The Person I Loved Hated Me - Chapter 27

Having learned Dian’s true identity and intentions, Clara was so shocked she couldn’t speak. If she uttered even a single word, she might spew terrible insults that could never be taken back.

Even when the expressionless young man called Flurey told her “Take care,” her throat was too choked up to thank him, and she couldn’t meet his gaze, parting with just a nod.

When she stood before her room on the second floor of the apartment building, she saw light leaking from under the door. Though she’d heard Isaac would be late returning today, it seemed he had already come back.

Clara took several deep breaths in front of the door to calm herself. She also thought up excuses for why she was late.

She couldn’t let him know about her current state. If the future was set, she had to act cheerful so Isaac wouldn’t worry. If Isaac learned Clara was unhappy and committed disrespect against Dian, who held tremendous power, it would be irreparable.

He might be dismissed from the knighthood, imprisoned, or even lose his life. She would regret it endlessly if that happened. She absolutely had to prevent that at all costs.

Forcing a smile, Clara resolved herself and opened the door.

“I’m home! Isaac, you’re back already?”

“Clara!” Isaac greeted her with a tense expression, to which Clara responded with a cheerful smile.

“I met up with a friend on my way back. We ended up eating together and lost track of time. What about you? Didn’t you say work would keep you late?”

She took off her coat and set down her bag. She washed her hands in her usual routine. Yes, confirming nothing seemed amiss, she dried her hands and turned around.

“Did you eat already?”

“I was worried when you weren’t here when I got back.”

Suddenly, he hugged her tightly. Her face was pressed against his muscular, broad chest so hard she almost couldn’t breathe. He must have been truly worried sick. Sensing his feelings, Clara wrapped her arms around his back and hugged him in return.

“I heard you’d be late, so I didn’t contact you. Did I take too much time? I’m sorry.”

Isaac buried his nose in Clara’s hair, saying “No, it’s fine,” while his large, rough hand tousled her hair.

“Stop it. Don’t mess it up.”

When she pushed his chest, he readily let go.

“Sorry… Are you okay?”

“I’m fine.”

They gazed at each other from within arm’s reach. Their eyes revealed that each knew the other was lying. His “sorry” just now was surely because he’d checked on her distrustfully and without restraint.

Sniffing her head was to confirm where she’d been. He must have noticed there was no scent of food on her. And while messing up her hair, he’d been checking her neck. He’d been suspicious that someone might have touched her and was searching for evidence.

She knew she was being checked, but she couldn’t tell him what had happened. She could tell Isaac couldn’t bring himself to ask for certain details either. That’s why she answered that she was fine.

“Want some milk?”

“I told you, I already ate, so I’m full.”

“I’ll warm some up for you. Go take a bath first. You can sleep well afterward.”

“Okay, understood.”

He must have noticed something, yet he didn’t press her. His kindness made her want to cry. But no, she absolutely had to keep up the act until the very end. If she cried, he’d realize she was suffering.

Clara nodded as suggested and headed to the bathroom.

※

Isaac had been searching the city until just moments ago, after a colleague told him they’d seen Clara getting into an unmarked carriage used by nobles traveling incognito.

He knew the other party was the Crown Prince. He’d wanted to contact the Winslet Duke through Eivard, but unfortunately, Eivard was away on a mission, making it impossible.

He was frantic with worry and helpless. He had no information other than the direction the carriage had headed, so he’d ended up running around aimlessly.

Hoping against hope that she might have returned home safely, he went back, but the house was empty. Just as he was considering heading to the Duke’s residence, he sensed someone on the other side of the door.

Holding his breath, he watched for any movement, and after a while, the door opened. There stood the sister he’d been searching for Clara.

“Welcome home!” she said energetically, in the same drawn-out voice as always. No, not quite the same as always. More energetic than usual, and he could sense her tension. He could tell at a glance she was hiding everything and feigning calm.

What had they done to her? Her clothes showed no disarray or tears. But it was too soon to feel relieved, and because he was still anxious, he hugged her on impulse to check her condition.

She said she’d eaten, but there was no scent of food or alcohol. Her body was cold, and her tension hadn’t eased.

He was terrified of learning the worst outcome, but he couldn’t stop himself from subtly checking her hair, her neck, and exposed areas for any marks.

He was profoundly relieved to find nothing. But he couldn’t let his guard down. Even if she was safe today, who knew about tomorrow? He thought he needed to stick by her side all day, but he had responsibilities and couldn’t take time off.

What was happening with the background check on Ortol? Not knowing the situation made him anxious. Even if he exposed the secret, he was unbearably worried about what would happen afterward.

All he wanted was to maintain their current life as it was. Isaac, as a commoner-born knight, would serve the country, and Clara would work at the engraving she loved. Eventually, they’d each find partners and live ordinary lives. That was all he wished for, so why had things turned out like this now?

Clara probably hadn’t eaten anything, but he doubted she had an appetite either. He forced her to drink the warmed milk and saw her off to her bedroom.

The next morning, seeing Clara’s forced cheerfulness pained his heart. Though they were the only family each other had, her efforts to avoid worrying him were heartbreaking.

“You look pale. Why don’t you take the day off work?”

“Not at all, I’m fine. Besides, the shop’s inventory is running low, so I’ll be busy.”

Engraving was a job Clara had found that she genuinely enjoyed. After their mother died and she became withdrawn, he’d enrolled her in a vocational training school with an eye to her future.

They’d used the funds Ortol had left behind for the last time.

Though Isaac was an adult, his income was barely enough to support Clara, and when he learned that the child support they’d received until then had also come from Ortol’s pocket, he accepted it as the final installment.

At the school she attended with those funds, Clara discovered engraving, was introduced to a good teacher, became an apprentice, and had continued to this day. Precisely because it was such a place, immersing herself in work would help distract her. His worry was that she might be taken out again.

As he pondered what to do, despite the early hour, there was a knock at the door.