MLBR 18

chapter 18

‘This time I’ll be using two rules.’

First rule: The male lead and female lead always meet by chance.
Second rule: The female lead isn’t interested at all, but the male lead shows an abnormal amount of interest in her.

Using these rules, Herais was supposed to give me a dress as a gift.

‘I’ve already set the budget. He won’t notice it, but I attached design references and price ranges. Even if I haven’t used my allowance for maintaining appearances in a long time, dresses here are expensive.’

Besides, hadn’t we even written a contract? Even if Herais went ahead and acted on his own a little, I was confident I’d only be slightly surprised.

Before I knew it, at least thirty minutes had passed. Sera, who at first had been enthusiastic, now looked bored as she straightened her posture. She looked about ready to hand me over to another clerk and excuse herself.

And right then—when her interest was dying down—Herais Grey walked in.

The timing was perfect, and I couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

“Welcome—”

The clerk’s greeting faltered awkwardly as a man entered. I turned my head, ready to greet Herais, the one who liked me.

But my words caught in my throat.

“Ah…”

My lips felt dry. The one standing before me wasn’t Herais—it was Whistler.

Instinctively, my eyes scanned Whistler from head to toe. And once I took in his flawless appearance, a wave of irritation washed over me.

If only I had been the only perfect one.

“Lady Light, why haven’t you answered my letters?”

The clerks and Sera, who had been watching, quickly stepped away. But even though they retreated, their gazes only burned hotter.

“I sent you letters—why didn’t you reply? I admit I misunderstood. But we never broke up, did we, Philena?”

Whistler’s delicate face softened with a wistful gaze.

What in the world was going on?

Back at the last selection banquet, Whistler hadn’t acted like this at all. Wasn’t he sharp and cold, accusing me of cheating and neglecting our relationship?

‘Sure, thanks to Herais the rumors about me two-timing were cleared up, but plenty of people still think I’m having an affair with him. And now Whistler isn’t pushing it any further?’

He was the one who’d fueled the rumors of me being a villainess. So naturally, I thought he’d be trying to sway public opinion again.

“Lady Light. I’ve never let you go.”

Whistler stepped closer, brow furrowed in apology, then exhaled a small sigh as he sat beside me.

“It’s true—I’ve been so busy lately I’ve neglected you.”

I still couldn’t understand this change in him. But I managed to calm my pounding heart.

“It was my fault. I truly misunderstood. I couldn’t just ignore the voices constantly whispering around me. They’re important people to me… and you’re important too.”

Half-listening to his voice, I turned my thoughts back to the novel’s rules.

Whistler’s sudden appearance, followed soon by Herais—already dramatic enough, but wouldn’t it be even more entertaining if I added fuel to the fire?

‘What if I break up with Whistler right here?’

I’d follow Herais’s advice as much as possible, but ultimately, I had control of my relationship with Whistler. If I thought it necessary, I could announce our breakup on the spot after a brief word with him.

“There was no avoiding it. I’ll explain everything later, so please, let’s reconcile, Philena.”

His trembling voice pleaded not to be ignored. The silence pressing down on the place grew heavy with tension.

Feeling all the eyes on me, I lowered my lashes slightly, then forced down the corners of my lips that threatened to curve upward.

“…I don’t know. I’m confused.”

Yes—that was it. Something even more dramatic than a breakup: a love triangle.

Herais, me, and Whistler. I could already tell the ripple effect of today’s events would be enormous.

“Marquis Gass, as you said—you’ve been busy lately.”

Was that smooth voice really mine? My acting had improved, sure, but it was also thanks to all the stories I’d absorbed recently. In fact, this very line came from a novel I’d read a few days ago, ‘The Man Who Kisses for 2000 Gold.’

“I thought we were already nearing the end of our relationship.”

Whistler’s brow twitched slightly, a subtle sign of agitation. No one else noticed, but I did.

‘Of course I look unfamiliar to him.’

Naturally. This was an act. I wasn’t speaking in my usual way—and more importantly, this was the first time I’d ever asserted myself so firmly with him.

“I thought you didn’t love me anymore. Weren’t we practically broken up already?”

“That… that’s not for you to say—”

His smooth tone faltered for a moment. Then, realizing all the gazes on him, he coughed lightly and smoothed his expression.

“That’s something only I can say. Do you know how long I’ve been suffering…?”

With elegant movements, Whistler reached out and took my hand. His touch was gentle—but for some reason, it made me uncomfortable.

In the past, I wouldn’t have cared either way. But now… it was different. When Herais touched me, it didn’t feel like this.

“As I said, there’s been a misunderstanding between us, Lady Light. Ordinarily, I’d have to ask permission to be with you, but I truly want to resolve this matter. I’ll have to intrude on your time right now.”

His eyes flicked to the catalog I was holding, and he gave a small laugh.

At his signal, Sera came rushing back, and Whistler declared proudly:

“I’ll buy every single dress Lady Light was interested in.”

“Yes, I’ll prepare the payment for all of them.”

“Not a single one left out. I’m certain nothing would look bad on Lady Light.”

While everyone’s attention was distracted, I slipped my hand from his grasp. But the moment I did, Whistler immediately draped his arm around my shoulder.

Definitely unpleasant.

‘If I feel this different in such a short time… then maybe my own feelings really have changed.’

It was a strange sensation.

Even though I had the wit and quick thinking to slip away from him anytime, I allowed myself to stay in Whistler’s arms—for now. I needed time to examine what I was feeling.

So I whispered softly, just enough for him to hear:

“Marquis Gass, about that…”

“I’m listening, Philena. Let’s leave.”

He always called me Philena when we were alone.

“What was your height again?”

“About five-foot-seven. But… why ask that?”

“Forgive the rudeness, but one more question. Have you been skipping meals lately? Or has your build changed?”

“Nothing’s changed. So please… tell me your intent.”

Huh? I squinted, scrutinizing him from head to toe like he was a stranger, then subtly sniffed the air around him.

And at that exact moment—

Crash!

The racks of dresses at the counter toppled to the floor. Mannequins clattered over, and startled screams and groans erupted all around.

“Well, well.”

A large hand slapped Whistler’s away from me and wrapped firmly around my shoulder.

Herais had finally arrived.

“Sorry I’m late, Philena.”

Late indeed—fifteen minutes later than the scenario I’d planned.

“Even if we didn’t have a set appointment, I should’ve been here earlier than this one.”

My heart thumped faster—not just because of Herais’s arrival, but because I was thrilled at the start of the expected love triangle.

This time, everything was unfolding under my control.

But just then, with a thud, Herais dropped to one knee and tugged my hand.

“How could you be so captivating, Philena… little brother?”

His eyes narrowed sharply, gleaming like a challenge.

“I could be Philena’s second, or even her dog—but what about you, my oh-so-noble, cunning little brother?”