The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 53

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 53

Though Noel had discovered where Selena and Gabriella were being held, he hadn’t anticipated their daring escape attempt. He pursued Dominique Dixon and the kidnappers as they chased the fleeing women.

It was this pursuit that allowed him to arrive just in time to answer Selena’s desperate flute call. Noel scooped up the unconscious Selena and returned with the princess. He then reported the full account of the incident to the Emperor. Dominique Dixon was immediately arrested, and his accomplices summarily executed. As the mastermind, Dominique Dixon was to be held in the capital for a formal trial before receiving his punishment.

“Dixon… Lord Dixon, he’s not dead?” Selena asked, her lips dry, after Lucy finished her explanation. The sensation of his hot blood splattering against her cheek was still vividly present in her mind. She’d assumed he was dead.

“No, I heard he sustained injuries, but not enough to kill him.”

“Is that so…” If the other accomplices had also been captured and punished, it meant they too had survived, just like Dominique. ‘Should I be relieved that I didn’t witness his death…?’ The memory of Noel’s impassive face as he ruthlessly cut down the men sent a fresh wave of anxiety through her.

“My lady, are you truly alright? You keep trembling.”

“I’m fine, Lucy.” Lucy gently wrapped her arms around Selena’s shoulders. Selena offered a weak smile. She hated this reaction, but the mental shock was so profound that she couldn’t control her body’s response.

“So, what’s happening with the hunting festival?”

“Given the circumstances, I believe they’ve decided to end it. They won’t be choosing a Goddess; they’re likely canceling it altogether.” It was true; continuing the hunting festival as planned after the princess’s kidnapping would be absurd.

“Everyone is returning to the capital this afternoon. Until then, please rest.” Lucy urged, her gaze full of concern for Selena’s pale face. Already drained of energy, Selena simply nodded and lay back down.

Dominique Dixon was charged with assaulting a member of the royal family, attempted regicide, and various other crimes, and was subsequently sentenced. The Dixon Marquisate was also punished for failing to control their son. Half of their estate was confiscated, and their title demoted. It was only because the entire family wasn’t implicated that they avoided complete ruin.

Back home, Selena succumbed to a serious illness. A raging fever kept her delirious. In her fluctuating consciousness, she dreamt the same dream over and over. In it, Noel Ratliffe, covered in blood after brutally slaying Dominique Dixon, approached her. His black-gloved hand reached for her slender throat.

Before it could grasp her, the glove changed to white, and a low voice echoed, ‘If we meet again and are to be married, I will kill you again.’ The venomous hatred and chilling intent in that voice suffocated Selena. She thrashed, silently screaming, ‘No! Save me, I don’t want to die. Please save me. Help me. Save me— She would wake up drenched in sweat, crying, only to see the worried faces of those around her.

“My lady, are you alright?”

“Selena, Mother’s here.”

“Oh, my dear child.”

Selena gazed at them dully before closing her eyes again. It wasn’t until five days after returning to the capital that she finally awoke from the horrific nightmare. As her fever broke, the dreams ceased, and Selena regained her senses.

The Irving Marquisate’s physician declared that Selena needed rest to recover from excessive stress and psychological trauma. Though deeply concerned about the backlog of ‘Serenade’ work, she yielded to the insistence of her family and friends and agreed to recuperate at home for a week. Once she began resting, she found it surprisingly pleasant and spent her days lounging in bed. The first visitor to inquire about her health was Lemon.

“I apologize. It’s all my fault.” Lemon, looking haggard, bowed deeply as soon as he entered, practically ready to drop to his knees. Selena was taken aback.

“What are you talking about, Lemon? It’s not your fault.”

“No, it is. If I had uncovered the kidnapping plot sooner, you wouldn’t have suffered such humiliation…” A grinding sound emanated from the bowed Lemon. “—Even though I was told not to, I should have just torn that bast*rd to pieces.”

“Wait, what?”

“Nothing. I truly apologize, Miss Selena.”

“I told you, it’s not your fault. And I’m back safe and sound. That’s all that matters.” Selena stroked his smooth, rich brown hair. Lemon lifted his head slightly. Usually, this would have been enough to comfort him, but the shock of the recent events seemed to have deeply affected him; his face remained downcast and guilt-ridden.

“I don’t know how to atone for this.”

“There’s nothing to atone for.”

“I’m sorry. I truly am, and I don’t know what else to say…”

“Oh, honestly! If I hear the word ‘sorry’ one more time, I’m going back to the office.” Selena finally put her foot down, her expression stern. Lemon’s mouth snapped shut. His light brown eyes, shimmering with unshed tears, darted nervously towards her. Seeing him speechless, as if forbidden from speaking altogether, Selena couldn’t help but laugh.

“Oh, Lemon. You’re so kind and sensitive. How are you going to survive in this world? You truly can’t leave my side.”

“I… I never intended to. I will always be with you, Miss Selena.”

“Oh, you’re so sweet. Are you truly that sorry?”