.

"Huh?"

"Apologies. You must have plenty to apologize for, so since we've run into each other, you give me one right now. Or is it too embarrassing to do it in front of others?"

Randy, Wayna, and Declan didn't even think of interrupting, just moving their eyes back and forth. Ain, who hadn't even glanced at them, swallowed hard, staring at Bridget with a dazed expression.

"If you'll allow me, yes. I'm sorry for deciding the wedding date and location on my own and just informing you. It's a sacred and important ceremony, yet I destroyed its meaning with my own hands."

Bridget twisted her lips at the apology that seemed to spring forth as if she'd been waiting for it.

"But you already apologized for that. You said there were many things to apologize for, but I guess nothing else comes to mind?"

"It's not that. I just felt it was too vague when I apologized back then. I worried it might seem like I was trying to brush it off lightly..."

When Bridget remained silent, Ain, who had been moving his eyes nervously, cautiously opened his mouth again.

"And also for damaging your honor by wearing an outfit inappropriate for the ceremony. I absolutely didn't mean to..."

"Just apologize. The details aren't important."

Ain immediately shut his mouth. Bridget glared at him before saying coldly,

"I'll only listen to your apology when I want to. So I'd appreciate it if you stopped hovering around pointlessly."

"Wouldn't it be better for me to stay nearby if you want to hear it whenever you feel like it?"

He immediately added when he saw Bridget narrow her eyes and frown.

"Of course, I won't approach you first or bother you. I'll just stay out of sight... I'll be careful."