Chapter 3.2
Chapter 3.2
…That’s what she thought.
“Greet him. This is my academy junior, Richard Aion, the Duke of Aion. Richard, this is my younger sister, Jasmine.”
Jasmine blinked in a daze. It didn’t feel real. But it wasn’t false either. If anyone had an authoritative say concerning Richard Aion, it was Jasmine, the world’s foremost expert in his doctoral studies.
His neatly combed black hair, his blue eyes, his elegant and handsome face – it all shone just as brightly as before.Â
He seemed paler and more contemplative than usual, but as Jasmine, the fool, saw him up close again, her heart raced again.
Pretending not to see, with her face slightly averted, she shot a sly look at her older brother James, who was beaming proudly at them.
James had manipulated the situation so they could meet privately, but who asked for this?Â
Enough of this unrequited love, she thought.
It looks like I’ll finally stop this crush!
However, she couldn’t say the words she had prepared, even though she had dressed up meticulously from head to toe when he suggested they go together to meet the duke. Jasmine was only surprised and taken aback.
For the past few days, she had been holed up at home, drowning her sorrows in ice cream while wearing casual clothes, delving into music and books about unrequited love, and trying to endure the end of her long-lasting love in her own way.
But then James suddenly urged her to get ready to go out. His insistence was enough to make Jasmine sway.Â
The momentum that had built up over seven years was truly frightening.
Seeing him up close like this is the first time since last year’s party.
After courteously greeting him, Jasmine looked at the sideline where Richard was conversing with her older brother James.Â
She was certain. He seemed off today.
What could be the matter? He used to be so composed that he hardly showed any signs of distress, but Jasmine was sure.
In fact, even while discussing practical matters with James about their academy mentorship, he occasionally seemed to be lost in thought.
“Jasmine, sorry. Did I startle you?”
As James playfully winked one eye, Jasmine awkwardly pursed her lips. If they were at home, she would have retorted, “Isn’t that obvious? Where did your manners go?” But now, Richard was discreetly observing them, siblings. She responded gracefully with a ladylike demeanor.
“No, it’s not that. You’re both involved in official matters, so there must be a reason.”
“It’s not a big deal.”
Richard was undoubtedly a gentleman. Even if he claimed not to care, he was conscientious enough to feel responsible and apologetic for not properly engaging with a lady, even briefly.
“It’s been a while, Lady Liovanni. You’re still as beautiful as ever.”
These calm and composed words were a greeting. Yet, her heart raced endlessly. He, whom people had always surrounded, was now looking at her alone.
Jasmine felt the promise she had made to herself over the past few days, like brainwashing, that she wouldn’t like him anymore, was already faltering.
This is dangerous.
Jasmine smiled, slightly lowering her gaze. She muttered softly, “Is that so? Thank you, Your Grace.”
“Oh, by the way, have you two met before?”
James, observing them, asked, and Richard replied, “I remember dancing with her at the year-end party two years ago.”
As Jasmine lifted her teacup to hide her flustered state, she almost choked on her tea. When she looked up, she saw him casually waving away the teacup.
His long fingers and the shadow of his lowered eyelashes looked like something out of a painting. She knew he had a good memory and was considerate. She knew it was customary manners… She knew all that, but still, she couldn’t help feeling a surge of anticipation.
Jasmine felt pitifully small in moments like these.
“Was that so? You have an impressive memory. Our Jasmine must have been quite charming.”
“It was an honor to have such a splendid lady in my presence.”
How could he be so faultless?
With her admiration and excitement came a growing sense of melancholy. It was truly a picture-perfect scene. And just as affectionate and kind-hearted James remained blissfully unaware of his sister’s turmoil, he conveniently stood up at that moment.
“Oh, I forgot that an officer left some documents behind. Can you stay here for a moment? I’ll quickly sort it out and return.”
“Of course.”
Oh no! Jasmine mentally screamed at James as he winked at her.Â
Where are you going, leaving me alone? Don’t go! I said don’t go! Don’t you dare leave your precious sister’s heart vulnerable to that handsome thief again! Hey, you scoundrel! Who in their right mind entrusts their sister’s precious heart to a heart-stealer?
However, oblivious to her intense gaze and inner growls, James cheerfully whistled and left the scene.Â
Just wait, I’ll get to you later. I’ll tear your hair out.
As Jasmine grumbled inwardly, she swallowed hard in the oddly hushed atmosphere surrounding her. Aside from a few distant bird calls, the serene garden, the blue sky, and beneath it, the handsome man with cool, icy eyes.
Just the two of them.
What to do? What should she say?
Even though this was the moment she had rehearsed countless times during those seven years of endless contemplation, her mind went completely blank.
However, before she could awkwardly begin, Richard, gazing at her with clear eyes, spoke first.
“Jasmine Liovanni, my lady.”
“Y-yes! Why did you call for me?”
Jasmine’s response was a bit hasty, and she realized a moment later that she had muttered that to herself. She let out a sigh of relief. Thankfully, she didn’t make a complete fool of herself.Â
She composed her expression gracefully and smiled.
“Please, go ahead, Your Grace.”
“I hope this doesn’t sound intrusive, but I’m not very skilled at turning words around.”
An awesome story 💖💖
Thank you for the translation 💜
You are welcome, Israella!