(7 Fresh Coins) Chapter 18 (Part 2) Obsession
Sitting alone in the empty side room, Marina felt like the biggest fool in the world. How could she have thought that she would be free just by leaving that man? It was ridiculous that a lesbian would be so pathetic over a man… There was nothing more ironic.
How could this be? She had clearly decided that she would no longer be swayed by that man's words or actions. But just half an hour ago, she once again lost control and acted irrationally in front of him. She could almost hear his voice again—
"I never expected to see Miss Derek here. This is quite a surprise." His tone remained indifferent and aloof, accompanied by a smile that appeared gentle but was actually colder than anyone else's, making one want to shatter it!
But the truth is, she can't do anything in front of this man. All her provocations are just a cover for her helplessness, while he remains completely unaffected.
It's always been like this. No matter what she does or says, that person doesn't care. Conversely, her own heart is increasingly succumbing. She came here deceiving herself, only to meet him again—but this time, the seat beside him is no longer empty. Everyone knows the Earl of Tulip is known for his aloofness towards women; his sudden intimacy with that beauty speaks volumes. Judging from the beauty's attitude, she's quite interested in Luis as well. She never had a chance from the start. The only reason he hasn't completely ignored her is because she's Duke Derek's daughter. Thinking about all this, her heart grows colder and colder.
"...Marina...Marina?" The voice, seemingly coming from a great distance, gradually drew closer, finally pulling her out of the gray world.
Marina suddenly looked up: a tall, blond man stood in front of her, a hint of worry in his deep eyes.
“Antonio…” she murmured unconsciously, “He…” The words had barely left her mouth when she suddenly snapped back to reality, quickly shut her mouth, and stood up.
"I have an appointment later, I have to go." With that, she practically fled.
Before he could utter a second word, Antonio's vision blurred, and Marina had vanished. He stared blankly at the wide-open side hall door, where the revelry continued.
"She ran way too fast!" Antonio, who had initially intended to offer some kindness and comfort, couldn't help but twitch his lips. It was one thing to be heartbroken alone, but to run away at lightning speed when someone came? He finally saw the qualities in this woman that were truly "womanly." He couldn't blame himself for being unkind, thinking about such trivial things while his friend was troubled by love, but Marina like this… anyone would be tempted to act maliciously, right? After all, this woman had committed countless misdeeds, ruining so many suitors; it was time for a nemesis to teach her a lesson.
At this moment, the Count suddenly twitched his eyebrow, and his expression became somewhat subtle. The beautiful woman sitting opposite him looked at him suspiciously, only to see the Count abruptly turn his head and sneeze violently.
“…I’ll close the window.” The beauty frowned and reached out to close the window. Although Count Tulip shouldn’t be that delicate, it wouldn’t be good if he caught a cold.
A large hand swiftly grabbed her wrist, then pulled her from the opposite seat into his arms.
The beauty paused, looked up at the count, her red lips parted slightly, and a clear, pleasant baritone voice rang out: "Has the count's brain finally completely died?"
The count looked down at her, his brows furrowing even more, his face full of displeasure: "Why did you switch back like that? Couldn't you let me enjoy this a little longer?"
The beauty's face darkened, and her pretty eyes revealed deep contempt: "You're so engrossed in watching fake women, are you really that thirsty?"
With a slight curve to his thin lips, the count's handsome face, which always wore an elegant smile, now held a frivolous and wicked grin that was the complete opposite: "If you were really a woman, I would have taken you right away... Who could resist such a beautiful rose?"
Upon hearing this, the beauty known as "Beautiful Rose" showed no joy whatsoever. Instead, she glared fiercely at the count and said, "Shut up! I'm just asking you for a favor. If you spout any more nonsense, I'll kill you!"
"Hey, I'm the noble Earl of Tulips, my appearance fee is very high. You're not going to pay me, fine, but you dare to threaten me?" The Earl feigned anger and pouted. "If I'm unhappy, I might just quit. Don't think I'm afraid of that guy Leander!"
Author's Note:
I'm planning to write a side story. If you have any scenes you'd like to see, feel free to let me know, and I'll consider them!
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