The Art of Reforming Villainous Men - Chapter 22
Chapter 22
Translator: Yonnee
—
At the time, Adeline’s cheeks were flushed like June peaches, and the fingertips arranging the flowers radiated joy.
If nothing had happened, Adeline would no doubt have ended up marrying Millein.
‘Since I’ve graduated from the academy, it’s about time to start looking for a marriage partner…’
It was true that marrying Millein was far better than entering a political marriage with someone whose face she didn’t even know.
Above all, as the eldest son of the prestigious House Belov, he was more than a worthy match to become the husband of the next head of the Zeller Duchy.
But in the end, Adeline never got to say a single word to her father, Diego.
‘That evening, during dinner.’
Diego suddenly collapsed while coughing up blood, and before long, he passed away.
After that, everything flowed like a torrent.
After running around searching for a way to resolve the debt, she barely managed to decide on a marriage with Julian.
Only once she had a moment to breathe did Adeline recall the roses from Millein…
And the fact that she had never answered his proposal.
—The roses? If you mean those, they wilted and were thrown out a long time ago.
—Is that so? …I see.
Her marriage partner had already been decided—what difference would remembering that now make?
‘I couldn’t have married Millein in the first place.’
Of course, House Belov was wealthy, but they would never willingly offer a large sum for the sake of House Zeller.
If that had been possible, Diego would have sought help beforehand.
In the end, Adeline sent a reply declining the proposal, along with a wedding invitation, to House Belov.
‘But Millein didn’t attend the wedding.’
From that point on, communication between Millein and Adeline ceased.
Of course, she still occasionally heard news of Millein in high society.
—This time it’s Lady Amelia? He was still seen with Madam Jacqueline just last month.
—Well, with looks and background like that, it’s no surprise his lovers change all the time.
There was no need to seek it out.
Every time she appeared in high society, rumors of Millein’s affairs were always circulating.
‘Millein switches lovers constantly?’
When she first heard that rumor, Adeline couldn’t believe her ears.
Because…
From the time she had known Millein in their childhood to their graduation from the academy, Millein had never dated anyone.
Of course, it wasn’t that Millein was entirely free of scandal.
After all, Millein was what people called ‘a man who had everything’.
A personality that drew everyone’s favor, grades that never slipped from the top, The status of being the eldest son of the distinguished Belov Marquisate, And to top it all off, a naturally beautiful appearance.
‘It would be impossible for him not to attract attention from the opposite sex.’
Some men who envied Millein would mock him, calling him a gigolo.
But none of them were taller than Millein or had a better physique.
His body was finely toned, and he had shot up in height from a young age.
His deep-set, light blue eyes always held a gentle smile, and his thin lips spoke with kindness.
Naturally, Millein remained popular throughout his time at the academy, and rumors often followed him.
However.
—It’s all a misunderstanding, Renée. It’ll be cleared up soon, so don’t worry.
Millein always said that, and just as he said, the rumors always vanished as if they had never existed.
From that, it was clear Millein was someone far removed from a promiscuous lifestyle.
But was all of that a lie?
After Adeline’s marriage, society was always abuzz with talk of Millein’s latest lover.
Naturally, Adeline didn’t believe it at first.
—Millein would never do that. He’s never been like that…
Then one day.
At a banquet held in the imperial palace, which she had attended reluctantly, Adeline spotted Millein.
Delighted to see him again after so long, having only heard of him through rumors, she made to approach him.
—…Mil,
But Adeline couldn’t even bring herself to fully speak his name.
Because the eyes that had once looked only at her now turned coldly away.
As if he were seeing a complete stranger.
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