A Summer with My Bitter Rival - Chapter 5
Chapter 3.1 – The Forgiving Type (1)
Matisse seemed momentarily caught off guard by her bold statement, almost questioning if he had heard right, but then a smile of understanding crossed his face.
After all, wasn’t the whole point of attending this party to make their relationship public?
Love marriages were slowly becoming more common and accepted in society. The stigma surrounding them had faded long ago, and now the two were preparing to present themselves as a “perfect romance” rather than just a “business arrangement.”
It was the best way to draw more attention and paint the transaction between their families in a more favorable light.
He cupped Emeline’s cheek with ease, playing along with the moment as he asked her a question in return.
“Interesting. Then how about now, just before the fireworks begin?”
“Anything’s fine with me.”
As long as they can make this relationship official.
Confirming her answer, he smiled and leaned in. His lips were chilled by the night air, but they pressed warmly against hers. Their kiss was devoid of any real heat, but their lips brushed together with just enough friction. At that exact moment, a loud BOOM echoed above them, and fireworks burst in the sky.
The night sky was painted with brilliant, vibrant lights.
While still locked in their dry kiss, Emeline slowly opened her eyes and glanced over Matisse’s shoulder.
There, she saw Zenon Trantium.
His golden hair shimmered, catching the light from the fireworks shooting into the sky, yet he wasn’t focused on the dazzling display above.
Emeline realized that he was staring at her instead, so she wrapped her arms around Matisse’s neck, naturally deepening the kiss. Those who spotted the romantic scene under the fireworks gazed at them with fond smiles.
But inwardly, she scoffed.
‘This is just as entertaining as your little games, isn’t it?’
The last thing she saw before she closed her eyes was Zenon crushing his cigar in an ashtray.
Feeling triumphant, she focused entirely on the kiss until the glow of the fireworks faded into the distance.
̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊
As the party reached its peak, the night quickly grew late.
The passenger ship wouldn’t dock until morning, and the once-lively upper deck had begun to quiet down. Matisse had just gone below deck to discuss business with the wealthy Count Donald.
Though it might seem like he was neglecting his fiancée after sharing a kiss with her, it was actually Emeline who had declined his offer to escort her back to her cabin. She remained on the upper deck, glancing around at the few people who, despite being already drunk, were still sipping on liquor.
Her gaze drifted toward the dark night sea. As she listened to the sound of the waves crashing in the silence, her mouth formed a bitter smile.
‘It left a slightly bitter taste in my mouth.’
She was thinking about the kiss they’d shared earlier.
Regardless of the fact that it had been an act, she hadn’t expected to feel so indifferent while kissing her own fiancé.
The smile lingering on her lips gradually faded away.
In truth, she doubted anyone could ever stir her emotions as deeply as Zenon Trantium did.
Emeline closed her eyes with a long sigh, listening to the sound of the waves as they continued to crash below.
That was when a comforting warmth settled on her shoulders.
The chill in the air vanished, and something soft wrapped around her exposed arms. She was startled, as she had been enjoying the cool ocean breeze, and Emeline looked down to see what had been draped over her.
A small, warm laugh escaped her.
It seemed that Matisse Renier had returned to cover her with his coat.
With a bright smile lifting her face, Emeline turned around.
“Lord Renier, you didn’t have to worry about me—”
But the gentle words froze in her throat the moment she saw who it really was.
Emeline’s instinctive response was to freeze, her eyes going wide in shock. Her mouth opened and closed soundlessly.
Before her mind could fully process what was happening, the man took another step closer. Even though the distance between them was significantly smaller, he didn’t stop until her back was up against the railing. In an instant, Emeline found herself trapped between the man’s arms.
Her gaze wavered intensely.
His sharp green eyes locked onto hers, just like she remembered.
“It’s been a while, Lady Delzeor.”
The voice she had missed so dearly echoed in her ears—the same voice that had once whispered sweet words of love to her.
Emeline stared at him, caught between a mix of shock and disbelief.
For a moment, she couldn’t tell if this was a dream or reality.
Zenon, who had appeared before her so suddenly, greeted her casually, but there was no trace of a smile on his face.
“Zenon…?”
In a daze, she softly whispered his name, and Zenon lifted his hand up to her face. His warmth, burning against the cold wind, brushed against her ear.
The sensation was surreal.
His thumb gently caressed the small rim of her ear.
Then, all of a sudden, that warmth slipped into her ear. The pressure made Emeline flinch, her body stiffening. The instant her sensitive spot was touched, her nerves went on high alert.
Emeline jolted back to her senses.
“What do you think you’re doing?!”
She demanded, her voice sharp and cautious.
Zenon’s brows furrowed at her response. His mouth opened and closed as he carefully weighed his words before speaking in a low voice.
This time, his tone was formal and heavy.
“It seems you’re not exactly happy to see me, Lady Delezor.”
Upon a closer look, his expression was harsh, filled with anger.
Emeline couldn’t believe the words coming from his mouth.
Who is he to speak of happiness? He’s the one who left me and didn’t bother to respond to a single one of my letters.
And to top it all off, he got engaged while studying abroad like it was nothing.
“Get away from me.”
She glared at him, fire blazing in her eyes, and Zenon let out a short, hollow chuckle. In a cold, cutting voice, he said,
“…Our dear Lady Delzeor is still as rigid as ever.”
His eyes glinted menacingly as he continued,
“Did you really think a few letters would make me give up on you?”
“What did you just say?”
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