I No Longer Have Love to Offer You - Chapter 40

The meeting with Ricardo was set to take place in a private room at the restaurant owned by Albert.

“I had no idea you even ran a restaurant.”

“The Albert Trading Company’s creed is to pursue any business that turns a profit. Of course, we don’t do anything illegal or unethical.”

Escorted by Albert, who cracked such casual remarks, I made my way to the private room.

“Even if you two were once married, we can’t leave you alone with Lord Ricardo. So, Lord Ludovic and I will be present but don’t worry, we won’t interfere.”

A woman’s position in noble society was stifling, to say the least. If an unmarried lady were alone with a man in a private room, it would instantly become fodder for scandal. The only exceptions were family members like parents or siblings, a fiancé, or a husband.

Of course, having a maid or guard present would prevent them from being truly alone, but unfortunately, Mirabelle currently had no personal attendants.

“I keep causing you nothing but trouble.”

“I do this because I want to. Don’t worry about it.”

Even so, Mirabelle couldn’t shake the feeling that she was taking advantage of Albert’s kindness.

“…You’re settling things today, aren’t you?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

She had already informed Albert of her resolve. No matter what Ricardo said, she would sever ties with him today.

If she counted from childhood, how many years had it been since she first knew Ricardo? The same went for Marietta. But their paths had already diverged.

She could no longer continue as she had before.

With her resolve renewed, the door to the private room came into view.

Knock knock.

A voice answered from inside—likely Ludovic’s.

“Pardon me.”

With those words, Mirabelle stepped through the door Albert opened.

Thud!

A breach of etiquette, the sound of Ricardo hastily rising from his chair.

“Mirabelle! Where have you been all this time? I was worried!”

Ricardo’s face was the very picture of concern. In the past, she might have been moved by how much he seemed to care. But now, nothing in her heart stirred.

A quick glance around the room revealed a single table with four chairs. A tea set and sweets had already been laid out— ikely arranged in advance so they wouldn’t need to call for a waiter.

Ricardo sat on the right side from the entrance, while Ludovic occupied the left. Urged forward, Mirabelle took the seat opposite Ricardo, with Albert settling beside her.

“We’re divorced. I don’t see why I should have to tell you where I’ve been.”

“…Huh?”

Had he expected her to be pleased by his concern? Or had he taken it for granted that she would rejoice at his words?

Ricardo’s face twisted in confusion at her unusually cold response.

“Did I say something strange? We’re nothing to each other now.”

“Nothing? Even if we’re divorced, we’re still childhood friends!”

In Ricardo’s mind, whether as his wife or childhood friend, Mirabelle’s position likely hadn’t changed. Only the title on paper had shifted. His attitude toward her had remained the same before and after marriage.

That was precisely why he must not have considered their divorce a serious matter.

“It’s true we were childhood friends, but that doesn’t mean we can stay close forever. So even if you say you want to meet like this, it’s inconvenient.”

“Wha—”

As she watched Ricardo stand frozen in shock, Mirabelle realized her heart no longer wavered as it once had. The first love she had struggled so long to let go of; she could finally say goodbye.

“Wait! You’re just upset, right? I’m sorry for suddenly kicking you out. I’ll make it up to you, won’t you come back?”

Ricardo said something that, by any reasonable measure, should have been unthinkable. The moment the words left his mouth, an ominous aura radiated from Albert beside her. Ricardo didn’t seem to notice, but startled by the shift, Mirabelle instinctively grasped Albert’s hand under the table.

“…!”

The sudden contact dispelled the unsettling air around Albert. At the same time, Mirabelle realized what she had done and flustered.

(Why did I just grab Albert’s hand?)

Though she questioned herself inwardly, she quickly let go and, slightly flustered, turned back to Ricardo.

“Why should I come back? You were the one who told me to leave so you could bring Marietta in.”

“Because I was wrong. Now that I think about it, Marietta and you are childhood friends too. There shouldn’t be a problem living together! Besides, managing the household I think it’d be too difficult without you.”

At Ricardo’s words, Ludovic, visible at the edge of her vision, grimaced. Of everyone present, Ricardo alone failed to realize how absurd his reasoning was.

“You’re going to marry Marietta, aren’t you? Then she should be the one handling household matters.”

“Well, that’s…”

“…That’s?”

“It’s just… I don’t think Marietta could manage it. And it’s not like our marriage is set in stone.”

(What? It’s not decided?)

Mirabelle’s eyes widened in shock.

“What do you mean?”

“Of course, I care deeply about Marietta. But I’ve started thinking maybe we wouldn’t work as husband and wife…”

A wave of exasperation washed over Mirabelle at Ricardo’s words.

And then, Ludovic’s voice echoed in her mind:

“Two people who only think of themselves will never make it work.”

That was why she had to make it clear now.

The words that would cut her ties with Ricardo once and for all.