Chapter 259
‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.
They planned to eat lunch together, but it seemed it was another garden party.
“Everyone looks so happy.”
“They’re sad it’s almost over. Seems like they really love Bromley.”
“That’s a good thing.”
Emilia patted Eckart’s back as he lay in her arms.
People danced non-stop to the music, lifting their skirts in rhythm.
“Brother, come here! Stop teasing Sister so much!”
Dahlia’s shout made Mikhail frown.
“I couldn’t even be with Emilia because of you.”
He answered, clearly annoyed.
“You disappeared yesterday too!”
“…Byne, try harder, will you? Don’t get distracted.”
Mikhail said, making Byne stop dancing and apologize.
“Why apologize? You were the one absent for so long.”
Dahlia grabbed Byne’s hand.
“I feel betrayed somehow.”
He felt a bit resentful; after raising her so well, she sided with her husband.
“Well, I have to side with my husband. You would too, right?”
Emilia asked Mikhail.
“That’s true.”
Just as she said, Mikhail always put Emilia first.
The garden tables were filled with food.
“I’m glad we came to Bromley.”
If she had known how happy each day would be, she would have come sooner.
Watching Eckart in her arms, she smiled warmly.
“How can he be so cute? He doesn’t cry and behaves so well.”
Eckart’s bright eyes watched the dancing crowd. His cheerful laughter made Emilia’s lips lift.
“Honey, can I ask you something?”
“Ask me anything.”
“Isn’t Eckart really pretty?”
“He is. He’s yours and mine.”
“Won’t Eckart be lonely growing up alone?”
“…”
Mikhail suddenly grew quiet.
“I was an only child. When things happened, I had to endure it alone.”
Her gaze shifted to Dahlia.
“I think two is better than one… siblings or whatever.”
“Emilia.”
Mikhail’s expression hardened. He didn’t want another child.
After witnessing how hard it was to bring one into this world, wanting more would be like a beast.
“I was fine without an heir. I don’t want to make you suffer.”
“But he’s so lovely.”
Emilia held Eckart up to Mikhail.
“He looks just like you.”
“It would be even better if he looked like you.”
“So you don’t want to see a child who looks like me?”
“…”
He wanted to, but Emilia was more precious than any child. He couldn’t live without her now.
“I’m fine. So don’t worry so much.”
Emilia squeezed his hand tightly. Her bright smile made Mikhail sigh.
“Not for a while. When you’re healthier, then maybe.”
“Really?”
Mikhail nodded slowly, holding Eckart gently.
“But if that happens, you’ll have a different kind of hard time.”
“…Different kind?”
“I won’t leave you alone at night. You’ve given me an excuse with the child.”
“Ah!”
Emilia sighed as if she just realized.
More than now? Every night? She tried to pull her hand away, trying to escape through the crowd, but he was faster.
He opened his hands and clasped hers tightly.
“It’s too late now.”
He smiled at her flustered face.
“Come on, you two!”
Boestin waved as she danced.
Mikhail entrusted Eckart to the nanny and approached the crowd with Emilia.
Their hands slipped apart, and they lightly greeted each other, dancing in sync.
Lifting her skirt as they swayed back and forth, coming close then apart.
“I feel like I had a dream… maybe.”
Emilia spoke to him as they drew near. Mikhail tilted his head, waiting for her to move closer again.
They joined hands and turned their heads in unison.
“Maybe not. It’s the first time I’ve heard it…”
She hesitated. Her face flushing, eyes shyly lowered.
“The first time hearing it?”
Mikhail wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back. They held hands, rose up, and stomped their feet in rhythm, backs touching.
“Yes, it’s the first time. I can’t believe it was you who said it.”
“Did I say something bad?”
“No, not at all.”
Emilia shook her head. Mikhail narrowed his eyes, then suddenly smiled knowingly.
“Ah.”
“…So, maybe you…”
Mikhail took her hand and pulled her close. Tilting his head, he whispered near her ear with a faint smile.
He could hear her heartbeat clearly.
“Emilia, that’s not a dream.”
“…What?”
“I can tell you again and again.”
He whispered softly,
“I love you.”
Her face turned deep red. This time she heard it clearly.
It wasn’t a dream—he told her he loved her.
“…I love you too.”
Her heart pounded. The music and chatter faded away.
The warmth of their joined hands and the beating heart pressed close echoed in her ears.
She couldn’t tell if it was hers or his.
“You didn’t answer before, but this time you do.”
“I love you, Mikhail.”
Emilia spoke with more strength.
Her heart, which hadn’t reached him before, finally touched his.
“I love you, Emilia.”
Mikhail pulled her tightly and whispered again near her ear.
“I love you enough to give you my everything, and even that’s not enough.”
Tears welled in Emilia’s eyes. She was overwhelmed with joy that she couldn’t stop crying.
They looked at each other and smiled brightly.
Under Bromley’s sunshine, amid the laughter of the crowd, they savored their happiness.
Where hate, regret, and guilt had vanished, love had already taken root.
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