I Unintentionally Cured the Grand Duke’s Insomnia - Chapter 142

71. — Trap (1)

Phem murmured to himself as he watched Andre walk briskly toward the stairs at the end of the hallway, leaving him behind.

“…Carefully and precisely.”

With that, Phem quickly turned and ran down the hallway as well.

̊ · : * ✧ * : · ̊

After Abel left, calm returned to the courtyard.

I thought about Abel, who walked away without hesitation once he finished speaking. Even if molded from the same cast, two people couldn’t resemble each other more than he and Cain did. Did they truly not realize how similar they were, or did they just not want to admit it?

Somehow, I had a strong feeling it was the latter, but I tried to pretend I didn’t know.

The most important goals on this journey were proving my parents’ innocence and helping Cain and Abel mend their relationship.

I pulled my legs up onto the chair, hugging my knees.

As exhaustion washed over me, I rested my head on my knees, and the scene from moments ago naturally replayed in my mind.

〈 But wouldn’t a reasonably good-looking, kind guy be a better match for marriage than someone who’s just handsome but difficult? 〉

“Marriage, huh…”

To be honest, I wasn’t against the idea of marriage. On the contrary, if I met a handsome and capable man somewhere, I’d consider it. However, no matter how capable or handsome Cain was, I knew I couldn’t marry him since he was the male lead.

I blinked slowly, watching the leaves flutter in the breeze.

“So, is everyone saying that Andre Jackson would make a better match as Adelia Blaise’s groom…”

Well, to be honest, the idea didn’t seem entirely bad.

“So, does that mean Lord Jackson was originally meant to be Adelia’s match?”

As I murmured to myself, I heard a loud cough behind me.

Startled by the sudden presence, I quickly looked up to see Lord Jackson standing there, covering his mouth with his hand and wearing a peculiar smile.

“May I sit down for a moment, Adel—no, Lia?”

“Yes, of course. Please, have a seat.”

Surprised by his sudden appearance, I straightened up and nodded.

He gave a slight nod of gratitude and settled into his seat. After clearing his throat again, he lifted the corners of his mouth in a small smile and asked.

“Were you enjoying some tea time?”

“No, not quite. I just wanted to sort out my thoughts a bit.”

“…Ah, I see.”

He subtly shifted his gaze toward the corridor. I followed his gaze, but there was no one there.

Noticing my reaction, he quickly spoke again.

“Lia, may I ask you something?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

For some reason, his tone felt noticeably more straightforward than before. Though he wore a slightly awkward smile, Lord Jackson’s gaze remained steady and intent on me.

“I heard you’re engaged to Grand Duke Destro.”

“….”

“Is it an arranged engagement with the Grand Duke?”

“Is that something I need to answer?”

As I asked with a frown, he nodded, his expression growing more serious.

“…Yes, I’d like it if you would answer.”

“Lord Jackson.”

“I don’t know how you feel, but I still like you a lot, Lia.”

“…Pardon?”

I was taken aback.

Both the sudden confession and the one-sided feelings were unexpected. It didn’t feel like he was finally confessing long-held emotions but rather unloading something that had been weighing on him.

“So, could you answer me? Do you truly love His Highness, the Grand Duke…!”

“Adelia!”

It all happened in an instant.

Before I could fully process what was happening, Cain’s voice calling my name cut through the moment.

“Cain…?”

As I turned toward his voice, a swift whoosh sounded—a streak in the air as an arrow flew toward my neck. But instead, it struck Andre’s arm.

“Lord Jackson!”

“Don’t move, Lia! Guards!”

Jackson shouted as he held me in his arms, his voice so loud that the veins in his neck stood out. As people rushed toward us, their faces a mixture of shock and alarm, he glanced between them and my startled face before finally seeming to relax, a hint of relief softening his expression.

Supporting his collapsing form, I looked over his shoulder to see Cain standing there, frozen.

For some reason, I felt tears welling up.

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