<CHAPTER 22>
A Must-Read for Refined Ladies
Raising one eyebrow, Aksion added in a somewhat dry voice.
Since they had announced they were officially dating, it would ease the Marquis and his wife’s worries about whether she was in a relationship with plants.
It was essentially telling Evelyn, who mostly spent her time in the laboratory, to make use of him instead.
In truth, that was exactly what she had wanted.
‘Then why does this feel so unsettling?’
Evelyn believed Aksion would never help her without expecting something in return.
Lost in thought, she shifted her gaze to follow her unusually quiet fiancé.
The moment she saw the man standing in front of the bookshelf, she barely managed to swallow the sound that almost escaped her.
The book in Aksion’s hand was none other than The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Crown Princess’s Husband.
Oh, dear heavens……………….
Evelyn desperately wished this situation was nothing more than a nightmare.
Otherwise, she felt like she might die of embarrassment at any moment.
“What are you doing right now?”
She tried to act shamelessly calm, but the end of her voice trembled noticeably.
The Circumstances of Being Chosen as the Crown Princess’s Husband, the book Evelyn had reread multiple times, was an R-rated BL novel that had set the hearts of noble ladies ablaze.
When the special edition came out, it sold out instantly even after restocking, and she had barely managed to get her hands on one.
That was why she had carefully stored it in the connecting room, intending to cherish it.
‘And now Aksion Valentino is holding it.’
A trace of despair crossed Evelyn’s face before she asked again.
“I asked what you’re doing.”
“Reading, as you can see.”
Each time Aksion turned a page with an intrigued look, Evelyn’s expression grew increasingly horrified.
“I mean, why are you reading that!”
Her cheeks flushed bright red as she demanded an answer.
Tilting his head slightly, the man replied.
“I was simply curious about my fiancée’s tastes.”
“But what exactly is this book?”
At his low question, Evelyn swallowed dryly.
Rolling her eyes, she answered primly.
“………………It’s a must-read for refined ladies.”
Shame flooded her as she realized the absurd excuse she had just given.
Ah, this is mortifying, absolutely mortifying!
Just imagining herself recalling this moment in the future made her vision darken.
It felt as if the world was collapsing around her.
Oblivious to her inner turmoil, Aksion began reading aloud a passage from the novel.
“Damon brushed his lips against Helio’s pale nape before slipping into his disheveled shirt—”
“Aaah! Why are you reading someone else’s book without permission!”
Evelyn hurriedly raised both hands to cover his mouth.
She had tried to pretend she didn’t know, but she was so embarrassed that her entire body flushed red.
Perhaps sensing her desperation, Aksion finally closed the book.
Yet, for some reason, a strange glint flickered in his red eyes.
“So, this kind of promiscuous man is your type?”
Caught off guard, Evelyn couldn’t answer and merely shifted her green eyes.
No matter how much Damon suited her taste, she absolutely didn’t want Aksion to know about her favorite character.
“Please, just shut your mouth!”
When she shouted in exasperation, Aksion’s eyes curved.
“That wouldn’t be so bad either.”
“Still, it’s rather bothersome.”
At his low murmur, Evelyn’s eyes trembled.
Who? Don’t tell me Damon?
She shook her head vigorously as if chewing on stale, tough bread.
It was obvious he was just trying to tease her, and she refused to be swayed any further.
‘First, I need to get that book back from him.’
Who knew what nonsense might come out of that dangerous mouth, so she had to retrieve it quickly.
Resolving herself, Evelyn reached out to grab the book.
But as if sensing her intent, Aksion raised his arm even higher.
The book that had almost been within her grasp moved farther away.
‘Why won’t he just give it to me!’
“Oh dear. Try harder, Evelyn.”
Despite his seemingly sympathetic tone, his relaxed smile showed he was clearly enjoying this.
Evelyn silently cursed the annoying man in front of her and steadied her breathing.
“You do realize this is theft?”
She glared sharply at her fiancé, and he shrugged lightly.
“I was simply trying to read a book in your room. Do you really think that’s theft?”
Watching him argue logic even in this situation made her feel like she might explode.
“Who gave you permission!”
At her fuming reaction, Aksion let out a small laugh.
As always, he tried to lower his arm with a relaxed attitude.
Seizing the moment, Evelyn rose onto her toes to snatch the book.
But unfortunately, she lost her balance in that instant.
As she staggered, Aksion’s firm arm wrapped around her waist.
Landing unintentionally in his embrace, Evelyn’s eyes darted in confusion.
Her cheek had pressed against his solid chest.
At the sudden closeness, she could only open and close her mouth without saying anything.
‘I-Is this right?’
Her head spun from the confusion.
Through his fine shirt, she could feel his firm body…
It was dangerously stimulating and alluring.
Realizing she had been staring at him without noticing, Evelyn quickly came to her senses.
Between them, the sound of a heartbeat—uncertain whose it was—echoed softly.
Even though she tried not to be conscious of it, the silence made her tense.
This must simply be because they were both startled by the sudden situation.
‘Right, it’s just an accidental incident!’
Having convinced herself, Evelyn spoke as if nothing was wrong.
“Thanks for catching me, Aksion.”
But no answer came from him.
After rolling her eyes, she slowly lifted her head.
His vivid red gaze had been fixed on her all along.
As their eyes met, she was suddenly reminded of the day they formed their Imprinting.
‘Why am I thinking about that now………………’
Trying to push the memory away, she hurriedly turned her gaze.
Just as she was about to pull away from his arms—
The arm around her waist tightened, and Aksion pulled her closer into his embrace.
‘What………………is happening right now?’
Her eyelashes trembled at his sudden action.
Taking a short breath, Aksion gently brushed her soft hair and murmured.
“I can’t seem to win against you.”
“………………What do you mean?”
When she looked at him with shaken eyes, he let out a small laugh.
“Nothing.”
As she frowned slightly at his vague answer—
Knock, knock—
A sudden knock echoed before the door was abruptly flung open.
“Father told me to bring snacks……………… what are you two doing?”
The one who appeared like he had caught them in the act was none other than Viaron Inevassel.
Evelyn’s expression instantly stiffened at her brother’s sudden appearance.
Late at night, in a closed room, a man and woman pressed so closely together…
Anyone would misunderstand the situation.
‘No matter how strange the world is, that’s absolutely not it!’
She quickly pushed against Aksion’s chest and raised both hands as if to prove her innocence.
“I’ll explain. It’s all a misunderstanding, brother.”
But Viaron seemed to have already let his imagination run wild as he stroked his chin thoughtfully.
“You two, don’t tell me…………”
No, it’s not that. It’s all a misunderstanding!
