The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 68

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 68

“Truly? Wonderful.”

Selena nodded gravely, playing her part. Their performance was far more natural and seamless than Lyla’s earlier attempt. “Oh dear, it seems a matter has arisen at home, and I must return. My apologies, Your Grace, and Lady Verrilyn.”

Selena rose from her seat, placing a hand on her chest, and bowed apologetically. Then she looked at Noel. He swirled the champagne in his glass, responding smoothly, “A family matter, you say? That can’t be helped.”

“Thank you for your understanding, Your Grace. I bid you both farewell. Until we meet again.”

With a quick farewell, Selena and Lucy departed. Instead of leaving the restaurant, they slipped into a hidden space behind a wall, observing Noel and Lyla.

Left alone with Noel, Lyla felt her heart race. She had been on edge since Selena’s maid appeared. Selena’s departure signaled the arrival of her moment of confession.

“Um, Your Grace.”

Fidgeting with her fingers beneath the tablecloth, Lyla addressed Noel shyly. Noel, wiping his mouth with a napkin, replied in a strangely cool tone, “Speak your mind, Lady Verrilyn.”

“…Yes?”

“You came here to tell me something, didn’t you? That’s why Lady Irving left.”

“Oh…”

Completely caught off guard by Noel’s perceptiveness, Lyla was speechless. Hidden from view, Selena and Lucy were equally surprised. They had suspected he might have an inkling, but they hadn’t expected him to be so direct.

“If that’s not the case, I apologize for the misunderstanding. We should both take our leave.”

When Lyla remained silent, Noel placed his hands on the table as if to rise. Panicked, Lyla closed her eyes and blurted out, “I admire you, Your Grace!”

“….”

“I have been in love with you for some time.”

Lyla’s eyelashes trembled. She cautiously opened her eyes and looked up at Noel. His face, partially shadowed by the chandelier, was unreadable.

From their hiding spot, Selena and Lucy were equally unable to discern his expression.

“In truth, I don’t expect you to reciprocate my feelings, Your Grace. My family is not as esteemed as yours, and I am not as accomplished as you…”

When Noel remained silent, the mounting pressure compelled Lyla to continue. “So, I merely wished to convey my feelings to you—”

“Lady Verrilyn.” Noel’s quiet voice cut her off. “While it is true that I intend to reject your confession, it is not for the reasons you’ve stated.”

“Then…why?”

“I am offering you a chance—a chance to avoid the mistake of becoming entangled with someone as dangerous as myself.”

Finally stepping out of the shadows, Noel’s lips curved into a picture-perfect smile. Yet, his blue eyes remained cold and distant, freezing Lyla in place.

“The Lady probably doesn’t know much about me. You’re likely infatuated with this shell of an appearance and my family name.” A beat of silence. “Lady Verrilyn, if you don’t want to be utterly miserable, give up your feelings for me. That’s the last consideration I can offer you.”

Noel’s words hung in the air, a terrible stillness descending. Selena struggled to breathe, and she could only imagine how much worse it was for Lyla, standing frozen before Noel. “I’ll be going then.”

Lyla remained motionless. Noel, having already half-turned, faced her again. “Oh, and tell Lady Irving… I understand what she’s doing, but she’d better not try anything like this again.”

That was it. Noel turned his back on Lyla without a second glance and departed. Selena, momentarily worried he might come her way, watched with relief as he headed for the opposite exit. Once he was gone, she emerged from behind the wall and approached Lyla, who stood with her head bowed.

“Lady Verrilyn… are you alright?”

“Ah, Lady Irving.”

Lyla lifted her head at Selena’s touch and gave a faint smile. “Yes, I’m fine. Though I was rejected rather spectacularly.”

Her expression was surprisingly serene. She seemed more composed than devastated by Noel’s rejection. It was Selena who felt uneasy.

‘I’m dangerous, and you’ll be utterly miserable…’

Noel’s words to Lyla echoed in her mind. Had he been making excuses, or had he issued a genuine warning? Knowing Noel, it was probably the latter. He wouldn’t bother fabricating such a story simply to reject a confession.

‘…He said those words to Lyla, but why do they feel directed at me?’

Was this another instinctive warning, or simply her excessive vigilance creating a false sense of déjà vu?

‘This is unsettling.’

Noel Ratliffe. Despite his constant smile and amiable demeanor, these chilling glimpses into his true nature kept surfacing. Could he truly be the husband who had killed her?