IBACM Chapter 48

Chapter 48

“Haa…”

She was having nightmares—that said it all.

Even though Joanna was struggling, her parents kept pressuring her to apologize to Somerset immediately.

But she ignored them and locked herself in the library.

She wanted to figure out the feeling she had when she heard those words from Dedrick.

“Give up for my sake.”

Now, she finally understood what she felt at that moment.

Shame for still being trapped under her parents’ control, humiliation at being exposed, and gratitude toward Dedrick for seeing her—not just as someone’s daughter, but as herself.

All those emotions rushed through her, and once they settled, she realized one thing—her feelings for Dedrick had only deepened.

‘He said that for me.’

Right now, she couldn’t do anything. But by the time she became an adult, she wanted to be strong—someone who wouldn’t be swayed by anyone.

‘If I become that kind of person, maybe Dedrick will like me even a little.’

Joanna’s cheeks flushed shyly.

Just then, a small shadow jumped up from behind her and pushed her shoulder.

“Joanna!”

“Kyaaa!”

A cheerful laugh rang out, making Joanna’s forehead twitch in irritation.

“Ebony Silius!”

“Joanna, why do you look so serious? Ah, is it because of Lord Somerset?”

“Shut your mouth.”

“Eek! Joanna’s trying to hit me!”

“Ebony!”

“Alright, alright. Relax. The banquet hasn’t even started yet.”

“Because of you…”

Joanna sighed in frustration and shook her head.

“You’re still such a child. Your maid must have a hard time dealing with you.”

“That’s my charm.”

“Yeah, right.”

“Since we’re here, let’s go together.”

Ebony linked her arms with Joanna, who only glared at her but didn’t push her away.

Ebony was a year older than Joanna, yet she still acted like a carefree child. It was no surprise—her parents, Count and Countess Silius, adored her.

Growing up with so much love, Ebony naturally became bright and cheerful.

Even Axel had taken a liking to her. The Duchess had tried to approach her, but Ebony simply rejected her without hesitation.

The reason the Duchess couldn’t do anything was simple—the Silius family held great political influence.

Joanna had always envied Ebony. She had wanted to be a fairytale princess, but Ebony already had everything she wished for. Sometimes, that made her jealous.

“By the way, did you say Dedrick?”

Hearing that name made Joanna’s face darken instantly.

“…You.”

“Hey, I didn’t tell anyone.”

Joanna had been struggling alone ever since realizing her feelings for Dedrick, but when Ebony visited, she ended up spilling everything.

So Ebony knew most of the situation, including Joanna’s feelings.

“I’m curious. Do you think we’ll see him at the banquet?”

“I don’t know… Like I said,” Joanna glanced around before whispering, “the Duchess definitely treats Dedrick unfairly. Her reputation is already bad, so she probably won’t let him come out in public…”

She trailed off, eyes widening.

A boy stood ahead of them, dressed in perfectly tailored formalwear, his black hair as dark as the night sky.

There was only one person besides the Duke who had hair that black.

“It’s Dedrick…”

Ebony followed Joanna’s gaze and spotted him—a boy slightly shorter than his peers.

“He’s small.”

“He’ll grow soon.”

“Well, he is still growing. But his outfit looks good on him.”

Joanna suddenly had a bad feeling.

“You—don’t approach Dedrick! I’m warning you! I was first!”

Everyone Joanna had ever been interested in had ended up with Ebony instead.

And Ebony never turned them away, either. That left Joanna in the background every time.

But this time, she wouldn’t let it happen.

“Joanna, you know I can’t ignore someone who looks pitiful.”

“I’ll handle it myself.”

“Fine, fine. You’re so quick to anger!”

Ebony tried to link arms again, but this time, Joanna refused.

“I’m serious. He made me realize something important. Just this once, stay away from him.”

“Joanna, come on. When have I ever deliberately taken someone from you? Do you still think I did it on purpose? I thought we already moved past this.”

“Maybe you did.”

Joanna always had to be the one to endure.

She walked past Ebony, taking the lead.

“Joanna, seriously! This is why people say you’re prickly! Try to be a little nicer! Right, Soi?”

Soi, Ebony’s maid, only shook her head.

She hadn’t meant to, but her mistress had unintentionally drawn people away from Joanna.

And Ebony knew it.

But she never pushed them away—because rejecting them would make them sad.

That was just how she was.

And Soi understood exactly how others saw that.

After hesitating for a moment, she carefully gave some advice.

“Miss, you should be careful. Others won’t see this kindly.”

“But this is just how I am! My parents said I could do what I want!”

As always, Ebony didn’t listen.

---

“Kyaaa!”

A sudden scream startled me, making me flinch.

“What the—what’s going on?”

I turned around to see a girl laughing while clutching her stomach, while Joanna angrily yelled at her.

Looked like the girl had scared Joanna as a prank.

I was about to brush it off—then I caught a good look at the girl.

And froze.

‘Wait, that girl…’

Her bright, refreshing laughter rang through the air.

My eyes widened.

‘That’s the heroine! Ebony Silius!’

I couldn’t help but sparkle with excitement.

I finally get to see the heroine of this novel!

She wasn’t more beautiful than Joanna, just as the novel described, but she had a friendly and cute appearance that made her naturally likable.

Her long, deep sky-blue hair and light pink eyes made her a lovely sight.

‘She’s two years older than Didi.’

And one year older than Joanna.

But in terms of mental age, Ebony was probably the youngest.

She was a princess who had grown up showered with love, and her innocent and cheerful personality naturally drew people to her.

Joanna and Ebony were close friends, but unfortunately, when they became adults, they completely drifted apart.

Because of their rivalry in love…

‘Such a classic cliché.’

The truth was, Joanna had always been conscious of Ebony.

Even though Joanna’s family, the Marquess House, had a higher status, her parents still bowed to the Duchess, while Ebony’s family stood firm.

On top of that, Ebony always got attention wherever she went. People who first approached Joanna because of her looks would eventually be drawn to Ebony’s brightness.

Because of that, Joanna had always felt inferior to Ebony. And now, they even liked the same person.

They might look close, but their relationship was dangerously fragile…

‘If you just look at the story, Joanna seems more like the main character.’

A life spent being controlled by her parents since childhood…

So unfortunate. She had the potential to be something great.

“Let’s go, Didi.”

“…….”

He hesitated, lips moving as if he wanted to say something.

But in the end, he stayed silent, pressing his lips together.

Seeing that, I covered my mouth.

“What was that?! Didi, you’re too cute! I almost hugged you!”

I spread my arms, but I couldn’t bring myself to actually hug him. Instead, I just bounced in place excitedly.

Dedrick gave me a troubled look.

It seemed like he wanted to do something too, but couldn’t bring himself to do it.

He slumped his shoulders and started walking again. I quickly followed behind him.

Then, I glanced back.

Joanna was quickly making her way toward us, while behind her, Ebony was staring directly at Dedrick’s back.