It’s Not Night - Chapter 195.1

“What can I do if both of them are happy?”

Stephanie Jewelie tried to ignore the glare directed at her and picked up her teacup. Across from her, Ian, Andra’s third brother, sat with a disgruntled expression. His displeasure came from the fact that the week Andra had promised was up, yet she still hadn’t shown up.

“Please don’t stare at me like that. I was only offering her lodging and meals because of my past connection with the Lady.”

“Lodging and ‘meals,’ you say? You deliberately blocked news of her heading east.”

Ian still seemed unable to accept the reality that Andra had chosen Airak, not him. He had been in denial ever since. Now Stephanie, unfortunately, was the one bearing the brunt of his frustration. She sipped her tea and looked around.

Many people were glancing at Stephanie and Ian. Coincidentally, today was the day of a small social gathering hosted by Stephanie’s older sister, Leona, so the Jewelie estate was crowded with invited guests.

In reality, the only person who wasn’t supposed to be there was Ian, who had come uninvited.

‘Really, this is so irritating…’

“Well, I wouldn’t know. As you know, I’ve been quite busy traveling between the central and southern regions.”

“Lady Jewelie.”

“Please don’t be angry, Sir. People’s hearts don’t always follow their will. I really don’t understand why you’re taking out your frustration on me for Lady Avelin’s choice.”

Eventually, after circling around the subject, Stephanie finally lost patience and snapped at Ian, who had kept pressing her.

‘No, why is her brother so stubbornly meddling in her love life?’

Stephanie put her teacup down and stood up. Ian narrowed his eyes, but she ignored him.

“Since you’ve come all this way, you should enjoy yourself. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be leaving now.”

“If you leave like this, you’ll regret it. Once I return east—”

“Oh my, Sir! Look, Lady Avelin is coming!”

Stephanie quickly pointed and shouted in a panic. Ian turned to look in that direction, and in that brief moment, Stephanie made her escape.

It was only when Ian realized he’d been tricked that he looked in disbelief at Stephanie, who was already walking away. He let out a sigh, shoulders slumped.

‘Andra, what on earth is going through your mind?’

At that moment, murmurs of conversation rose around them. Ian looked up and following the noise, he saw a familiar face. His sister, Andra, was walking toward him with Dustin. Hand in hand, no less!

Ian shot up from his seat. What on earth were they doing? He stared at them in shock.

A moment later, Andra stood in front of him.

“Ian.”

“Andra, what are you…?”

“I’m going back.”

“What?”

“I’m going back east.”

Ian looked down at his sister, his expression filled with confusion. He was happy that his sister was returning east, but at that moment, Andra was still tightly holding Dustin’s hand. Because of this, Ian had no idea how to process Andra’s words.

“Returning east? Then why did you bring that guy along?”

“We’re going together.”

“You…”

Before Ian could finish his sentence, Andra cut him off with a firm voice.

“I’ll go and get Father’s official permission.”

“That’s nonsense…! Are you out of your mind? Do you think Father will allow this? No, it’s not you… It’s him, isn’t it? He’s the problem.”

As Ian clenched his fist and stepped toward Dustin, Andra blocked him again, just like last time.

“Not again, get out of my way!”

Ian shouted at Andra. She coldly shouted back.

“I won’t move!”

“Andra Avelin!”

Ian’s roar echoed through the area. The people around them held their breath, watching the three of them. They all had puzzled expressions, clearly not understanding what was going on.

What was happening? Not only had Lady Avelin and Lord Airak shown up together, but now Ian Avelin was arguing with them?

“If it’s because we’re Avelin and Airak that we can’t be together, then we’ve decided to give up those names. So if you never want to see me again, then oppose it.”

“Are you saying you’ll abandon your family?”

“You understood it well.”

“Andra!”

Ian shouted again. His face turned pale as he looked at her, unable to believe what was happening.

Just as he couldn’t hold back anymore and was about to separate Andra and Dustin, Andra cupped Dustin’s cheek and kissed him. Those who saw it gasped in shock. Everyone froze in place.

Only Stephanie, who had briefly stepped away and returned, showed a horrified expression after witnessing the entire scene.

‘I really wish everyone would just leave.’

And so began the scandalous romance of the century.