The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 24

Schedule: Tuesday and Friday

Chapter 24

Selena watched Noel, who was calmly smiling while quietly drinking the tea. His hand, which always wore gloves, elegantly placed the teacup down.

“Come to think of it, lady. I’ve returned your bag, yet there’s no reward.”

As Noel’s low voice gently asked, Selena hesitated. Normally, she would inwardly curse and make a fuss, but she wanted to somehow get rid of Noel and be done with it.

“How much would you like? Please tell me as you wish.” Selena’s intention to pay him off was clearly revealed in her answer, but Noel only smiled.

“No, I don’t need any material reward.”

“…Really?” Selena asked disappointedly in a blatant manner.

Then what kind of reward does he expect?

Noel calmly replied, “Let’s have a meal together someday.”

“….”

“Am I making an unreasonable demand?”

Yes, he did. It was an extremely unreasonable demand. However, objectively speaking, Noel’s request was not excessive.

It was rather modest, considering he asked for a reward first. But Selena had no intention of creating any connection with Noel. It was an unreasonable demand for her.

Has he gone crazy?

What should she do if he proposes to her? It was a common saying that one meal turns into two, two into three, and for a lifetime, they should share three meals together.

“If meals don’t work out, um…” Noel trailed off, looking at Selena with an uneasy expression. His delicate eyes, filled with mischief, softened before gently closing.

“How about we become friends instead?”

“…!”

In that moment, Selena recalled the dating rules from Serenade. Rule 3: There are no friends between a man and a woman. There’s only a transition from friends to lovers and from lovers to spouses. Has he lost his mind?

She can’t become anything more than that with the Duke!

Selena slammed the table and abruptly stood up.

“Of course, that’s possible!”

It would be better to cleanly end it with just one meal if they were going to become friends.

Selena grasped the table firmly as her body leaned forward.

“Please let us have a meal together, Your Excellency. I really want to repay you with a great meal.”

“You’re quite enthusiastic about the meal.”

“Yes, I enjoy eating. I can treat you to an amazing meal.” Selena clenched her fist tightly.

Noel smiled brightly and said, “Alright, lady. I’ll adjust my schedule, so let me know when you’re available.”

Selena smiled back and nodded.

“Thank you, Your Excellency. I’m currently busy with work, so it’s difficult for me now, but I’ll definitely make time later.”

That ‘later’ would probably turn into never, but there was no need to explain it in detail.

“Please make sure to contact me and come visit when that time comes.”

“Just don’t show up like you did today,” Selena made a pointed remark, causing Noel to awkwardly brush the back of his head.

“Was I wrong to come without notice today?”

“It’s not that I’m upset, just a bit surprised.”

“I’m sorry. I thought if I contacted you in advance, you wouldn’t allow me to come.”

Hearing that, Selena felt a pang of guilt. Honestly, if Noel had informed her in advance, she would have made an excuse to go out and asked Lucy to give him the bag.

“I had to give you the bag; it’s troublesome if you keep avoiding me.”

“….”

“From now on, I’ll definitely contact you before coming. I truly apologize for my behavior today.” Noel politely lowered his head toward Selena without mentioning that she had never avoided him before.

It was a clean and sincere apology. Feeling awkward for not accepting it, Selena waved her hand dismissively.

“No, it’s fine. Don’t worry about it anymore.”

“Thank you for understanding. Well, I’ll wait for your next contact, lady. I’ll take my leave now,” Noel concluded as he finally stood up, straightened himself, and made his way to the door.

Selena saw him off with a bright face.

“Take care, Your Excellency.”

‘Never come again, and if possible, let’s not meet at all’

Silently muttering those words to herself, Selena watched Noel open the door but paused, gripping the doorknob tightly with his gloved hand.

He spoke, his lips smoothly forming a smile. At first glance, it seemed like an affectionate smile, but Selena recognized it as a warning smile.

‘If I don’t keep the promise of the meal, does that mean he’ll propose to me before killing me?’

A shiver ran down Selena’s spine. Confirming Selena’s silent nod, Noel wore a satisfied expression.

“I’m really leaving now. Take care until we meet again.”

“…Yes.”

As soon as he left the office, Selena slumped onto the sofa, clutching her forehead. She felt helpless and trapped by the dinner appointment with Duke Ratliffe. A strong headache seemed to loom over her.

Read ahead here.