I Became the Only Cure for My Dying Husband - Chapter 18
Chapter 9.2
Though she said that, the truth was that Edith held no particular feelings toward Lucion.
She didn’t like him, but she didn’t dislike him either. That’s all there was to it.
She approached him because it was necessary for her survival. It didn’t matter to her what kind of life Lucion had lived or what his personality was like.
He was just a means to an end.
“But when I heard you were sick, I got worried. I was scared something might’ve happened to you, young master.”
After spending time with him, she realized Lucion wasn’t the person she had initially thought he was. He was kind. And he seemed… sad.
Yes, sad.
Despite being born into nobility, he lived a life full of suffering, unable to enjoy the privileges of his status. She couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.
“I guess I’ve grown attached to you in some twisted way.”
“What is that even supposed to mean…”
“I don’t know. I just want you to live a long life, young master. I want you to eat lots of delicious food, travel the world, and do everything you’ve ever wanted to do.”
Edith wanted Lucion to experience all the things she had never had the chance to do.
That’s why, just as Lucion had carried her while struggling for breath, refusing to let go, Edith was now willing to hold on to him.
“So maybe that means I like you. Even just a little.”
Lucion sucked in a sharp breath at Edith’s sincere words.
“So stop saying I’m going to die all the time. You’ll only regret it if I actually do.”
He’s already said I’m going to die so many times today. If he keeps it up, I’m going to get sick of hearing it.
With a playful grin, Edith extended her hand toward him.
Go on, young master.
“Give me your permission.”
Lucion stared at Edith, as if in a trance, before slowly shifting his gaze to her hand.
“It’s okay to take my hand.”
If you’ll let me, then…
“If you take it,”
“…”
“I won’t ever let go.”
Until the day you’re freed from this curse, I’ll protect you.
“I…”
Lucion’s lips trembled.
Seeing the distrust and fear in his eyes, Edith smiled gently.
It’s okay. I’ll prove it to you, as many times as it takes.
“My arm is getting tired.”
After a moment’s hesitation, and seeing her gentle pout, his hand finally brushed against Edith’s fingertips.
That was enough.
With a bright smile, Edith pulled Lucion’s hand toward her. She leaned close, diving straight into the storm of his curse, and whispered softly in his ear.
“Good job.”
✦ ✦ ✦
As the sun slowly set, the red glow of dusk streamed through the window, casting a watercolor hue over Edith’s hair.
Lucion woke up.
‘When did I fall asleep?’
His eyes fluttered open, still heavy with drowsiness. A warmth spread through his left hand, and he turned to see what it was.
It was Edith, curled up in an awkward position, breathing softly in her sleep.
Lucion stared at the small, soft hand holding his.
How long had it been since he last held someone’s hand?
His heart raced at the unfamiliar warmth coursing through him.
“So warm.”
Without realizing it, Lucion squeezed her hand slightly, making Edith let out a small whimper.
“Mm…”
Lucion froze like a child caught with his hand in the cookie jar.
Sitting there as stiff as a board, his eyes moved over Edith’s injured cheek, and after a moment of hesitation, he moved.
Carefully, he slipped his hand free from hers and rummaged through the bedside table. He found some ointment and unscrewed the lid.
As he scooped some onto his finger, he paused.
“What am I even doing…?”
He could easily call for someone else to do this.
But despite knowing that, he gently applied the ointment to Edith’s cheek.
“I’m just repaying the favor,” he muttered to himself, as if trying to justify his actions.
Irritated for no reason, Lucion ran a hand through his hair and swung his legs over the side of the bed.
Splash.
The room had turned into a pool of water from the melted ice. Lucion crossed it and opened the door.
“Master Lucion!”
The servants gasped in shock, seeing him standing there perfectly fine, unlike all the other times he’d had to be carried out unconscious.
Ignoring their surprised reactions, Lucion jerked his chin toward the entryway of his room.
“Take her.”
They all gawked when they saw Edith, sound asleep in the middle of the disastrous room.
While they hesitated, unsure how to proceed, Khalid stepped into the room.
Lucion followed behind him, grinding his teeth.
“I clearly told you, if that girl set foot in my room, I’d call off the engagement. You remember that, don’t you? Unless something’s wrong with your brain.”
“Of course I remember. You interrupted my peaceful sleep just to say it.”
Khalid chucked, remembering Lucion’s threats from that night, but his smile quickly faded.
With a quiet, composed gaze, he looked down at Lucion.
“So, are you really going to call it off?”
“…”
“Can you honestly let go of Edith’s hand?”