Don't Trample on Innocent Love - Chapter 10

“Let’s say our first meeting was when I traveled to your hometown, and you rescued me from danger. Then, let’s say our feelings developed from there. Fortunately, I don’t attend parties often, and I don’t have anyone close to me, so everyone will believe it.”

Ophelia only attended the party that Robern also participated, but Robern rarely made appearances.

She wanted to ask Hugo why he had been avoiding contact with her and what was bothering him, but she refrained from asking. And without revealing her emotions, she spoke concisely and got straight to the point.

“Very well. My hometown is Phildeon.”

Ophelia nodded briefly and checked her schedule. It was the perfect time. Just as she was about to tell Hugo about the upcoming plans, the designer arrived. Hugo frowned at the sudden encounter.

“What is this? If you had an appointment, you should have informed me.”

“I was about to tell you. And don’t go. Hugo, you also need to get fitted for new clothes. If we’re going to the party and if you want to match my standards, then kindly pay the price and get a proper outfit.”

As the two of them exchanged heated words, the designer waited outside. Once they were alone, Hugo twisted his lips and smiled.

“Is that what aristocrats are supposed to do? Pay for a new dress when you’re in debt enough to sell on the family name. I’ve heard noblewomen buy new dresses whenever they go to a party. But you’re in a different situation.”

“You’re the one who lacks perspective, Hugo. What do you think people will think of us if I give up my usual way and show up in an outdated dress? You don’t want to hear rumors that you bought a woman with money, do you? If that happens, it will tarnish the reputation of the Denev family. Is that okay with you?”

Hugo, who had risen from his seat, was ready to leave the mansion immediately. However, Ophelia’s logical words made him pause, his hand gripping the doorknob.

Ophelia took advantage of the opportunity.

“You approached us because of our family name, right?”

Hugo didn’t refute it. She had guessed it correctly. Ugh, Fabian, that foolish older brother…

“Well, I suppose I understood roughly what you meant.”

With a sigh in her heart, Ophelia opened the door wide in his place. She put on a broad smile as she turned to the designer, who had been waiting anxiously.

“Take measurements. Start with Hugo.”

* * *

When Ophelia appeared at the banquet hall with Hugo, interested gazes mixed with curiosity were directed at them. Ophelia introduced Hugo as her lover. The banquet hall was instantly filled with commotion. 

Ophelia, who had been fervently pursuing Robern just a short while ago, now had a lover? The only fortunate thing was that Robern was not on the guest list for tonight’s party. If he had been present, Ophelia might have been embarrassed to death. How much would he have mocked her if he had witnessed Hugo leaving her behind without escorting her upon their arrival at the banquet hall?

Hugo, who blatantly ignored Ophelia, narrowed his eyes and smiled. Honey seemed to drip from his black pupils as he gazed at his lover.

“I really like Miss Denev. I apologize for any mistakes in advance due to my unfamiliarity with noble society.”

He’s a good actor. As a businessman, he must have dealt with many people, so this is probably nothing to him. Ophelia laughed while covering her trembling lips with a fan and tugged slightly at Hugo’s sleeve.

“I want to talk to Hugo alone. Hugo, just a moment, excuse us.”

As soon as they reached the terrace, Ophelia closed the curtains. Seeing Hugo standing before the door, she folded her fan. She vented all the pent-up frustration she had been accumulating.

“What on earth is the problem? Why do you keep acting out of line? Are you out of your mind for not escorting me?”

She was glad it went over well but couldn’t ignore Hugo’s impulsive actions throughout the party. If he had any complaints, she would rather him tell her; this way, at least, they could figure out a solution, but it wasn’t even that.

“Are you angry with me?”

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