To the One Who's Only Cold to Me - Chapter 59

Aisha didn’t pay much attention to Ian’s letters. In fact, she even felt somewhat relieved that he hadn’t sent one for a while.

But today marked exactly one week. Ian sent someone with a letter early in the morning. Aisha got up from the couch and walked toward the table where the letter had been placed. As she opened it, she thought about the things she had to force herself to do.

‘I should reply. And like Mari said, I have to go to the banquet with him, so I’ll need to get my dress fitted.’

Unlike his usual short messages that only said when and where to meet, this letter from Ian was long. Aisha blinked a few times at the hard-to-read handwriting before she finally managed to read it.

The letter talked about the upcoming banquet and asked her to meet him by a certain time the next day.

“Cabala Riding Grounds. 10 A.M”

The place Ian suggested was not large compared to other riding grounds in the capital, but it had a luxurious atmosphere and was popular among nobles. It was also a favorite spot for couples who wanted a unique date, making it especially trendy among young people lately.

“If you’re okay with it, let’s go horseback riding”

Feeling something different from the usual letters that were only about getting into bed, Aisha felt her mood slowly lift. She walked to the mirror holding the letter and looked at her reflection.

“What a mess.”

She touched her face and pulled the robe tie. Some of the shadow over her expression faded. Just then, Mari opened the door after hearing the bell.

“Mari, sorry for telling you to leave earlier. I think I need some care because I’m going out tomorrow.”

“Oh my, are you going on a date?”

Mari guessed from the letter in Aisha’s hand that this change had something to do with it. When Mari teased her, Aisha just blushed without a word.

“I’ll get everything ready. Please wait!”

Thinking her lady had made up with her fiancé, Mari disappeared quickly like a squirrel climbing a tree. Watching her excited figure, Aisha turned back toward the mirror.

The woman in the mirror wore a faint smile that seemed joyful. But the corners of her lips looked a bit awkward, and her brown eyes looked fragile, as if they might break at any moment.

It was a perfect date. As one of the most favored places for couples, Cabala Riding Grounds offered many services for them. For wealthy noble couples, they even rented out a private training area in the far corner. This was so popular that it was hard to book even a month in advance.

But somehow, Ian had rented it just for Aisha. Though not large, the space was enough for two horses to run. Aisha could ride without worrying about other people watching.

“Ian, I don’t think this horse wants me on it.”

“Straighten your back. It’s more dangerous if you bend like that.”

Although Aisha had taken lessons before, she was still almost a beginner. Ian chose a gentle mare for her and helped her ride. Once she got used to it, he suddenly lifted her onto the horse he had picked for himself and told her to feel the speed.

“You’re riding quite well now. Then”

“I– Ian?! Ahhh!”

Unlike Aisha, Ian was an excellent rider. His racehorse, as fast as it looked, was also very quick. Sitting sideways, Aisha froze with fear, clinging to him. Even though he had expected this reaction, Ian found it amusing and rode several laps around the track until she told him to stop.

When she finally got off, Aisha looked pale and glared at Ian. But he didn’t seem to care and just said what he wanted to say.

“Next time, let’s go somewhere more spacious so we can really enjoy the speed. Maybe we can take a horse from the Lloyd family and ride outdoors. This place is clean, but it’s too small and cramped.”

Aisha pouted but looked livelier than she had in a long time. Ian quietly observed her face.

‘Looks like she’s okay now.’

Seeing her slightly blushing cheeks, the unease that had bothered him all week disappeared. In truth, he had been worried by how different Aisha had seemed lately. The reason he stormed out of the bedroom a week ago was because her doll-like behavior had irritated him.

‘I worried for no reason.’

Ian assumed her odd behavior had just been temporary and nodded. Still, while thinking it was pointless to worry, he cautiously mentioned the next stop.

“After lunch, we’re going to Boves Street.”

“Boves Street? Why there?”

“I arranged for them to prepare your dress for the Founding Festival banquet. And my outfit too.”

Aisha stared at him, surprised by his words. Embarrassed by her gaze, Ian turned away, using the excuse of returning the horses.

After that, everything went smoothly. They enjoyed lunch at a nice restaurant and visited Boves Street. Unlike when they went to get their engagement rings, Ian looked around sharply and asked the shopkeeper detailed questions, pointing out things to fix. Aisha watched silently, smiling slightly but genuinely.

“Thank you, Ian. I didn’t expect you to take care of the dress. It feels like a surprise gift.”

“It’s nothing. Don’t mention it.”

When they came out, the sun was already setting. In the carriage, Aisha looked a little tired but kept smiling and chatting with Ian. Listening to her gentle words, Ian relaxed.

“About the riding grounds will you take me again next time?”

“Of course.”

The tender feeling wasn’t unpleasant. Enjoying the breeze from the slightly open window, Ian looked at Aisha’s light blue eyes.

“Oh my, it’s been a while, Ian.”

“Oh, Ian. You’re finally here?”

But the calm atmosphere between Ian and Aisha didn’t last. When they arrived at the Marquis Lloyd’s estate and stepped inside, they were greeted by three women.

“You should have come a bit earlier. We could’ve seen you off.”

Helen, dressed perfectly for going out with a hat, gloves, and parasol, looked like she had been about to leave. Beside her, Sophia and Diane stood in indoor clothes as if they had come to see her off.

Aisha’s face hardened at the sight of Helen. Ian, noticing her expression, glared at Sophia beside Helen. Among those present, the only person who would’ve invited Helen to the house was Sophia. But before Ian’s glare could become too harsh, Diane stepped forward.

“I invited her. She’s a friend of Sophia’s, so I wanted to meet her.”

Since giving up her claim to the land, Diane had stayed as a dignified elder of the Lloyd family. Ian looked at her coldly and then held Aisha’s hand.

“Uh…”

Only after Ian held her hand did Aisha come to her senses and try to greet Diane, Sophia, and reluctantly, Helen. But Ian merely nodded briefly and walked away, dragging Aisha with him.

Caught off guard, Aisha looked back. At that moment, Helen met her eyes directly.

‘She doesn’t even know her place’

Helen’s red lips curved into a smirk under her red hair. She mouthed silent words. When Aisha read them, her eyes widened. But before she could react, Ian pulled her with more force, and she couldn’t see Helen’s face anymore.

Dinner was terrible. The warm mood of the day was gone, and Aisha said nothing. Ian, who had been watching her carefully since Helen’s visit, began to look annoyed when her mood didn’t improve.

After the servants cleared the dishes and brought tea, Aisha stared at the tablecloth without touching her cup. Then she suddenly muttered to Ian.

“I don’t like Helen coming here.”

“I don’t like her calling your name like you’re close.”

Her voice was full of displeasure. Ian’s eyebrows rose at the rare darkness in her tone. Though Helen’s visit had annoyed him, he didn’t see it as wrong. But Aisha’s sour mood throughout dinner had pushed his patience to the limit.

“I didn’t invite her. Grandma and Sophia did. And I never gave her permission to call me that. She just does it on her own I’ll warn her.”

Ian’s voice became blunt. As he tapped the table with his fingers, Aisha looked up. Her light blue eyes were darker than usual.

“I also don’t like that you’re doing business with her.”

“I never said anything before, but I hated that she came to our engagement ceremony too.”

At her mention of the business with Helen, Ian’s jaw tightened. The vengeance he had forgotten during the day started rising again. He stopped tapping and crossed his arms.

“My business is none of your concern. And she came as someone’s guest, not on her own. Should I have banned her from even that? Wouldn’t that be more ridiculous?”

“But Helen you and she”

“Enough.”

Aisha had tried to bring up the rumors about Ian and Helen. But Ian cut her off sharply, as if the subject wasn’t worth discussing.

“I told you before. Don’t be so petty, Aisha.”

“I’m not even seeing her like before. Acting like this the whole dinner, and now arguing  it’s annoying.”

At his cold words, Aisha felt her eyes sting. Holding back tears, she finally let out the feelings she had kept inside.

“What’s wrong with my face?”

“Do I always have to smile in front of you? Obey everything you say? Act like some flower for you?”

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