“Dad? You said Dad?”

The scene Alicia had witnessed earlier hadn’t left her mind.

She returned immediately to the Lancaster estate, not wanting to be anywhere near Count Russel’s place.

She ate dinner haphazardly and went straight to her room.

Being alone, she couldn’t keep still and paced around the room, repeatedly recalling that scene.

‘I should not think about it; I need to focus on something else.’

So she sat at her desk.

Even while writing, involuntary thoughts came to her, causing her to press down too hard and break her pen.

“Ah, nothing’s going right.”

Grumbling, Alicia took out a new pen and scribbled on the paper.

“There was a woman? You said there was none, none whatsoever. You confidently stated that when we made the contract.”

Snap.

The pen broke again from her grip.

“Ah, these pens are so weak these days. I knew I shouldn’t buy them in bundles.”

Grumbling again, she was about to take another pen but stopped. Working in this state was impossible.

She sighed and was about to lay her head on the desk when she ended up slamming it harder than expected. It didn’t hurt.

It would be nice if it hurt so much that she could forget that scene for a moment.

Alicia sighed as she lay her head down.

“Let’s call it a day.”

Finally, she stood up from the desk.

Feeling like this, she didn’t want to do anything, so she lay down on the bed to sleep.

Alone in the dark, quiet space, the scene became even clearer.

She closed her eyes tightly and turned to the other side.

That woman’s image was vivid, even from the brief glimpse.

She was a mature, subtly glamorous type.

‘Does he like that type?’

Eric’s old comment about not suiting ‘glamorous things’ at the palace came to mind.

‘It’s not that I don’t suit it; how would he know? He hasn’t seen it.’

She grumbled and turned to the other side, forcing her eyes closed.

‘The child looked pretty grown. How long have they been meeting?’

‘Was there a reason they had to meet in secret?’

‘If she runs a cafe in that neighborhood, she’s not a noble. So did his family object because she’s a commoner?’

‘The family was eager for Eric’s marriage. If they’ve been meeting secretly, even with a child, that’s probably why they’re pushing for it. To end it?’

‘That’s why they accepted my proposal? Thinking they’ll eventually accept it after the annulment?’

‘Yes, that’s it.’

A perfect story pieced together in Alicia’s mind.

‘He should’ve told me.’

‘Shouldn’t I know, even if it’s fake? So I can prepare.’

‘To prepare… for breaking up with Eric.’

Suddenly, she felt like crying, so she closed her eyes tightly and opened them again.

‘In fact, it’s not my place.’

It was just a fake engagement; the annulment is a predetermined step. Whatever happens afterward is none of her business.

Even so.

She lightly touched her lips with her fingers.

That kiss felt less like getting caught up in the moment and more like genuine emotion.

Did that focus, that feeling during the kiss, happen to everyone?

Is it typical for men, and was she just deluded?

‘That jerk.’

Making her this expectant.

Making her believe she could take another step.

“Aahh!”

In the end, Alicia sat up abruptly in bed.

“So annoying. I can’t sleep.”

She felt like crying, was angry, and felt hurt.

She realized for the first time that several emotions could hit you all at once, and it was torturous.

Right now, she felt like running to Eric and smacking him would relieve her frustration.

(This is a time separator.)

“…I must be crazy.”
In the end, she didn’t sleep a wink.

As dawn broke, she arrived at the café around the time it would likely open.

Although she already knew what the situation was, she couldn’t just stand still without verifying it, holding onto a tiny hope that perhaps she had misunderstood.

“The door’s still closed. Guess I came too early.”

‘It’s for the best. I can turn back now, Alicia. What’s the point of meeting?’

Despite convincing herself inwardly, her feet wouldn’t move.

‘I have to meet and verify. Otherwise, I’ll keep feeling miserable, won’t I?’

‘But what if it’s actually true?’

Suddenly, fear seized her.

‘Should I go back?’

As Alicia hesitated in front of the door, a voice came from behind her.

“Oh my, the door isn’t open yet, what to do?”

Startled, she turned around. The woman with Eric was looking at Alicia and smiling.

Gathering her wits, Alicia finally spoke.

“Ah, it seems so. I was just about to leave.”

“Oh, it’s okay. They’ll open it soon.”

“Really?”

“Come in. I’ll prepare as quickly as possible.”

“Ah[—].”

The woman unlocked the café door and led a hesitating Alicia inside.

Inside the café, Alicia mumbled a carved name she read.

“Eugenie?”

“That’s my name. Also the name of this café. Please wait a moment.”

Eugenie guided Alicia to a seat and went to make coffee.

Alone, Alicia looked around the café as the aroma of coffee began to fill the air.

‘It smells good.’

While Alicia sat there, lost in thought, Eugenie brought the coffee.

“Did you wait long? Please have some.”

“Thank you. It smells wonderful.”