Rofan Rule #1: Don’t You Dare Break the Original Story - Chapter 13

Anne glanced sideways at Logan’s profile. Honestly, he was ridiculously handsome. As expected of the male lead, his face practically glowed.

If not for that unfortunate accident, she might have ended up liking Logan just like in the original… No! Get a grip, Anne Agnes!

Anne shook her head violently from side to side as if having a seizure. Logan watched her, as if observing some strange creature. This was the proper temperature between them. A lukewarm relationship where neither of them felt any attraction to the other’s striking looks.

She had almost fallen into a dangerous trap, but fortunately pulled back at the last moment. Anne let out a sigh of relief, and just then Russell Avery appeared.

“Your Highness.”

Unlike Duke Avery, who showed perfect courtesy, Logan only tilted his head slightly. Russell did not show it, but Anne felt uncomfortable. Logan’s disregard toward the duke was entirely because of her. If not for her, he would have been treated much better.

Despite her resentment, she couldn’t blame Logan. He was a victim too. Probably the greatest victim. In the end, the only bad person here was her.

Logan looked at Anne, whose expression had darkened, with a strange gaze. Russell Avery continued respectfully.

“I apologize, but the party preparations are not yet complete. If you could come inside for some tea…”

“I’ll just wait here.”

Logan replied indifferently. Anne pouted and glared at him. Why did he have to come so early and make everyone uneasy? She grabbed his arm and linked hers through it as she spoke.

“Let’s take a walk. I’ll show you the garden.”

“With you?”

Logan replied as if he had just heard something absurd. His brow automatically creased as a bonus. But today, Anne didn’t back down.

“Yes. If you don’t want to, shall I have a carriage prepared?”

The meaning was clear. He could stay hidden inside the carriage so he wouldn’t inconvenience others, or go back home, meaning the royal palace, and return later at the proper time. Logan’s eyes wavered again. The Anne Agnes he knew had always been someone who shrank like a guilty person.

But Anne didn’t yield. What was he going to do about it? This was the Avery residence, and today was her birthday. If someone didn’t want to cooperate, they should be the one to leave.

The winner was Anne. Logan answered in a reluctant voice.

“Then I’ll trouble you to guide me.”

Having secured her victory, Anne felt triumphant. It was fine if he directed his resentment toward her. As the queen had said, if she had to ‘take responsibility’ for the rest of her life, she was prepared to do so. But she couldn’t stand by and watch him make things difficult for the innocent duke and duchess.

Anne and Logan walked out into the garden together. Their linked arms were awkward. Unexpectedly, the strength with which she pulled him was quite firm. When Logan showed discomfort, Anne quickly let go. Of course, Logan was uncomfortable simply being with her.

They avoided the central garden, where servants were busy moving about, and walked along the outer paths. It was called a tour, but in reality it was just killing time. There was nothing in particular to talk about. Anne walked ahead silently, looking straight forward, when Logan suddenly spoke.

“Anne Agnes Avery.”

Anne let out a silent sigh. Did he think she didn’t know her own name? Why did he keep calling her by her full name? When she turned around abruptly, Logan was standing there with a serious expression.

He was usually expressionless, but his eyes looked unusual. Had she pushed him too far earlier? Anne answered, slightly intimidated.

“Yes.”

He had called her over, but said nothing. Logan stared at her for a long moment, as if challenging her to a staring contest. A breeze passed, stirring the hem of Anne’s skirt. As if trying to hide his words in the sound of the wind, Logan finally spoke.

“Do you want this marriage?”

“Me?”

Anne asked back without thinking, sounding foolish. Logan confirmed with silence. Her face twisted instantly, as if she had just put a bug in her mouth.

Logan’s mood worsened. He had expected to hear that she didn’t want it either, yet for some reason, that reaction felt much worse. As if he had spoken out of turn, he turned and began walking ahead quickly.

“That’s enough of an answer.”

Anne came to her senses a moment later. She couldn’t remember exactly, but her facial muscles had probably been far too honest just now. She hurried after him and pressed him.

“What do you mean that’s enough? Why? Why, why, why?”

“I don’t need to hear this.”

Logan avoided looking at her face, turning his head this way and that. If he looked at her right now, he felt like he might explode in anger. It seemed he had grown more sensitive from enduring the pain the whole time.