Episode 10
The private room had glass railings, so Lana could see the entire first floor below.
Of course, that meant everyone downstairs could also see her.
Beautifully dressed noble ladies, their maids, and escorts kept sneaking glances up at her table.
Now that she thought about it, Sophia had mentioned it once — the private rooms in this famous dessert shop were invitation-only.
Oh no.
Just imagining what would happen when Duke Lorvant appeared and sat across from her — maybe even kissed her hand again like before — made her body temperature spike.
If that happens, people will start selling cursed dolls with my name on them.
She thought about it seriously for a moment. Maybe I should sell them first — first come, first served, right?
As she reached for her bonnet, lost in nonsense thoughts, a server came over and gently asked:
“Would you like me to draw the curtains, my lady?”
“Yes! Please!”
That was so much better than putting the bonnet back on!
The server laughed softly and pulled the curtains closed on all sides. As soon as the gazes disappeared, Lana finally felt like she could breathe properly again.
“Your companion sent word that he’ll be a little late,” the server said.
“Oh, really?”
“He said you can start without him, but he’ll be here soon. Shall I bring your order now?”
“No, that’s fine — take your time.”
Eating alone would be awkward anyway, and she was too nervous to swallow properly.
Lana gripped her glass with both hands and gulped down the water.
At that same time, inside the Lorvant carriage heading toward the shop, a very serious conversation was underway.
“Proceeding with this marriage so hastily seems rather reckless.”
The one daring to call the Duke “reckless” was Harry.
His expression was solemn, but his stiff posture betrayed his fear of the consequences.
Cullen, legs crossed, tilted his head slightly and looked at him like he was trying very hard to stay patient.
“I’m really curious why you think that, Harry.”
“You may have confirmed things in person, but it was at night — and it could’ve been a coincidence. I believe her abilities should be tested properly, at least once.”
Harry spoke in one breath, then added dramatically:
“For the future of the Lorvant family, my lord.”
Cullen’s brows furrowed. What Harry said made perfect sense — relying on one brief, chance encounter as the basis for this entire marriage was foolish.
Choosing a Duchess wasn’t just personal; it was a duty, a strategic decision for the house. Normally, he’d have verified it multiple times.
“You’re right,” Cullen said seriously.
The admission surprised even him. The fact that Harry had thought of something he hadn’t was one thing; realizing that he, of all people, had acted on impulse — that was another shock entirely.
“Since you brought it up, I’m guessing you already have something in mind. The alley behind the dessert shop — still quiet and not fully renovated, right?”
“Yes, sir. I was thinking exactly that.”
Harry clenched his fists, fired up.
Sure, it was a bit unethical — testing an unsuspecting noble lady — but since this whole situation had started because of that, he decided to push away guilt for now and think only of the Lorvant family’s interests.
“Then while you’re meeting her, I’ll get things ready.”
“Good. Do that.”
Just then, the carriage stopped in front of the shop.
Cullen opened the door, jumped down gracefully, and straightened his clothes.
Immediately, all the ladies inside the shop pressed to the big glass windows, mouths open in shock. Cullen winked.
“Kyaaaaa!!”
Screams erupted.
The manager ran out, flustered, bowing repeatedly as she guided him through a separate stairway entrance leading straight to the second-floor private rooms.
Meanwhile, in Lana’s private room, things had gotten… strange.
A stranger had barged in without permission and plopped down across from her.
“Who are you?” Lana narrowed her eyes.
The uninvited guest — a pretty girl with long black curls under a pink bonnet and a bright yellow dress — smiled.
It was Louise Lorvant.
She’d overheard Cullen and Harry’s talk, then ran straight here, Louise thought, now sizing Lana up under long lashes.
For some reason, that sharp stare felt oddly familiar to Lana.
Finally, Louise spoke:
“So it’s you? The one who’s coming to the Lorvant household?”
Huh?
Lana blinked. The girl looked young — too young — yet spoke down to her like it was nothing.
“…And who are you?” Lana asked carefully.
Louise snorted, crossed her legs, and said arrogantly:
“What, you don’t know who I am?”
“Is your identity some kind of national curriculum? Sorry, I must’ve missed that class.”
Louise’s eyes glinted as she glared at the other girl.
So this is the one they say was bought into marriage, huh? She’s got a bit of fire, I’ll give her that.
Still, Louise thought, someone that shameless probably thinks she can walk right into the Duke’s house.
She should at least know who she’s talking back to, Louise decided, and opened her mouth:
“I’m—”
But before she could finish, the door burst open and a server came in pushing a trolley stacked high with desserts and tea.
Louise turned instinctively — then froze like she’d seen a ghost.
Lana noticed the strange reaction and stood halfway up.
Louise’s face had gone white. Her hand shot to her mouth, and she looked like she was about to be sick.
“Hey, are you okay?”
Lana reached toward her, worried — but Louise spun on her heel and bolted out the open door, practically running for her life.
Lana stood there with her hand out, utterly confused.
Then, the other door opened — and Cullen stepped inside.
He looked from the outstretched Lana, to the trolley piled with sweets, to the crumbs on the table — and smirked.
“Manager, pack five of every dessert here and send them to Count Burndale’s estate.”
“Oh—! That’s really not necessary!”
Lana flailed. Great. Now she looked like someone who couldn’t wait to eat before her guest even arrived. Her cheeks burned red, and she ducked her head to hide her face.
Ugh, that weird girl and now this. What a disaster.
Cullen sat across from her, amused.
“These desserts are so popular people abroad try to import them. Had I known you liked them so much, I’d have brought some to your house before. Please, take them — as an apology for being late.”
Lana glanced up shyly.
“Well… I can’t refuse a gift like that. Just a little then.”
She discreetly raised three fingers.
“Three, then?” the server asked.
“No, three of each.”
“…Of course, my lady.”
The server’s soul seemed to leave her body. Lana hid her face again and gulped down more cold water.
I saw classy ladies downstairs losing their minds with forks earlier, she thought. If they go that wild, it must be worth it.
Back when she’d lived with her mother and Uncle Chen’s mercenaries, she’d almost never had cute, fancy desserts like this. To taste all of them now — it felt worth risking hell itself.
Cullen gestured, and the servers quickly finished setting the table.
Lana stared at the colorful sweets lined up before her, swallowing hard. She wanted to dive in like a hungry bandit, but managed to keep her composure.
“Then… I’ll begin.”
She said politely, picked up her fork, and delicately cut into a chocolate-covered mousse cake — and the moment she tasted it—
Her eyes nearly popped out, but she squeezed them shut just in time.
Her breathing quickened, and her fork began to move at lightning speed, like she was racing the clock.
Cullen sipped his tea leisurely, watching her.
Anyone else might’ve thought, She must really love sweets. If she ever drowned in sugar, she’d die happy.
But watching her bright, sparkling eyes, her totally unfiltered face that clearly said, This one with that one will be perfect together! or Cold ice cream in this season — what a blessing! My dreams really did come true last night! —
it was impossible not to laugh.
Instead of analysis or strategy, Cullen just felt like he was watching a rare, delightful little creature.
Time passed. Finally, Lana put down her fork, completely satisfied.
I could die happy right now, she thought, smiling at the empty plates.
A quick-witted server handed her a cup of cold tea. She took a sip — fragrant, slightly bitter — and her eyes widened in delight as it cleared away the sweetness. She shot the server a secret thumbs-up.
Then a calm voice came from across the table:
“Shall we talk now?”
Startled, Lana turned her head — Cullen was resting his chin on his hand, looking right at her.
For a moment, her mind went hazy.
Handsome man and dessert… today must be my birthday.
