To the One Who's Only Cold to Me - Chapter 30

“Say what you want.”

Even if she was lying flat on the ground begging for mercy, it wouldn’t have been enough but that arrogant face was disgusting. Edward threw the stack of papers he had placed next to his glasses down in front of Ian.

“What do I want? Are you really asking that? Of course, I want to put her on trial, hold her responsible for the rumors she spread, and make her pay the price.”

The top page of the documents listed Sophia’s charges and the damage caused to Aisha and the Pardens. Following that were the details Edward had investigated, and at the end, several pages described the appropriate punishment for Sophia. If Edward submitted the papers as they were, Sophia would not be able to avoid trial.

As Ian turned the pages one by one, he clenched his teeth until he tasted blood in his mouth. Then, he finally spoke.

“It’s true that Sophia spread false rumors. But she didn’t say anything as harsh as people are claiming. Holding her fully responsible for everything it’s too much.”

“Too much? Are you out of your mind? If she hadn’t gone around saying things that weren’t true, the rumors wouldn’t even exist.”

“Because of that lie, my sister’s honor has been completely ruined. Even if the truth comes out now, there will always be fools whispering behind her back. And do you even know what happened to Aisha because of your sister’s dirty tricks?”

“If something had actually happened to Aisha, neither you nor your sister would still be standing here!”

Edward’s voice grew louder and louder, turning into a shout. Ian calmly looked back at Edward, who was glaring at him, and slowly opened his mouth.

“That’s exactly why I said it’s too much.”

“What?”

“Edward, you just said it yourself. If something had happened. His Highness, the Second Prince, saved Aisha. So blaming everything on Sophia…”

Bang!

“You!”

With the loud slam of the table, Ian’s words were cut off. Without even glancing at the flying papers, Edward grabbed Ian by the collar. He looked like he might punch him any second, but Ian didn’t even blink.

“Calm down and listen to me, Edward.”

“I’m not trying to deny Sophia’s fault. But in the end, Aisha”

Ian paused and swallowed hard. Even though he had prepared himself to be shameless, the words wouldn’t come out. For the first time, he avoided Edward’s gaze and spoke in a slightly smaller voice.

“She’s safe. So let’s end it here. If you do, I’ll offer proper compensation. I sent a list of the Lloyd family’s assets as compensation before arriving. Did you not receive it?”

Edward let out a hollow laugh. The compensation plan was several pages long and impressive—but even ten books full of compensation would have made no difference.

“Do you really think Pardens is lacking in money? Have you forgotten who bailed out the Lloyd family when you couldn’t even pay your servants?”

At those words, Ian’s atmosphere changed in an instant. His sharp glare was enough to make it feel like Edward’s hand would be chopped off. Unconsciously, Edward let go of Ian’s collar.

‘What was that? No matter how proud he is…’

The strange, threatening air disappeared as quickly as it came. Edward thought maybe he imagined it and sat back down, crossing his legs again.

“Fine. Let’s say we forget about the money. But what about Aisha’s ruined reputation? I don’t see any way to fix it unless your sister stands in court. Unless we make her hold a sign saying ‘I’m guilty’ and parade her around at a banquet. Then maybe I’ll consider it.”

Even though Edward was sarcastically suggesting public humiliation for Sophia, Ian didn’t react. Instead, he turned his head slightly as if considering something, then said something completely unexpected.

“I’ll take responsibility for that too.”

“And how do you plan to do that?”

“I’ll get engaged.”

“What?”

“Sophia must take responsibility for the rumor. I’ll get engaged to Aisha.”

The engagement had been dragging on for over three years. Ian had refused it every time with ridiculous excuses, even going on trips to avoid it. Edward’s eyes widened at Ian’s sudden declaration.

“You, right now”

“The rumor spread because Aisha and I weren’t engaged. If we announce the engagement now, all that gossip will go away. Wouldn’t that solve everything?”

Unlike the shocked Edward, Ian’s face was frighteningly calm. But only for a moment Edward’s face twisted in anger.

“With that face…”

How dare he talk about engagement with a face that showed not a shred of affection? Ian acted like a businessman proposing a contract. Edward was about to yell again.

But just then, someone met his eyes through the gap in the door leading to the parlor. Instantly regaining his composure, Edward closed his mouth. Ian noticed the sudden change in attitude and slightly raised an eyebrow.

“This is something that needs time to think about.”

Edward’s expression went blank like he was making a business deal. He stood up and said in a cold voice.

“You should go now. Contact me once you’ve discussed it with your family.”

Without another word, Ian stood up. As he followed the servant out of the Pardens estate, the parlor door creaked open.

Aisha slowly stepped out. Edward lowered his eyes and asked his sister,

“Do you still not see?”

Without replying, Aisha sat in the seat Ian had just left. His warmth remained, but there was no comfort in it.

Edward quietly watched her, then shifted his gaze to the scattered documents. From a results standpoint, everything had gone according to plan. Yet, for some reason, he couldn’t bear to look at his sister’s face.

Aisha, I’ll let this matter go as you wish. But under one condition.

Condition?

I plan to send Ian a letter summoning him to Pardens over Sophia’s actions. Yes, it’s partly to hold his sister accountable, but more than that, I want you to see what Ian really feels.

Brother…

Let me warn you now he won’t think of you. He’ll only care about Sophia’s punishment. So, Aisha, my gentle little sister. Don’t expect anything from Ian. And don’t let him hurt you too much.

Still, Edward felt a bit of relief. Ian was even worse than he expected brazenly offering a list of assets to protect Sophia. How dare he talk about compensation after ruining the honor of Pardens’ noble daughter? Even a sister who had loved Ian for 15 years would have her heart broken by this insult.

How dare he…

Grinding his teeth, Edward looked up and met Aisha’s eyes. As expected, she wasn’t crying—but the hurt in her eyes was deep.

Her fake smile was sad. The trembling corners of her lips couldn’t be hidden. Edward started to speak but then moved next to his sister and gently stroked her head with his large hand. Finally, he spoke.

“Aisha. As you can see, Ian doesn’t care about you the way you care about him. So please, stop thinking about him. It’s a waste of your heart.”

“I should’ve told you this earlier Maybe it was my fault for holding back, hoping things might change. Like Daniel said, we should’ve—”

“Edward.”

Aisha cut him off. Edward, who had been speaking faster than usual, paused when she held his hand tightly. He could tell what she was thinking. He was about to tell her to stop, but she spoke first.

“I’m going to accept the engagement.”

“Aisha!”

Edward grabbed her shoulders, unable to hide his anger. He shouted at her.

“Didn’t you hear what Ian said? He didn’t propose because he loves you.”

“He’s using the engagement like a deal to protect Sophia. And you still?”

It was a rare sight Edward losing his composure. But it was his sister. How could he stay calm?

They were born together, but only Aisha was small. “Mother, why is Aisha so tiny?”

“You silly! She’s your little sister. Girls are smaller than boys.”

Edward had always cherished all his siblings, but Aisha had worried the family the most.

“Daniel, she’s not small because she’s a girl. She was just born weaker. That’s why you both need to take care of her.”

“Yes, Mother.”

“Daniel, answer too.”

“Hmph. Just because I’m her brother doesn’t mean I have to be nice. But  she’s cute, so I guess I’ll share my butter cookie.”

She was his one and only precious sister, who had grown up beautifully despite her weak health. Edward had always felt responsible for protecting her. And now, she was walking into a thorny path on her own. He had respected her choices before but this time, he couldn’t.

Whether she knew his heart or not, Aisha looked calm. She placed her hand over his, which rested on her shoulder. Her eyes lowered, her face somber.

“Sophia spread the rumor, and Ian said he’d take responsibility through engagement That’s what he said, didn’t he?”

“And after hearing that…”

“I don’t think I can let go yet. I waited for this for so many years. And now that it’s finally happening, no matter the reason.”

Her voice shook with self-blame. She bit her lip, then looked up and met Edward’s eyes. Seeing her tear-filled eyes, Edward felt like he couldn’t breathe.

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