A table with a parasol was set in the middle of the white sand beach. Ice cubes in the glass on the table melted and clinked.

Idel took a sip of the refreshing sangria and looked at the softly crashing waves nearby.

The white foam created by the waves resembled blooming cotton.

“Do you want to go into the sea?”

“No! Just looking is enough for me.”

Idel, eyes widened, shook her head decisively. Whether it was trauma from having fallen into the ocean before, her hands trembled at the mere thought of going into the water.

Caeron’s brows furrowed momentarily when he saw her trembling hands. He had wanted to let her experience the sea freely, but was uneasy that he had unintentionally constrained her.

At the same time, a peculiar relief washed over him. It was because he had thought of Idel in a bathing suit. Since she was afraid of water, there would be no future need for such attire.

Well, even if she wanted to, she wouldn’t go swimming anywhere other than in front of him.

“Don’t worry. If you ever do decide to go into the water, I’ll definitely be by your side.”

“Alright.”

Idel nodded, a faint blush spreading over her pale cheeks. His words were sweet to her ears, and a warm feeling spread through her chest.

The woman, naive and shy, smiled, oblivious to the deep possessiveness hidden in the man’s words.

And then she picked up the book she had brought along for sunbathing, just in case someone caught her smiling.

The determination to focus on the book’s contents was evident in her expression as she opened it dramatically.

“You really can’t put down your books, can you?”

“Ah, the semester will start soon, so I thought it would be good to read in advance.”

“That’s right. If you’re going to read, now is a good time.”

Caeron looked at the afternoon sun hanging over the blue sea and spoke meaningfully.

“It will be hard to read once the sun sets.”

Idel’s hand, which was holding the book, twitched.

It was not a simple meaning that it would be difficult to read the characters in the book when it gets dark.

She buried her face deeper into the book as she grasped the subtle meaning in his words, her white earlobes turning red.

Watching her, Caeron chuckled softly, leaned deeply into his lounge chair, and closed his eyes.

“I’ll take a short nap, read as much as you want.”

How much time had passed…

Only the sound of the waves crashing and the turning of book pages were heard rhythmically when Idel’s gaze cautiously shifted to the side.

The sight of the man, hands clasped behind his head and leaning back in deep sleep, came into view.

Dressed not in a perfectly tailored threepiece suit but a casual linen shirt, he looked far more relaxed.

He looked not like the overpowering duke she was accustomed to, but rather like a young man of her own age.

His fine black hair gently covered his thick eyebrows, swaying in the sea breeze.

Whether it was because his piercing blue eyes were closed, her gaze freely traveled from his sculpted nose to his strong jawline.

His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing his neck and collarbones. The sleeves were rolled up, exposing his muscular arms.

The thin shirt moved up and down with the wind, revealing and then hiding his broad shoulders, chest, and firm waist.

The muscles of his body that had persistently held her the previous night seemed to subtly show through.

Suddenly flustered by a memory that sprang into her mind, her gaze faltered.

Her eyes, which had been admiring him as if he were a masterpiece, suddenly wavered and her face seemed to ignite.

‘What am I thinking…’

Idel quickly put the book down on her lap, pressed her palms to her cheeks, and squeezed tightly.
Idel hastily set the book on her lap and pressed her palms to her cheeks, pushing them firmly.

She exhaled deeply, as if thanking her lucky stars, while cooling her flushed cheeks.

“Thank goodness. He’s asleep…!”

As she lifted her gaze that was directed downward to confirm his sleeping face, Idel’s body stiffened instantly.

“Done admiring?”

Out of nowhere, deep blue eyes filled with languid warmth were looking at her.

“When did you wake up?”

“Well… perhaps when your fervent gaze began to scan my body?”

“…”

Speechless, Idel opened her mouth with a vacant expression. She felt as if she should make an excuse but had no idea what to say, so her mouth merely twitched.

Caeron slowly sat up, his back which seemed to be leaning against something, now upright. With his legs crossed and arms resting on his thighs, he looked at her intently.

“Shall we hear your impressions?”

“What impressions…?”

“You tend to ask despite knowing.”

Idel unconsciously bit her trembling lip. At her flustered habit, he reached out and gently brushed over her flushed lips.

“You were quite honest when you admired my body on our wedding night.”

At his words, her astute mind rapidly recalled that night’s memories. She remembered touching his body in a drunken state, intoxicated on sweet wine, and freely voicing her admiration.

“Ththat was…”