Chapter 180
The man, with his neatly combed black hair and dressed in a white ceremonial robe, radiated an air of danger. No priest in the world could ever appear as seductive as he did.
“It seems you don’t like it.”
His voice, deeper than usual, brushed past Sebelia’s ears. She nodded, then hesitated. At that moment, sunlight shone behind him like a halo. She was at a loss for words.
“I know it doesn’t suit me, so please don’t look at me like that.”
The man, fully clad in the white ceremonial robe that reached to his neck, folded his hands and sighed. His golden eyes, shaded beneath dark brows, gazed at her with sadness, and his well-shaped lips parted slightly before closing again.
Her heart started pounding wildly.
This man… He’s just good-looking, but…!
Sebelia almost lost herself, entranced by the overwhelming power of Dehart’s appearance. She quickly shut her eyes, hoping to escape the full force of his intimidating aura.
“Bella?”
“Go, quickly go… No, go without being seen by others, change and come back.”
With her eyes still closed, Sebelia reached out and gently turned Dehart around. As her fingers brushed against his firm body under the soft ceremonial robe, her ears flushed with heat. But wasn’t it strange to be feeling this way?
“Return this outfit to the owner too, understood?”
At the scolding tone, Dehart pressed his lips together, nodding weakly and swallowing a sigh.
It seems like a failure.
He had intentionally worn this, thinking she would appreciate it since she seemed to like modest and simple things. Dehart wanted to cry out of frustration, but he held it in. This was a moment to leave a good impression. Crying here would only make the situation worse.
“Haa…”
After leaving Sebelia’s room, Dehart lowered the collar he had fastened up to his neck and tightly gripped the cross necklace he had purposely worn. He returned a moment later, now dressed in his usual loose shirt and black trousers.
“Phew.”
Sebelia let out a sigh of relief at the familiar outfit. Not realizing that his face had darkened even more, Dehart followed her as she guided him to a seat.
Just apologize and admit I’m wrong.
As Dehart sat down on the sofa, he made up his mind. Since scoring points with an outfit suited to her taste was already a lost cause, he was ready to apologize for whatever came next. After all, there was nothing that wasn’t his fault, so it wouldn’t be a difficult task.
Dehart placed his hands on his knees, ready to kneel again if necessary, as he waited for Sebelia. The gentle sound of water boiling filled the room innocently. Sebelia was kindly moving about, preparing tea for someone like him. Dehart felt his throat unexpectedly heat up.
“I should’ve boiled the water earlier. Please wait a moment.”
“I don’t mind staying up all night, so take your time.”
“…What?”
“No, never mind.”
Dehart bit his lip at the words that slipped out before he could stop them. He had been like this since the moment he met Sebelia again. Every time he saw her, he couldn’t seem to control himself.
“It’s hot, so let it cool a bit before you drink.”
With a soft clink, a tray of tea and snacks was placed in front of him. The herbal aroma, likely from the tea, gently filled the air, calming his senses.
“…Thank you.”
Dehart, despite knowing he wouldn’t even be able to drink it properly, wrapped his hand around the teacup. He deliberately avoided making eye contact with Sebelia, lifting the cup to his lips.
“It’ll be hot.”
“It’s fine.”
As Sebelia said, the herbal tea was as hot as molten lava, but Dehart didn’t even notice. He was too focused on the idea that she might say something like, ‘Let’s shake hands and end this connection between us,’ and his heart trembled inside.
Should I make the first move?
Had the hot tea burned his brain, or was it the tremors in his heart that couldn’t bear the weight of his guilt? A dark side of his nature, hidden beneath layers of remorse, began to stretch its legs.
‘She said she wants to end the connection, but honestly, there are far worse connections than mine. If I say I’ll deal with them first…’
It was a fleeting thought, like a black footprint about to mar the once pure conscience that had been as spotless as the snow outside. Sebelia, who had closed her eyes, opened them and spoke.
“Dehart.”
“Uh, yes. I mean, yes, Bella. Go ahead.”
Dehart was so startled that he almost dropped the teacup, gripping it tightly as if it would slip from his fingers. It was so hot, he thought his fingers might get burned. He set the cup down, swallowing his pain.
Sebelia took a deep breath and then spoke. Dehart involuntarily swallowed.
“I’ll be honest with you.”
“Okay.”
Dehart nodded, stiffening his neck and lowering his head. His hands had unconsciously gripped his pants tightly.
“You must have realized by now that our marriage was never going to work from the beginning, right?”
“…….”
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