There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 54

After taking all the measurements, she was only granted freedom once she had stripped the dressmaker’s shop bare. She stepped out of the atelier after instructing them to deliver an extravagant quantity of luxury goods and dresses—so many they wouldn’t fit in her carriage.

And then, Vivian learned why the dressmaker’s shop had been so empty and heard the rumors openly circulating throughout Perrington.

“The capital is already abuzz with gossip. They say His Grace and Miss Ebelline have become lovers and will soon marry. Is it true?”

Mrs. Green’s question was so absurd that Vivian let out a hollow laugh. How could a relationship bound by revenge, debt, and death possibly lead to love and marriage?

Threatening to kill one’s lover, touching them without consent, shooting them, strangling them… One surely wouldn’t commit countless wrongs—especially against someone they were about to marry.

She wanted to understand what critical switch had transformed the situation between these two opposing realities.

Vivian insisted she was neither his lover nor planning to marry him. In fact, she had to feign humble modesty, claiming such rumors were a grave insult to His Grace, who had only sacrificed for her sake since she had nowhere else to go.

“But His Grace rented this entire dressmaker’s shop—for you. He spent a great deal of money. And not only that—he’d already purchased several dresses for you before, and you’re even wearing one of them right now.”

Mrs. Green laughed like a chirping bird, but Vivian could only stare blankly at the dress she wore—or rather, at Edwin’s gift.

Why? Why me?

He was the type who usually showed a bit of leniency if pleaded with desperately enough—but this time, he’d shown kindness without cause. And whenever that happened, something terrible always followed. This, too, must be poisoned.

Therefore, she must not believe it. It was a trap—a cruel, malicious scheme. She had to stand straight and steady on the balance scale the Duke had set up, maintaining her composure and equilibrium.

When Vivian stood before the carriage, Edwin extended his hand. Though she ought to have taken it like a proper lady accepting a gentleman’s help, her heart wouldn’t let her move. When Edwin gently shook his hand, urging her, she reluctantly placed hers in his.

Immediately, her heart fluttered wildly, squeezing hot blood through her veins. Feeling uncomfortable in her chest, Vivian cleared her throat politely and took her seat with dignity. Then he sat down beside her.

His shoulder brushed against hers. In the narrow confines of the carriage, there was no room to create distance. Her throat and backside tingled uncomfortably. Her mouth kept going dry for no reason, and she constantly shifted her posture, trying to find relief.

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