Chapter 3
Hayden drew me into his embrace with gentle affection and led me to the bed.
“Just because the husband is tired doesn’t mean a married couple can’t sleep beside each other, right?”
His olive-colored eyes, filled with a gentle smile, met mine. Those olive eyes I couldn’t help but love.
Like someone bewitched, I gazed into those eyes and lay down beside him. In the quiet room, the low thumping of our heartbeats spread out.
We shared soft, everyday conversations. Hayden brushed back my disheveled hair behind my ear and looked into my eyes.
His warm hands continuously stroked my hair and shoulders, and from time to time, affectionate kisses landed softly on my forehead.
His embrace was as warm and cozy as I remembered.
Buoyed by his gentle touch, I suddenly found courage. Listening to Hayden’s slightly shallow breathing, I spoke up in a small voice.
“Um, Hayden. Are you asleep?”
“…No.”
His voice, drowsy with sleep, replied. I hid my even more nervous feelings and parted my lips.
Perhaps my hesitation was too long, because Hayden asked.
“Why…?”
“…Do you have time this weekend?”
“……”
“Before autumn is over, I wanted to go on an outing with you.”
When I whispered this, Hayden let out a thoughtful sigh. Pressing down my pounding heart, I looked up at Hayden.
I heard his steady, even breaths. For a moment, I thought he’d fallen asleep, and disappointment crept in.
“…Alright. Let’s do that, Winter.”
His agreement finally came, albeit a bit late.
‘See? Hayden really does love me.’
His affectionate touch lingered with me deep into the night—so sincere that there was no way to doubt it.
Though there may not have been burning passion in the couple’s bedroom with the lights off, there was, without a doubt, a vivid love that filled the space.
…Certainly, it must have been full.
* * *
“Winter!”
Chloe spotted me as she entered the front hall, greeting me with a wide smile. Her clear eyes sparkled innocently.
“Chloe. It’s really been a long time.”
I hurried down to greet Chloe. She was one of the few people I could truly call a friend.
We’d grown close during our academy days, and after graduating she had worked as an actress. She’d just returned after spending a full two months abroad for her performances.
I watched as Chloe took off her bonnet, then quickly grabbed her hand and led her to the parlor.
“Was it hard getting here?”
“Hard? Not at all! I couldn’t wait to see you, so I came straight here after dropping off my luggage.”
Chloe answered playfully, putting on an exaggeratedly cute act. I couldn’t help but smile at her, not minding her antics one bit.
I sat across from Chloe as she settled naturally onto the parlor sofa.
“How was the performance? Did you have fun?”
“Don’t even ask, Winter. There are really such grand stages in the world. The theater in Kelton is as big as the Imperial Palace. Can you believe it? I could really feel what it means for a country to be a cultural powerhouse.”
“Really? The theater is as big as the Imperial Palace?”
“It’s true! You wouldn’t believe how overwhelming it is until you see it for yourself! Someday, I want to stand as the lead actress on a stage like that.”
Chloe spoke with a face full of life. Her slightly flushed cheeks made her look even more lovable.
“Of course you’ll do it.”
“Obviously! That spot is definitely mine. I could feel it in my bones.”
She clenched both fists as she spoke, her large eyes folding and her long lashes brushing over her brown irises.
“And besides, Winter, if you say I can do it, then I can. You know that, right? You’re my good luck charm.”
It was a blind faith. Since a certain incident in the past, Chloe had come to depend on me quite a bit.
Chloe giggled sweetly. As we exchanged light-hearted updates, tea and dessert were served.
“Oh my, Jenna. You remembered I like this, didn’t you?”
Chloe exclaimed brightly at the cheesecake the servant set down. Jenna, a bit embarrassed, nodded slightly. Even though it must have been a while since they’d seen each other, the two seemed as close as ever.
My own household servant seemed more comfortable with my friend than with me. Chloe’s ability to connect with others was impressive, now that I thought of it. It was Chloe, after all, who had first approached me back in our academy days.
Quiet and timid, I’d struggled to adjust at the academy for quite a while. Without Chloe, it would’ve been much harder.
As soon as the table was set, Chloe tasted the cheesecake and shivered with happiness.
“Mmm, I missed this cheesecake so much over the past two months. Kelton is great and all, but their desserts are just so lacking. Can you believe it? For all their support of the arts, their desserts are terrible. I honestly think dessert and the arts are equally important!”
Chloe expressed her opinion with excitement. Watching her nibble her cake, I couldn’t help but smile.
“Eat as much as you want, Chloe.”
I pushed my own serving toward her. Chloe’s eyes sparkled as she looked at me.
“Thank you! Really, Winter, you’re the best.”
She stuffed the big piece of cake into her mouth.
“So, Winter, what about you? Did you do well while I was gone? Nothing happened, right?”
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