Portrait of An Arrogant Master - Chapter 65

“No, it’s not that. I didn’t want to burden Eren. So…”

From the beginning, Eren and Macy’s relationship had a specific purpose. Once that purpose was fulfilled, there was no reason for them to meet.

Therefore, if Eren judged that the Name treatment was not progressing well, he had the right to end their relationship. His actions were justified. They were correct.

But why did she feel such a sense of loss? The kindness he had shown her made Macy diligently pursue that purpose.

It was her fault for allowing her feelings to grow, forgetting the true nature of their relationship. Now, the thought of Eren leaving her was unimaginable. Just thinking that she might not see him again choked her up.

“I made a mistake, sob. I won’t do anything you dislike.…”

It felt like a heavy stone had settled on her chest, making it hard to breathe. The words that they were only meeting for Name treatment were painfully etched in her mind. What would she do if he disappeared? The helpless despair seemed to cover her vision in darkness.

“I won’t do it. I won’t do anything you dislike. If you want me to stay in the cabin, I’ll stay. Please don’t send me away. Don’t abandon me.”

Desperate words spilled out, showing her need to hold on. Eren remained silent for a while. It created a sense that she was being blocked by a cold, solid glacier.

“I’m sorry. I won’t disturb you. I won’t paint. You’re all I have now.”

Feeling the seriousness, Macy got off her chair and knelt down, clutching at the hem of his pants, desperately pleading.

Please don’t abandon me. It’s my fault. You’re all I have. Please don’t do this. She trembled as if she were having a full-body shiver.

“Ha…”

An exhausted sigh settled above her head. Macy remained frozen in that state. Her relationship with Eren had always been like this—a relationship where she couldn’t even see his face clearly.

Someone she could only reach if she was in the cabin. What had she been dreaming about all this time? The stark reality seemed to drain the blood from her entire body.

“Get up.”

Finally, the dry voice spoke. When Macy, still kneeling, didn’t move, he came forward to lift her up.

“Ugh, no. Please don’t go…”

Macy clung to Eren’s hand that held her arm. She gripped it tightly with both hands as if she never wanted to let go.

“I’m not going anywhere. So get up.”

Only after receiving a clear answer did Macy finally stand up. A fleeting, cool touch brushed against her stained cheeks.

“As long as you keep your promise, I won’t leave. So, don’t cry.”

She tried to stop crying, but the tears wouldn’t easily subside. The fact that he had tried to leave felt so terrifying and frightening.

The hand she clung to like a lifeline trembled for a long time.

* * *

Isabella stared blankly at the herbs floating on the tea leaves. The pale green tea, infused with herbs, was so clear and transparent it almost resembles someone’s eyes.

Was spilling tea so uncomfortable?

“Lady Werfel, how is the portrait work going?”

The call from Madam Lingston broke Isabella’s thoughts.

“Yes, thanks to you, it’s progressing smoothly.”

Isabella replied with a gentle smile, stirring her herbal tea with a teaspoon and carefully taking a sip.

“By the way, is it Miss Macy’s first time painting a man’s portrait?”

“Not quite. Why do you ask?”

“She seemed quite nervous. She couldn’t make eye contact with the Duke and was blushing…”

“Oh my. Could it be that she’s taken with the Duke?”

Madam Lingston laughed casually as if it were no big deal. Isabella also chuckled lightly.

“It seems so.”

“If it’s her first time seeing the Duke, it’s not surprising. It’s not every day one encounters such a person. Even those who serve in the Duke’s household and see him daily still admire him, don’t they?”

In truth, Isabella couldn’t be sure if Macy had blushed. But it was clear that Macy struggled to meet Rubens gaze. With someone as distinguished as Rubens, it was impossible not to notice how impressive he was.

Occasionally, there were many who brazenly admired other men.

Initially, Isabella found this irritating, but at some point, she had grown weary of punishing them and began to ignore it. Additionally, Isabella’s composure was partly due to Rubens’ indifferent attitude. While he was dry with Isabella, he was cold enough to seem ice-hearted to others.

But now, why did the painter woman bother him?

‘Is it because of her striking appearance for a commoner? Or is it because her painting skills are so good she’s considered a genius?’

It was neither. Rubens gaze towards her was subtle. His initial displeasure, which had seemed directed at Macy for spilling tea on the Duke, was understandable.