Chapter 43
“If we had just told everyone we were dating from the start, none of this would’ve gotten so messy.”
Felix couldn’t understand why Eila had kept it a secret until now. The question festered in his mind until he finally blurted out,
“Is it because… you still have feelings for him?”
“What?”
“You still like Cadin Leight, don’t you? That’s why you didn’t want to say we were together.”
Eila’s face turned cold at his sharp accusation, but she quickly denied it.
“What are you talking about? Of course not.”
“But if you’d pretended we were dating in front of him earlier, none of this would’ve happened.”
“…”
Eila found it absurd that she had to explain her feelings to him.
To her, this felt like a breach of their agreed terms—a contract Felix was now disregarding.
And instead of admitting his mistake, Felix was accusing her of still having feelings for her ex.
‘Why do I even need to explain myself?’
Her exasperation was plain on her face.
“Like I said, Cadin’s a noble and we’re commoners. If word got out that I dumped him only to start dating you, how do you think the Leights or the Blanches would react?”
Felix flinched as he finally registered her frigid expression.
Normally, Eila was gentle and patient—but whenever Cadin came up, her tone changed.
Just hearing his name turned her face blank, cold, even disappointed.
And now, that same expression was directed at Felix.
It stung more than anything.
‘I never wanted her to look at me like that.’
In a moment of childish jealousy, he had lashed out.
Rubbing the back of his neck, he awkwardly muttered,
“Sorry. That was too much. It just felt like you only ever see me as a kid… I spoke without thinking.”
He slumped his shoulders, voice small.
He hadn’t meant to hurt her. He was just frustrated at feeling so helpless.
Eila’s features softened slightly.
“You think I treat you like a child?”
She tried to stay composed, but couldn’t hide her faint surprise.
He wasn’t wrong.
Her past life memories often made Felix seem younger in her eyes.
“I mean, Felix, I—”
She started to explain but Felix quickly cut her off.
“It’s fine. Forget it. You’re just more mature than most. That’s all.”
He tousled his hair with an awkward laugh and sighed.
“Anyway… I’m sorry. For everything earlier too.”
He looked at her nervously.
Thankfully, Eila’s expression relaxed.
“Alright. You can stop apologizing now.”
She shrugged and gently pulled her arm from his.
Felix let out a breath of relief.
A quiet moment passed between them.
Felix desperately wanted to break the awkward silence but didn’t know how.
Eila avoided his gaze, managing a strained smile.
Trying to lighten the mood, she said cheerfully,
“Let’s head back, okay?”
Felix nodded, and they started walking back to the library.
She needed to collect the things she’d left behind.
After a few steps, Felix broke the silence again.
“Can I… ask you something?”
“Hm?”
Eila looked up at him, puzzled.
Felix hesitated before speaking.
“I’ve been wondering for a while now… why you’re doing all this.”
Eila stiffened slightly.
But Felix, unaware of her reaction, continued casually,
“You gave me a temporary cure, and even created an antidote to win over Princess Peony.”
“…”
“You even ventured into a forbidden forest to gather the ingredients.”
On the day they’d fought the drake, Eila had explained everything to him out of guilt.
And ever since, Felix had been trying to understand her motives.
“I just don’t think you’d go this far for an ex. If that were the issue, I could’ve handled it myself.”
As he spoke, Eila’s face darkened.
But Felix didn’t notice, his questions becoming sharper.
“Is something going on? Something you’re not telling me?”
Naturally, Eila said nothing.
Telling him the truth would sound unbelievable—and she had long ago decided to keep Felix out of her personal revenge.
She would face those trying to harm her on her own.
Even now, she didn’t know who the true mastermind was.
‘They never revealed themselves even by the end of the original story.’
Whoever it was, they had enough power to control someone like Rosia, a powerful mage.
It would be cruel to involve Felix—and accept his kindness—while keeping such dangerous truths hidden.
‘Just live happily with the Duke, okay?’
Even in the original, Felix had suffered deeply because of her.
She wouldn’t let that happen again.
Sooner or later, everyone would learn Felix was the Duke of Azenta’s son.
Then his future would be bright—nothing like hers, shrouded in uncertainty.
Eila said softly but firmly,
“This is my problem. You don’t need to worry about it.”
“…”
“We’re just bound by a contract. You protect me, and I give you medicine. That’s it.”
She turned away.
“So please don’t meddle too much. It’s overwhelming.”
A clear boundary.
Felix sighed.
He understood she wouldn’t answer him.
Without another word, he took off the bag he’d been carrying.
Then handed it to her.
“What’s this?”
“I brought it for you.”
Inside were awkwardly wrapped gifts.
Unlike Cadin’s luxurious present, these clearly looked handmade.
Eila stared at them, momentarily speechless.
Felix reached in and pulled something out.
“This bracelet is supposed to ward off bad luck. I thought… you could use it.”
“…”
“Stay safe, Eila.”
His expression was filled with genuine concern.
Eila said nothing.
Just moments ago, she’d spoken so harshly to him.
‘Do I… even deserve this?’
As she took the bracelet into her hand, a deep pang of guilt and sorrow settled in her chest.
GIRL YOU DO DESERVE THIS. STOP DOUBTING YOURSELF
thanks for the chapter