The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 63
Chapter 63
“….”
Selena swallowed at his subtly barbed words. Outwardly, Noel’s expression and tone were gentle, but his words held a sharp edge.
‘He’s scolding me for not contacting him…’
She couldn’t argue, however, because she had been deliberately keeping her distance. Selena pressed her lips together and lowered her gaze.
Noel watched her for a moment before smoothly changing the subject.
“Are you here because you like this author too?”
“Yes? Yes, I am.”
“Haha, me too. I love all of this author’s novels. That’s why I came to buy a limited edition signed copy.”
Noel lightly shook the book in his hand and then offered it to Selena.
“Here you go.”
Selena accepted the book in a daze, staring at him with wide eyes.
“Oh, um, are you giving this to me?”
“Yes, weren’t you here to buy it?”
“Well, yes, but… this is the last one.”
Selena gestured towards the now-empty display. Noel smiled and shrugged. “They’ll have more eventually.”
“But you picked it up first….”
“It’s hardly something to boast about, snatching a book from a lady. So, for the sake of my reputation as a gentleman, you should take it.”
Selena couldn’t refuse him after that. Stroking the smooth leather cover of the book, she fell into thought.
‘It feels a bit strange to just part ways now…’
She needed to figure out his ideal type, even roughly, not just for this current request, but also for her own future benefit. The less she fit his preferences, the lower the chances of another proposal.
As Selena racked her brain for a plausible excuse to keep him a little longer, Noel spoke first.
“If you’re that concerned, how about we take a walk in the park after you buy the book?”
“A… walk?”
“Yes, Aramel Lake Park is only ten minutes away.”
Aramel Lake Park was the only park in the capital with a lake. Regardless of social status, many people used it as a promenade and picnic spot; it was always bustling with activity.
‘Hmm, a crowded place like that would be safer.’
Selena, who had been slightly intimidated by the prospect of being alone with Noel in a secluded place, readily agreed.
“Alright.”
“Then let’s pay and head out.”
They moved towards the counter. While Selena’s maid, Lucy, retrieved money from her bag, Noel stepped forward and offered his own.
“I’ll get this.”
“Oh, no. It’s mine, so I should pay. Why would you…?”
“I’m the one who offered it to you. It’s not that expensive, let me pay.”
Noel politely declined the cashier’s attempt to give him change and gestured towards the exit. Selena, who had not only been given the book but also had it bought for her, left the bookstore feeling uneasy.
‘I hate being indebted to anyone.’
“This won’t do, Your Grace. I really should pay you back….”
As Selena tried to insist, Noel gently interrupted her.
“Did you come by carriage?”
“Ah, yes. But that’s not the point….”
“Let’s leave the carriage with your maid and walk to the park. It’s only a ten-minute walk.”
Noel indicated Lucy with a glance and then subtly opened his frock coat to reveal the sword at his hip.
“Don’t worry about an escort.”
“….”
He meant well, but Selena couldn’t help but recall the hunting competition. The sight of Noel with his sword silenced her, and she could no longer bring herself to mention the book’s cost. She nodded.
“Alright, let’s go.”
Oblivious, Noel courteously began to escort her. Selena reluctantly followed, leaving Lucy and the carriage behind. As always, Aramel Lake Park was crowded. Selena and Noel strolled leisurely among the other park-goers.
Glancing at Noel, who walked with his hands clasped behind his back and a light smile on his face, Selena ventured to speak.
“How have you been?”
“Me? The same as always. The capital isn’t a battlefield, so each day is much like the last,” Noel replied in a subtly pleased tone and turned to her. “How about you?”
“Me too… thanks to you saving me during the hunting competition, I’ve been well. Thank you.” Selena placed a hand below her collarbone and bowed her head. She had been meaning to thank him face-to-face. After all, he had saved her and Gabriella from Dominique Dixon.
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