There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 27

Vivian met Mr. Jefferson and rejoiced together with him. Seeing Mr. Jefferson’s face regain its gentle smile, Vivian sighed in relief. Her steps then grew noticeably lighter as she headed to meet Edwin.

Yesterday, as she recalled the time spent with him, she unconsciously pressed a hand to her chest. It felt as though the fingertips that had traced a path down her skin had come alive again.

Did the Duke have something he wished for from me?

From those icy blue eyes—like winter itself—she’d felt a heated intensity. She wasn’t so naive or unlearned as to not understand what that meant. Although his gaze differed from the countless men who had visited the estate before the auction, its underlying meaning hadn’t strayed far.

But that couldn’t be. Surely, he wouldn’t harbor such thoughts toward me—of all people.

The warmth flickering in those cold eyes was clearly a misunderstanding or illusion. Just as he’d once handled her body as indifferently as a piece of meat, yesterday’s encounter must have been equally mundane.

It was plainly her own fault for misreading the unfamiliar atmosphere.

Now, all she needed to do was feel endlessly grateful to Edwin for retracting her dismissal. If she simply buried the misunderstanding and illusion deep in her memory, it would become nothing more than a minor, easily forgotten incident.

Vivian’s cheeks flushed as she shook her head firmly. Just then, Sophie brought her a cool glass of lemonade with ice. Vivian’s eyes naturally drifted to the condensation forming on the glass.

Rodinia’s brief spring was passing. The refreshing moisture offered momentary relief from the early heat—an elixir of life. After taking a quick sip, Vivian’s gaze shifted to two men clashing swords.

Vivian quietly waited for Edwin while watching their match. The ice in her glass had long since melted, and the lemonade was nearly gone. Just as she lifted the glass to drink the last drop, the bout came to an end.

Still unable to finish her drink, Vivian stared intently at Edwin, her face brightening. She had been ready to rush over and thank him if he’d forgotten her again. Fortunately, Edwin removed his mask, sent Loic away first, and then gestured toward the pergola.

He didn’t forget me.

Overjoyed by something so trivial, Vivian beamed and stood up from her seat. She hurried down the steps toward him, who stood beneath the quince tree’s shade.

He was wiping sweat from his face. The handkerchief in his hand looked oddly familiar, making her eyes narrow slightly. Soon, she realized it wasn’t a handkerchief at all—but her own scarf—and Charlotte came to mind.

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