Please Forget Me - Chapter 231

‧₊˚ ☁️⋅♡𓂃 ࣪ ִֶָ☾.

‘He was like that even when talking to the lieutenant.’

Killian kept his distance. The man who always called me ‘my wife’ now addressed me with a formal ‘lady’, maintaining a polite distance. He hadn’t even smiled reassuringly when leaving me here alone.

‘It’s like I’ve gone back to the time I woke up in the hospital.’

No, it was even stranger. At least then, he had held my hand briefly when I boarded the train or carriage. Just now, when getting back into the car, he didn’t hold my hand at all.

‘Why is he acting so distant?’

Is this the real Killian? I didn’t understand.

‘I’ll ask when we’re alone.’

Now I realized how many questions I had. I considered writing them down, but the questions seemed silly and embarrassing in writing.

‘We had a chaplain in our unit, right? There was a square in front of the hospital and a crucifix. Right?’

‘Then why didn’t you let us say our names at first? Why lie about being civilians who were captured? Why still not tell me why I can’t speak? It’s maddening!’

‘And you… what were you so afraid of all along? You were afraid, right? Don’t try to deny it. But why did you seem fine just now? I don’t get it.’

‘Why are you different from before? And why are you someone else again now? Why act distant in front of others? You didn’t hold my hand before, and earlier, you even let go coldly. It’s upsetting.’

‘…I’m so foolish.’

I burned the half-written note in the ashtray with a match and instead sat in the armchair by the window, waiting and replaying my questions in my mind.

Knock.

“Ah…”

The armchair must have been too soft—I had dozed off. Opening my eyes at the knock, the sky outside had turned pink with sunset. It was evening, as the soldier’s voice outside confirmed.

“Madam, sorry to disturb you, but how would you like your dinner?”

Not Killian?

I looked around the room in confusion. He wasn’t there, and there was no trace of him.

‘What could they be talking about that it’s taking so long?’

I knew Killian wouldn’t leave me alone in a strange place for long.

“Um…”

I opened the door slightly, and the soldier removed his hat and bowed.

“Ah, madam. Sorry to disturb you while you’re resting.”

“No, it’s fine.”

“It’s nearly time for dinner, so—”

“More importantly, do you know where my husband is?”

“Ah…”

The soldier looked stunned, as if he hadn’t expected the question, then replied,

“I was told the lord is on his way here.”

Lord? Not ‘sir’? He must be nervous and confused.

“Then I’ll wait to eat until he arrives.”

“…Excuse me? Did I hear correctly that you’ll only eat when your husband arrives?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I told you.”

Was it really such a surprise that I would wait to eat with Killian?

“The lord will take some time to arrive here.”

Even by car, it wouldn’t take long—maybe walking would take less than thirty minutes. Perhaps the lieutenant was giving him a tour of the base along the way.

“I’m fine.”

It wouldn’t take long anyway, as dinner time was approaching.

“Still, just in case…”

The soldier left a basket of fruit, chocolates, and cookies on the table, politely telling me to let him know if I needed anything.

After he left, I leaned on the windowsill, watching outside.

Would Killian come? Or not?

I watched the passersby and people entering the quarters for a glimpse of him, finally sitting down when my legs ached, only to get up and pace again by the window several times.

As dusk settled, my impatience began to grow.

‘He said he was coming… so why hasn’t he arrived?’

Finally, well past 10 p.m., a faint shadow appeared beneath the bedroom door. Angrily, I pressed my eye to the crack to confirm it was the face I had been waiting for.

‘Why is he acting like that?’

Seeing the face I expected, yet with an expression I hadn’t anticipated, my anger subsided and questions rose. Killian stared at the door in despair, neither knocking nor moving.

He raised his hand as if to knock, then let it drop. I jumped in surprise and moved my foot.