In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 82

A night covered in pitch-black darkness.

After her bath, Aria changed into her nightgown and lay down early, hoping to fall asleep quickly. She had spent all her energy earlier clashing with Sierra.

Sierra was even more intelligent and beautiful than Aria had expected—and she wasn’t just anyone. She was the eldest daughter of Duke Charles Stuart of the Atil Kingdom.

To Eric, Sierra was a woman with noble status and reputation, someone who could help him soar. Very different from Aria, a mere maid.

Aria slowly raised her hand and stared at the ring on her left finger.

Then, Count Dennis’s words clearly echoed in her mind.

“Eric is expected to marry a noble lady. She seems to like him, and everything must go smoothly—no scandals. You know what’s best for him, don’t you?”

There was a mix of affection and seriousness in the Count’s calm voice and steady gaze.

Aria knew all too well what path would be best for Eric, and that thought made her freeze up again, as though chilled by a harsh winter wind.

Pulling the white blanket up to her chin, she closed her heavy eyes and tried to push the complicated thoughts away.

The cool night air drifted in through the slightly open window, brushing her skin. But she didn’t care. She liked the gentle breeze playing with her brown hair. It reminded her of Eric softly stroking her head—a feeling of complete trust and comfort.

His smile, his kind gaze—those memories warmed her, making her smile without realizing it.

Just then, she sensed someone outside her door.

Startled, she looked toward it. A familiar shadow entered—it was Eric, wearing a thin robe. His hair was still damp from a bath.

Aria sat up awkwardly, lowering her head so he wouldn’t see her eyes. She didn’t want to appear weak or worried.

Eric’s gaze rested on her face as he sat down beside her.

With a flustered look, Aria whispered,
“Why are you here? What if the maids see you?”

“Do I need to care what they think when I’m coming to see what’s mine?”

“Still… What if rumors start—”

“Rumors? Weren’t you the one who said you didn’t care about those?”

His teasing eyes met hers, and she quickly closed her mouth. While she sat stiffly, Eric looked relaxed and crossed his arms.

“You’ve been on edge since Lady Stuart visited.”

“I haven’t been on edge! Who says that?”

“You’re pretending not to care, but you’ve been thinking about her words ever since. Worrying too much.”

“I never—!”

“No? Then explain why you haven’t come to my room even once since then.”

Aria’s lips trembled as she tried to respond. She couldn’t hide her feelings.

Eric watched her closely, as if expecting this reaction.

“So what are you really afraid of? The rumors? That my status might fall because of you?”

“It’s not fear. I’m just… worried. What Lady Stuart said is true. She’s the Duke’s daughter—she suits you far more than I do.”

“Nonsense. There’s only one person who can have me. Only one I long for, endlessly.”

His deep gaze swept over her. The Count’s voice echoed in her mind again, but now her thoughts were blank.

A moment of silence passed.

Aria’s eyes wandered toward the droplets of water sliding down Eric’s face. His blue eyes under dark brows always stole her breath.

She bit her lip, trying not to lose herself to emotion.

Trying to change the topic, Aria quickly said,
“How’s your injury? I got some medicine from Jacob. Let me—”

Before she could finish, Eric pulled her gently into his arms. Her breath caught in his embrace.

“Yes, things are tough. The issue with the royal family is reckless and complicated. We’ll need more evidence. But still—we endure. That’s the only way to end this fight.”

“Think of the people holding on for you. The butler, your family… and me.”

Held close, Aria’s eyes wavered. Eric’s calm words, though often blunt, always comforted her. Even now.

She looked up, meeting his soft gaze—a gaze that felt like it saw through to her soul. She almost felt like she’d fall into it.

Then Eric gently kissed her eyelids.

“I told you—if you want to hide something, start by controlling your expression.”

As he smiled faintly, Aria tried to compose herself, but her heart kept pounding wildly.

Eric frowned slightly, gazing at her.

“Are you doing this on purpose? Trying to keep me on edge all the time?”

“Wh-what are you talking about?”

Her voice trembled. Eric leaned close and whispered softly,
“Now that I think of it, you still haven’t answered me properly.”

“About what…?”

“That you’ll never leave me.”

“Th-that’s…!”

As Eric’s eyes lowered to her lips, Aria quickly turned her head, sensing what would come next.

But he leaned in anyway, gently touching her lips.

He pulled back with a deep breath, controlling his emotions.

“I don’t need medicine. You’re the only one who can quench this thirst.”

His blue eyes stared down at her as he smiled softly.

He held her waist with more strength, as though he never wanted her to leave. As if her breath could fill the emptiness inside him.

Their breathing began to blend into one.

Even in silence, the feelings between them were loud and clear.

Eric didn’t want to let her go—and Aria realized, she didn’t want to leave.

She was already addicted to the warmth of his embrace.

Support In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You