It was a casual-sounding voice, as if asking a passing question, but Blair’s startled heart began to beat rapidly.

Although almost ten days had passed since the expected date, Blair never thought he would be concerned about their usual intimate time.

Momentarily taken aback, Blair skillfully covered her face with the blanket and offered a suitable excuse.

“I missed a few doses of the medicine, but I’ve been preoccupied with some things lately. Sometimes it gets delayed like this.”

Surprisingly, the lie that she lacked confidence in flowed smoothly once she started. So much so that even she couldn’t tell that she was lying.

Recalling the day he switched the medicine with a fake one, Haldin soon agreed. He may not know much about a woman’s body, but since it hadn’t been long since he swapped the fake medicine, there could still be remnants of its effects. It was a plausible story.

“Wait a few more days, and if the delay continues, it would be best to have a check-up. It could be a sign of deteriorating health.”

Of course, if the delay extended for a longer period, suspicions might arise.

“…Sure. Thank you for worrying.”

Blair thought she should tell him that she would start the intimate time tomorrow. If he had no intention of having a relationship with her, he would have no other reason to stay. Yet, he didn’t leave but remained there, gently playing with her tangled hair.

Despite the disruption of her plans to sleep, Blair didn’t drive him away and silently watched his actions. She didn’t mind his touch.

After playing with Blair’s hair, winding it around his fingers for a while, Haldin, feeling the breeze coming through the slightly open balcony door, looked up. Outside the French doors connecting to the balcony, the backyard was visible, covered with lush greenery. The scent of grass lingered even in the penetrating wind.

Looking at that scenery, Haldin spoke.

“How about having a picnic in the backyard soon?”

“A picnic?”

“As we talked about in spring. It’s almost summer now, and you don’t seem to fear fire as much as before, so it should be okay.”

Only now did memories of the sweet moments they shared during that spring, overcoming his fear of fire by roasting marshmallows over a candle, come to Blair’s mind.

The memories of that happy spring. Initially, she thought it was a pointless desire considering her imminent departure, but it changed into thinking that it was okay to carry a pleasant memory even with her impending departure.

“The memories of happy moments can sometimes become the force that keeps you alive for a lifetime.”

Agnes’s words from the past came to her mind.

“Alright. But do it a little later since it’s going to get hotter soon…”

Blair, who was about to mention pulling the date forward due to her worsening morning sickness, paused.

She still hadn’t cleared Esmeralda’s name. It didn’t feel like the right time to have a lively party yet.

Blair corrected her words.
“No, it’s better to do it after the trial.”

“If you want to do it quickly, you can do it quickly.”

“Is that okay, though?”

Blair, surprised by the unexpected answer, asked with wide eyes, and Haldin nodded willingly.

“Anyway, the trial will end well.”

Without knowing his true feelings, and for the wife who innocently trusted and waited for him, there was no reason not to do at least that much.

The backyard picnic was scheduled a few days before the Gyeonguk International Reception.

After finishing lunch, Blair stood on the balcony, enjoying the view of the backyard. From the busy side, where preparations for the evening picnic were in full swing, came the bustling sounds.

‘Luckily, the morning sickness hasn’t gotten worse.’

Thinking so, Blair was about to put her hand on her lower belly as a habit when she heard Melly’s voice from behind.

“Madam, Lady Sionel has arrived.”

Today was the day the completed dress would arrive. Also, it was the day when Lady Sionel’s assistant, bringing news from Mikhail, would come.

With Blair’s permission, Lady Sionel, along with her assistants, entered the drawing-room connected to the bedroom.

“Hello, Madam.”

“Welcome, Lady Sionel.”

“How are you feeling today? Are you excited to try on the new dress? Your heart must be pounding at the thought.”

Blair burst into laughter at her characteristic nonsense.

“That’s right. I’ve always been excited the day before the completed dress arrives, since I was young. Of course, today is no exception.”

“I also get excited every time I bring a dress for you, My Lady… I mean, Madam. I’m sure today will meet your expectations.”

Lady Sionel, as always, was overflowing with confidence in her skill.

“Since I can’t spoil Madam more, shall we try it on right away?”

Fanning herself noisily with the fan, Lady Sionel’s assistants took Blair to the dressing room. Among them was someone assisting Mikhail.

Throughout the dress fitting, Blair focused all her attention on that particular assistant.