The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 65

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 65

‘I’m too drained to even be angry.’

Falling into the lake had been an upsetting and infuriating experience, but Selena held no desire to punish the child’s family. The child had been wrong to run carelessly through the crowded park, knocking into people.

Normally, Selena would have scolded them, but she felt too weak and listless to do so. She was about to wave them off when Noel’s voice cut through the air.

“Is an apology enough?”

Startled, Selena turned to see him glaring at the family, his eyes blazing. “You should have warned your child not to run in a crowded place.”

“We’re so sorry! We were wrong. It won’t happen again. Please, forgive us.” The parents pleaded for forgiveness, practically on their knees. Selena, reluctant to see them excessively punished for an unintentional childish mistake, tried to intervene. “Your Grace, that’s enough—”

“Little boy.” But Noel was already moving towards the boy. “How old are you?”

“Tw-twelve, sir.”

“I see. Not so young, then.” The boy trembled, unable to meet Noel’s gaze. A large hand rested on his small head. “Imagine if the person you knocked into was an elderly person. How much more dangerous would that have been?”

“…S-sorry, sir.”

“It’s good to run and play, but you must be mindful of your surroundings. Understood?”

“Yes, sir.” Tears welled in the boy’s eyes as he nodded earnestly. Noel smiled faintly, patted the boy’s head, and withdrew his hand.

“Make sure you supervise your child properly from now on to prevent any further accidents. You were lucky today that this didn’t escalate into something serious.”

“Yes, yes! We understand!”

After firmly admonishing the parents, Noel turned to Selena and murmured, “Lady Irving, if you’re agreeable, may we let them go now?”

“…Yes.”

Selena, who had been bracing herself for another display of Noel’s temper, like the one at the hunting competition, was stunned. His unexpectedly peaceful resolution surprised her.

“Lady Irving? Why are you looking at me like that?”

“….”

“Hmm, did you perhaps disapprove of how I handled that? Should I go back and scold them further…?” Noel asked, perplexed by Selena’s continued silence. She quickly shook her head.

“No, it’s not that. It’s just…”

“Hmm, I see. Well, let’s get you home before you catch a cold.” Noel slipped his gloves back on and extended a hand to Selena. She hesitated, her gaze fixed on the damp white gloves, before taking his hand and rising to her feet. Noel’s coat was draped over her shoulders.

“It won’t do much good now that you’re wet, but wear it anyway.”

“…Thank you.”

“Don’t mention it.” Noel turned and started walking, Selena trailing behind him, clutching the coat’s lapels.

Lucy, who had been waiting with the carriage, gasped at the sight of her soaked mistress. “Goodness, my lady! What happened?”

“Lucy…”

Lucy rushed to Selena’s side, her eyes wide with concern. Selena’s pale face and bloodless lips betrayed her weakened state.

“Lady Irving fell into the lake. Take her home and see to her immediately.”

“Yes, Your Grace.” Lucy supported Selena, her arm around her shoulders. “Let’s go, my lady.”

“Your Grace…” Selena turned back to Noel. He offered a gentle smile. “I should return to my estate as well. Take care, Lady Irving. And please contact me if you feel unwell.”

“…Safe travels to you too, Your Grace. Thank you for rescuing me today. And for the coat.” Selena bowed her head, returning the garment, then hesitated slightly before adding, “I’ll keep our dinner engagement next time.”

“Certainly.” Noel beamed. He remained where he stood, watching as Lucy helped Selena into the carriage. Only after it had departed did he finally turn towards his own.

Inside the carriage, Selena watched him through the window, a strange feeling stirring within her.

‘He saved me twice now.’

And this time, unlike at the hunting competition, he had shown a surprising degree of leniency. Perhaps he was a ‘better’ person than she had initially thought.

‘I’m not sure.’

Every encounter with Noel left her with a mix of conflicting emotions, making it impossible to form a definitive opinion of him. Exhausted, she leaned her head against Lucy’s shoulder and closed her eyes.

***

The incident at the lake, thankfully, had no lasting effect on Selena’s health. Before setting her plan in motion, Selena met with Lyla one last time for confirmation. “Lady Verrilyn, are you sure you’ll be content with just confessing your feelings? Even if you’re rejected?”

“Yes. Of course, I’ll be heartbroken if I’m rejected… but I still want to confess.” Lyla said with a determined look.

She harbored no grand illusions. This hadn’t always been the case, but her expectations had gradually diminished after learning more about Noel.

Even the esteemed Verrilyn Marquisate, known as the Shield of the North, paled in comparison to the Ratliffe Dukedom. The Ratliffe family was one of the founding families of the kingdom, and its current head, Noel Ratliffe, was a war hero. Both his family and his personal achievements placed him far beyond her reach.