The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 64

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 64

“I’m glad to hear it. I was quite worried after you collapsed, hearing that you were ill. I almost regret not dealing with Dominique myself.”

Selena’s shoulders flinched slightly at his words. She forced a smile. Noel seemed completely unaware that he himself was the cause of her nightmares.

It was understandable, since from his perspective, he had come to her rescue. Selena, not wanting to reveal the truth, blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Oh, are you sure I don’t have to return the whistle?”

“No, as I said in the letter, keep it and use it again if you need to. You can keep it forever, even if you never return it to me.”

“Are you sure? If you used it on the battlefield, it must be precious to you.”

While it sounded like she was concerned for him, she was actually expressing her discomfort at possessing something so valuable to him. However, Noel seemed oblivious to her underlying meaning, responding with a gentle smile.

“That’s why you should keep it.”

‘…That’s exactly why I don’t want to keep it.’

Selena swallowed her words and looked ahead. Since her indirect attempt to return it had been rejected, further attempts would be pointless. Warm sunlight filtered through the trees, falling on the people strolling at a comfortable distance from each other. As the conversation lulled, Selena walked silently beside Noel, thinking, ‘What do I do now?’

‘What can I ask him to find out his ideal type naturally?’

How could she inquire without revealing her romantic disinterest or any ulterior motives? Her mind raced.

‘I could pretend to be promoting Serenade and ask if he’s interested in anyone. Offer free relationship advice…’

Thud! Lost in thought, Selena bumped into a young boy running towards her.

“Oh…!”

They were on a bridge crossing the lake, and the railing was broken, haphazardly blocked off with a length of cloth. Caught off guard, Selena lost her balance.

“Lady Irving?”

“…!”

Her slender body tipped over the edge.

“Lady Irving!” Noel reached out to grab her, but it was too late. Splash— Selena plunged into the lake without a scream.

***

Selena hated rainy days. She hated the clinging humidity and the way the rain soaked her clothes. Similarly, she disliked being in the water.

It wasn’t fear, exactly. She simply disliked getting wet, so she never learned to swim. And now, submerged in Aramel Lake, she regretted it.

‘I should have learned to swim!’

Selena thrashed her limbs. The sudden fall had prevented her from taking a breath, and water rushed into her nose and mouth.

‘Damn it, I can’t breathe…’

Her waterlogged dress, now heavy, clung to her like a net. Unable to swim, the clinging, soggy fabric felt like a watery shroud.

‘Am I going to die by drowning instead of strangulation?’

As she struggled desperately, her strength began to ebb. Gurgle, bubbles escaped her lips and rose to the surface.

Something shimmered in her blurry vision. Amidst a cloud of dispersing golden hair, two eyes shone with an intense blue light.

Selena saw Noel Ratliffe reaching out to her. His face was contorted with urgency as he extended a white-gloved hand. —Thump. Selena’s heart lurched. Strangely, seeing Noel coming to her rescue filled her with unease, not relief.

‘No, Your Grace is—’

Not knowing what she meant to say, Selena tried to right herself. As her flailing hand reached his, Noel grasped it tightly and pulled her towards him. He wrapped his arms around her and swam towards the surface.

As Noel carried Selena ashore, the people who had gathered around the lake breathed sighs of relief. He gently laid her down on the grass.

“Cough, cough—”

Selena coughed, expelling the water from her lungs. Noel lightly patted her back. “Are you alright, my lady?”

“Yes, cough, Your, Your Grace—are you alright?!” A desperate hand clutched his arm. Selena looked up at him sharply. “—Are you alright?!”

“Yes, I’m fine. Please, calm down.”

Noel smiled faintly, his hands raised in surrender, looking like a drowned rat. Despite his words, his face was slightly pale. Selena exhaled shakily. An unusual wave of worry and unease washed over her, making her heart pound erratically.

‘Why… why am I like this?’

The strange feeling puzzled her, yet her grip on Noel’s hand remained tight. Sensing her trembling hand, Noel covered it with his own, his glove removed.

“I’m sorry. I should have jumped in right away.” Silence hung heavy between them. “I… I’m afraid of water. I needed a moment to prepare myself, and that’s why I was delayed. You must have been terrified.”

He gently patted the back of her hand as he spoke. Selena remained silent, water dripping from his delicate features and brown hair. She kept her head bowed, unmoving, until the boy who had pushed her into the lake appeared.

“Waaah! I’m sorry!”

“I’m so sorry! Please forgive me!”

The child sobbed, his apology echoing as his parents bowed deeply behind him, distraught. They were commoners, and Selena was a noble. A commoner harming a noble was a grave offense, and their fear was palpable.