The Abandoned and Terminally Ill Lady Married a Monster - Chapter 68

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Chapter 68

‘Pretend I don’t know. Pretend all the way.’ I’d insist I never said such a thing. The loudest voice usually wins.

First, I needed a leisurely bath, since I didn’t know when he’d return. As leisurely as possible.

Much later, I entered the bedroom, surprised to find it empty. The tension I’d been holding evaporated.

‘I should quickly pretend to be asleep.’

Just as I scrambled into bed, a voice stopped me. “Where are you going?”

“To sleep.”

“Why?”

“So Daykin won’t ca- eek!”

Focused on burying myself under the covers, I hadn’t noticed Daykin following me. He smiled calmly, lying down beside me. Face to face, I inched away as much as possible. Daykin’s arm shot out, pulling me back against him. He caged me in, placing his hands on either side of my face.

“Oh dear. Caught, after all.” He clicked his tongue, feigning sympathy.

Even from below, his face was infuriatingly handsome. Frustrated, I searched for an escape route. “I’m serious about taking a vacation. I’ve already requested it.”

“Before dinner,” Daykin added.

“Why…?” This wasn’t a question of genuine ignorance, but an accusation. Daykin, with an expression that didn’t match his serious tone, replied, “To spend tomorrow with you.”

Without thinking, I muttered, “That wasn’t necessary.”

He chuckled, the sound warm against my skin. “So you’d rather continue spending time with Mother and not with me?”

His blue eyes burned, just like before dinner. That wasn’t what I meant.

“That’s not what I…”

“Then spend time with me.”

Why are you jealous of your mother? While it made sense, it was also baffling. I did it for you! Which was the right answer? I didn’t know anymore.

I tried to slip away, but he blocked me. I stammered, “I, I don’t like playing like this.” Even I thought it was a stupid answer.

“Then how do you like to play?” I’ll indulge you, he whispered seductively.

Shouldn’t you fix that voice before asking?

“First, get off me…”

Instead of more nonsense, Daykin surprisingly complied. The open ceiling above had never looked so welcoming.

“Now, let’s cover ourselves with the blanket and sleep quietly.” I carefully tucked the blanket around him, then myself. Daykin’s eyes questioned if that was all. I stammered, “Th-That’s it.”

“Don’t you think we skipped a few steps before bedtime?”

“Th-There are no steps. We just sleep.”

Daykin gave a patient smile. I’d never known a smile could hold so much patience.

“Fine, let’s say that’s true.” What was he going to say now? I watched warily as he inched closer. I felt like prey being stalked.

“Say what you said earlier again. Then I’ll let it go.”

“Wh-What?”

You’re really letting it go, right? Like, forgetting it ever happened? Not letting it go to the next level, right?

‘This is all my fault.’ I gritted my teeth, but the offer was tempting. He’d just let it go.

Daykin stared intently, his eyes slightly unfocused. He stared so hard I wondered if he was even blinking. Under his gaze, I felt myself shriveling.

“You know, what you said while hugging me earlier. Say it again.” He pulled me into a light embrace, but didn’t release me. I was forced to endure his interrogation at close range. His heart beat louder and faster than yesterday, a thump-thump-thump vibrating against my skin.

I decided to call it the sound of doom.

I opened and closed my mouth, then finally spoke. This would probably be the last time. “…I like you, a lot.”

Instead of repeating my true feelings, I meant to apologize, like before. And say cruel things. Tell him I only saw him as a friend, that I could never see him as anything else, the worst kind of words to toy with someone’s feelings.

I wanted to stop here, to prevent him from encroaching any further. Selfishly, I wanted to keep drawing the line. I tried to continue, but—

“Stop there. Just that much.” He knew, somehow, and stopped me. He was smiling brightly, like a child. …Don’t smile like that, you idiot.

“Now that I’ve heard your confession, I should respond.” He hugged me tightly. Thump-thump-thump, his heartbeat was undeniable. “Ailee, I love you.”

A soft kiss landed on my forehead.

Looking at his radiant face, I understood. I should never have said I liked him. The advice in books, to confess even if you might regret it, must have been meant to ease the guilt of the one leaving.

Oblivious to the feelings of the one left behind. Now, having experienced it, I understood with painful clarity.

I silently vowed never to say it again.