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— CHAPTER 8 ………………………………………………………………..—
At Melina’s words that there were things to add or modify in the contract, Cheroyan looked at her with a puzzled expression.
“I’d like a clause stating that neither of us will keep a lover during the marriage. Ah, of course, it applies to both sides.”
Even though it was a marriage that began as a contract, Melina had no intention of being betrayed or deceived again.
She was already sick of the idea of lovers. Since she had no intention of divorcing Cheroyan, she wanted this part made absolutely clear.
“Isn’t that obvious for a married couple? If you’re married, you should be faithful to each other.”
Most nobles entered political marriages, and keeping lovers was common.
Yet, to say something like that in a contract marriage of all things…
Compared to the Emperor, his demeanor made Melina’s heart waver.
“I honestly didn’t expect you to say that.”
“So you thought I was that kind of person? I’m disappointed.”
He frowned in disapproval.
“I still don’t know what kind of person Your Highness is. From my perspective, this is something that needs to be made clear.”
Cheroyan quietly stared at her, his silver-gray eyes filled with complex thoughts.
“Even if it’s a contract marriage, I was the one who chose to make you my wife. Isn’t it only natural that I take on the responsibility and duties that come with that?”
Melina felt strangely unsettled. She wasn’t expecting a happy marriage—this was a marriage for revenge, after all.
So why was her heart beating so fast?
Could she trust this man? Could she allow herself to hope?
“Your Highness, you must keep what you just said. I tend to be quite greedy.”
Cheroyan raised an eyebrow as if asking what she meant.
“I told you, didn’t I? I hate it when anyone touches what’s mine. Even if I become Empress, I will never allow a concubine. You’d better be prepared.”
As Melina stared straight at Cheroyan and spoke firmly, his silver-gray eyes deepened.
“So, will you still sign?”
Though it was a marriage for revenge, she wanted to test him. To see whether she could afford to hope.
After silently staring at her for a long time with those deep eyes, Cheroyan finally spoke.
“Let’s proceed with that clause included.”
Cheroyan added the provision about lovers to the contract and signed without hesitation. Then, as if to show it off, he handed the contract to Melina.
She smiled in satisfaction and signed as well.
“The wedding will be in a month. How does that sound? That’s the earliest possible date.”
“Alright.”
“We’ll handle the wedding preparations on our side. You only need to come here a week before the ceremony.”
“I will.”
“Can you dance? You’ll need to at least once at the reception.”
“Don’t worry. I know proper etiquette as well.”
Who did she think she was? She had once been praised as a perfect lady.
At Melina’s composed smile, Cheroyan looked at her suspiciously before averting his gaze.
“I’ll take your word for it. So we’ll meet again a week before the wedding?”
“What do you mean?”
Melina’s eyes widened.
“Is there anything else we need to see each other for?”
His expression showed genuine confusion. Melina let out a small sigh.
There was so much to do from now on, yet he was so carefree.
She was already worried whether this man could properly act his part.
“Everything starts now. There’s so much we need to do together.”
Melina pointed between herself and Cheroyan for emphasis.
“What exactly do we need to do?”
“Go on dates! As often as possible before the wedding.”
For a moment, Cheroyan looked blank.
“You said I have to act well. We’re getting married in a month despite our difference in status—if we don’t even go on dates, how will people believe it?”
Nothing was more convincing and efficient than showing it directly.
They had to make people unable to look away, unable to stop talking, unable to help but become excited by them.
“…I see. I hadn’t thought of that.”
“Your Highness, have you ever been on a date?”
Cheroyan hesitated and avoided her eyes.
That he couldn’t even lie was admirable—but also deeply concerning.
He wasn’t a child, and even if he had no interest in marriage, he had never dated before?
“I’ll give you exactly one week. Study it. Romance.”
At her firm, almost commanding tone, Cheroyan ran a hand down his face and sighed.
“Your Highness, from now on I am Melina. Do not mix up my name. And speak more gently. Understood?”
Before their first date, Melina was busy giving him instructions, as she deeply distrusted Cheroyan.
“Before correcting my tone, you should fix yours first.”
At the sudden remark, Melina turned her head in disbelief—then froze.
His face was far too close.
“How long are you going to keep calling me ‘Your Highness’? I told you to call me Yan. Have you already forgotten?”
Because of how close he was, every time he spoke, his warm breath brushed her skin. Melina blinked, tense without realizing it.
“You told me to act well, but it seems you’re the one who needs practice.”
Cheroyan gently stroked her cheek as if to ease her tension, his eyes curving slightly.
But the unexpected touch only made her more nervous.
“Tch. Mel, you need to breathe.”
When he lightly touched her chin, she finally exhaled.
Flustered, she turned her head away quickly, her face turning as red as the sunset. Cheroyan’s smile deepened.
“What… was that just now?”
Melina tried to calm her racing heart. The place where his hand had touched still felt warm.
Could a person change so much? He felt completely different from usual.
Still confused, she met Cheroyan’s playful gaze and realized she had been teased.
Annoyed and embarrassed, she glared at him, and he smiled back innocently.
“Mel, let’s get out now.”
Suddenly changing his tone, Melina looked at him wide-eyed.
“Your Highness, why did you change your way of speaking?”
“Didn’t you tell me to? To speak gently.”
At his shameless reply, she shot him a glare, and he chuckled softly.
“My tone didn’t change for acting, so don’t misunderstand. I signed the contract, so you are my fiancée now.”
Melina relaxed slightly, curious about what he would say next.
“So it’s only natural to treat my future wife with respect and care. Since today is our first official day as fiancés, I thought the timing was right.”
That answer she hadn’t expected made her stare at him.
She had thought he was cold and sharp, but he was unexpectedly considerate and gentle.
Her heart softened.
“So get used to it. And please, stop calling me ‘Your Highness.’ I’d rather you use a nickname.”
“Then I’ll get used to it too, as your fiancée—Yan.”
Melina winked as she changed her tone, and Cheroyan let out a soft laugh.
The carriage stopped, and he escorted her down.
Melina was dressed simply in commoner’s clothes, but her natural elegance showed in every movement.
“Come to think of it, this is the first time I’ve seen you in a skirt.”
Now that she thought about it, she had never properly dressed up when meeting him.
In the past, she used to spend hours preparing even for a short outing.
Well, considering she had tried to kill him at their first meeting and even invaded his bedroom at night, it was almost laughable to try to impress him now.
Thinking that way, she felt a little more at ease.
“How do I look? Do I suit it?”
Melina spun around once and asked.
“It’s not a dress, but it’s the best you’ve worn so far.”
When she pressed for an answer, Cheroyan looked at her quietly, then smiled softly.
“Pretty.”
Even without embellishment, the simple word made her chest tickle.
“Let’s go.”
As if nothing had happened, Cheroyan naturally took her hand and led her forward—though he couldn’t hide the slight curve of his lips.
They walked toward the busiest central street of the Grand Duchy.
Lined trees stretched along the road, with shops and restaurants on both sides.
But Melina had no time to look around. His hand holding hers kept distracting her.
She had never held hands like this even with the Emperor—only ever through formal escorting.
She wanted to pull away out of awkwardness, yet the firm grip made her wish she could stay like this, which confused her.
“This is just acting.”
She kept repeating it to herself, but she couldn’t stop her heart from fluttering.
“Mel, what are you thinking so hard about? People are watching us.”
Cheroyan whispered as he brushed her hair behind her ear.
“Oh my…”
“Did you see that? I saw it, right?”
“I can’t believe His Highness would do that…”
“Who is that woman next to him?”
Passersby recognized Cheroyan and began to whisper.
Some covered their mouths in shock, others watched in curiosity, and some even looked jealous.
Only then did Melina realize her surroundings.
She was getting distracted when they needed to look completely in love.
If they showed even a hint of awkwardness, people would immediately become suspicious.
There might even be spies from the Emperor somewhere nearby.
“Sorry, Yan. It’s just been a while since I was in a crowded place…”
Melina smiled shyly and linked her arm through his, leaning against him.
It felt awkward, but she forced herself to endure it for their goal.
“You told me to study hard, but it seems you’re the one who needs to study.”
Cheroyan leaned closer and whispered into her ear again.
To others, they must look like a loving couple sharing sweet words—but he was smiling smugly.
“So you’re going to play it this way?”
Even if she had to kick her blanket in embarrassment tonight, she would make sure to fluster him back.
“I’ll do better from now on, so don’t worry.”
Melina stood on tiptoe and whispered into his ear, then lightly kissed his cheek.
