Chapter 84
When Claudio bent toward Marsha, his wet blond hair slid down, revealing the crimson eyes hidden beneath. They bore into her with unwavering intensity.
Marsha’s lips, flushed with heat, trembled open. It was strange. She had been drenched by rain, yet how could her body burn this hot?
“Don’t joke with me.”
Her brow furrowed as she shook her head. Her heart thudded recklessly in her chest, but her reason screamed at her. Think! Does it make sense? Duke Gloria—Mr. Dio—liking me?
Then Claudio spoke.
“I don’t joke about things like this.”
His voice was quiet, yet it pierced through the torrent of rain and sank deep into Marsha’s heart. Her mind spun wildly.
What is he even saying right now?
“Stop talking nonsense. It’s impossible… Ask anyone in the world—would this make sense? Or maybe you’re mistaken? Because I saved your life, because we’ve spent time together, you’ve grown comfortable, and you’re confusing that with—”
“Don’t spew nonsense.”
Claudio’s sharp voice cut her words short. Marsha inhaled sharply.
“You think I’m so much of a fool I’d mistake that?”
He had judged love as a foolish, detestable emotion. He had sworn he would live untouched by it, unlike his mother, unlike his father. If he’d had the ability to control his feelings, he never would have let himself be dragged into this.
“Because you saved me? Fine, that’s no small thing. But if that were the reason, then shouldn’t I have fallen the moment I realized it?”
But he hadn’t. If only it had been love at first sight—it would have been easier. At least then, even when he burned, it wouldn’t have threatened to consume him whole.
“At first, you just intrigued me.”
Why did she live alone? Why was she hiding?
“But that curiosity quickly turned into something else.”
Barely able to take care of herself, yet always helping others. Those small feet, always busy. Eating so little—how could that be enough? So innocent—how did she survive alone? Always gazing at the trees as though they were beautiful treasures. And her eyes—so green, so bright…
“When I looked into your eyes, I wondered how such vivid green could exist. And when I looked at your hair, I wanted—just once—to touch it.”
He had even wished, foolishly, that the wind tousling her hair could be his touch.
Curiosity became worry. Worry bowed before a trembling heart.
“You say I misled you? I feel the same. It wasn’t me who started this.”
His throat bobbed with a hard swallow.
“You did this to me.”
If it had been anyone else who saved his life, it wouldn’t have come to this. But of all people, it had been her.
“…I love you.”
The words spilled out like a breath long held. In her wide, glimmering green eyes, Claudio saw a man who looked foolishly pained.
This was not how he had wanted to confess. He had wanted to resolve his tangled burdens first, then choose the best day, the best moment, the best way the world deemed proper. He hadn’t wanted to risk mistakes. He feared rejection, feared she would run.
“Marsha, I love you.”
His voice carried like a heated sigh through the rain. Could just these few words, clumsy as they were, convey the truth? That she was all he thought about, the reason for his smiles, and his suffering?
Her lips trembled as she tried to speak.
“Th-That’s…”
Her shaking hand covered her face, trembling more than her lips. What expression was she hiding now? What words had she left unsaid? Claudio frowned.
“Do you hate me?”
A sour taste rose in his throat. He didn’t want to believe it, but he knew—perhaps she not only didn’t love him, but found his feelings a burden. As his father’s love had been to his mother.
“…”
He didn’t want to pressure her. He didn’t need her to return his feelings right now. Someday, even far in the future, he was willing to wait if she’d just give him a chance. But now wasn’t the time for persuasion or explanation. Now, he had to hear her answer.
Like a man awaiting judgment, he waited—until Marsha spoke.
“I don’t hate you.”
Her watery voice shook his eyes. Had he heard right?
“I-It’s just… it can’t be.”
When she lowered her trembling hand, her face was fragile, on the verge of tears.
“So… does that mean it could be?”
Rain glittered like jewels under the pale sun, but Claudio saw only the green eyes drowning in turmoil.
Marsha’s lips moved soundlessly before she clenched her fists.
“It doesn’t matter right now. It just can’t—!”
She caught her breath.
In a heartbeat, Claudio closed the distance. His burning hand cupped her face, all in the blink of an eye.
Her heart pounded violently, painfully. She forgot how to breathe, how to blink.
Why is his face… so close?
No matter how near, she usually had to tilt her head back to see his face. But now—so close.
She stared at his approaching face in disbelief.
No… surely not—
Claudio stopped when their noses nearly touched. He didn’t speak, but in that pause, he sought permission. If you don’t want this, I’ll stop. I’ll keep this distance forever, if I must.
But Marsha didn’t push him away. Did she not understand? Or was she simply too innocent?
He tilted his head slightly, making his intent clear.
Her eyes fluttered. She knew—if she pushed, he would stop. His touch was so light even the smallest motion could cast him aside. She knew it, too well.
But I can’t.
Why was she standing frozen? Was it fear? Hesitation? No. None of those.
She wanted to.
Even if it was wrong. Even if impossible. Even if, no matter what he said, her reason knew it could never be. Just once—she wanted to touch him.
Maybe this will be the last time I ever could.
She didn’t want to live her whole life regretting this moment.
Her lashes slowly lowered. Claudio did not miss it.
“—!”
When his lips brushed hers, she flinched, her shoulders hunching. Fearing she might fall, his hand steadied her waist. Just lips against lips, and yet her heart thundered like she’d been running, her breath ragged.
“Mm—”
Sensing her struggle to breathe, Claudio pulled away at once.
“Haa… haa…”
Eyes lowered, Marsha panted softly until her breath steadied. When she finally looked up, she saw Claudio, eyes locked only on her.
Damn.
He had tried to restrain himself, but he couldn’t. Not anymore.
Claudio framed her face with both hands and kissed her again. Rougher, as though he might devour her whole.
“Mm—”
Though his kiss left her gasping, Marsha didn’t want to escape. Even if she melted and vanished in his heat, she wanted to keep breathing him in.
