IWAWMFTB 32

Chapter : 32

“…Is that so?”

He talked in a strange way. Anna looked down and focused on her food. Meanwhile, Louis finished sizing her up and quietly hummed to himself.

So it’s true, just like the rumors.

He had to admit it. Raiden, who usually didn’t care about others, was definitely drawn to Anna for a reason.

It wasn’t just about her looks. Her manners, graceful movements, and the way she never showed her true feelings—even if her eyes sometimes turned cold—she always acted like a perfectly trained noble lady. When she wasn’t smiling, she seemed cold as a statue, but when she did smile, it was like a light appeared behind her. Her gentle eyes, soft lips, and especially those blue eyes that looked at you like you were the only one in the world… Even someone as indifferent as Louis felt his heart flutter.

Still, what’s the use? She has to act like a real person.

Louis smirked inwardly and suddenly spoke up.

“By the way, did you hear the news?”

Anna looked up. “What news?”

“I heard the Haimel family is having a hard time these days.”

Lowering his voice like he was sharing a secret, Louis gave Anna a meaningful look. Anna was puzzled at first, but then she realized something.

Here I am, ignoring my fiancé and enjoying luxury in someone else’s house…

To people here, I must seem so shameless.

Her face grew hot and she quickly looked down.

Louis saw her reaction and scoffed, as if to say “I knew it.” He didn’t see Anna as a kind person—he thought she was ignoring her engagement and even trying to seduce his master. Anna was confused by his attitude, but stayed calm.

“Big waves always come in large rivers. I believe the Haimel family has the strength to overcome this. They’ve survived a lot.”

Louis suddenly slammed his utensils down, making a loud noise, and clapped like an actor on stage.

“Oh, you speak so beautifully!”

“?”

“Of course, the Haimel family will live up to your faith, my lady!”

“…Yes…”

Anna was now sure Louis was a strange person. He rested his elbows on the table, put his chin in his hands, and stared at her with a lazy smile.

“So this is who you are. Well, it’s kind of rewarding to talk to you.”

Anna frowned, not understanding what he meant.

Just then, the servants started moving busily. Anna wondered what was happening, and suddenly Louis straightened up and clicked his tongue quietly. Anna quickly turned her head.

Raiden must be here!

The dining room doors burst open and Raiden, wearing a cloak, walked in.

Anna’s eyes widened. While she tried to keep a straight face, Raiden looked around with indifferent eyes, took off his cloak, handed it to the butler, and walked to the seat of honor.

As the servants busied themselves setting out food, Anna peeked at Raiden’s face.

He looks thinner.

In the bright chandelier light, his face looked paler and sharper than before. Anna shot Louis a sideways glance. He said he eats well, but…

“I’ll excuse myself now,” Louis said, standing up suddenly. Anna stared at his plate.

“You hardly ate…”

He waved a hand with a disgusted look. “Why would I risk a stomachache eating with the Marquis? I had enough of that in the west.”

He even shuddered, showing how familiar he was with Raiden. Anna watched Louis hurry out, feeling strangely bitter.

I used to be really close with Raiden too…

Suddenly, she remembered a ring at the very bottom of her jewelry box. Anna touched her bare finger, lost in thought.

I couldn’t wear it because of the fake engagement… Maybe after I break things off with Edward, I can finally wear it again.

She felt her heart swell with hope. When she looked up, her eyes met Raiden’s.

“Ah…”

Anna smiled softly without thinking. But Raiden just stared at her, lost in thought.

Why is he looking at me like that?

He seemed strange, but with all the servants in the room, Anna couldn’t ask anything.

As if reading her mind, Raiden raised his hand. The butler and all the servants left the dining room at once, closing the door behind them.

Suddenly, they were alone. Anna felt her throat tighten. She couldn’t meet Raiden’s eyes, so she dipped her spoon into her soup instead.

Raiden spoke suddenly.

“You said you loved your father, right?”

Anna lost her appetite. She hesitated with the spoon in her hand, but when she didn’t answer, he asked again.

“Do you still feel the same way?”

Anna sensed there was something deeper to his question. She put her utensils down, squeezed her cold hands together, and forced herself to speak calmly.

“Feelings like that… They don’t go away so easily.”

It was still true. Anna still hoped John would come to his senses, that her father’s love for her wasn’t a lie, and that there was some love left in his heart. She prayed that they could one day remember how happy they once were.

Anyone else would call her a fool… Even Anna thought she was a fool sometimes. Still—

Even if things can’t go back to the way they were, I hope Father stays safe.

Raiden’s gaze became sharp, almost like a wounded animal.

“What if he did something unforgivable? Would you still feel that way?”

He seemed to be talking about how her father had tried to kill her. Anna bit her lip, remembering her father’s devotion and love. Her voice trembled, but she nodded.

“Yes.”

“I’ve already loved him… I don’t know how to undo that.”

She wasn’t just talking about her father. She was including Raiden, who had disappeared for five years, too.

Raiden stared at her as if he was lost for words, then slowly lowered his eyes.

“I see.”

It was just a simple answer, but Anna felt a chill down her back, as if a wall had suddenly come between them.

She quickly changed the subject.

“Raiden… What was your father like?”

Raiden was surprised she asked that now and almost laughed. Maybe sensing his mood, Anna hurriedly waved her hands.

“You don’t have to answer if you don’t want to. I just… I’ve talked about myself a lot, but I haven’t heard about you.”

“…”

“You said you were close to your father…”

Anna’s voice trailed off. Raiden thought it was strange, but finally answered.

“I was separated from him when I was young, so I only remember bits and pieces… But he was a really good person.”

“…”

“If I could see him again… I’d sell my soul, if that’s what it took.”

Remembering his happy past, Raiden suddenly looked up at Anna. In his eyes, Anna saw a storm of anger and pain, and she grew nervous.

Why does he look so angry all of a sudden?

She thought maybe he was mad at himself for being powerless when his father died. But his eyes were fixed on Anna, as if it was her fault he couldn’t see his father.

That doesn’t make sense…

Anna shook her head, confused. Then Raiden suddenly stood up and threw his napkin down.

“Raiden…?”

Anna stood up too, surprised, but he left the dining room without even glancing at her.

Anna was left standing there, shocked and upset. Since their reunion, Raiden often acted in ways she couldn’t understand. She tried to believe it was just because of the time apart, but…

This time, it really was strange…

Anna sat back down slowly, her heart pounding loudly. She pressed a hand to her chest, hoping to calm her anxiety.

“It’s okay. He’s not mad at me.”

If she had done anything wrong, it was asking too lightly about his father. Anna regretted bringing up painful memories.

But suddenly, she grew worried.

Is that really true? Was all that anger… really not meant for me?