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Chapter 10
The Savior Who Came to Ruin My Life
Daphne still couldn’t read Julian’s expression no matter how many times she looked at him.
“I really have no idea what he’s thinking.”
The only certain thing was that he was more beautiful than any painting in the corridor.
Under the faint moonlight and surrounding lights, his well-built frame, jet-black hair that shimmered, and eyes like blazing red diamonds stood out.
Every feature was perfectly balanced, as if wrapped in a noble aura more precious than gold.
“That painting.”
A low voice made a chill crawl up from her toes.
Daphne tried to calm herself, but it wasn’t easy.
“It seems to be your biological mother.”
Daphne lowered her head without saying anything.
As Julian had guessed, the black cloth covered Liliana.
“…He must think I’m a sinner.”
The black veil on the portrait symbolized guilt.
It had been placed there by order of Bonte long ago, something that could not be removed.
“If you don’t properly respect your mother, this is your punishment. Don’t complain, since it’s your fault.”
Bonte had used her attitude toward Matilda as justification.
In truth, it was Matilda’s scheme, but Bonte never believed her.
“If you behave, I’ll reconsider.”
After that, Daphne spent her life trying to appease Matilda and Tiana.
Even her engagement to Robert was based on a lie that the cloth would be removed.
Her lips trembled again.
“Why is it covered?”
The steward Aaron, standing a little away, glanced at Daphne.
Her gaze was empty, fixed on Julian’s shoes.
He knew Liliana was innocent, but he was still a servant of House Hanover.
He had once tried to speak up.
“My lord, if I may say—”
“You don’t need to explain, Aaron.”
Daphne lifted her head and smiled faintly at Aaron.
“I’ve seen it for myself. I want to leave now.”
Julian did not respond.
He simply looked again at the black cloth.
Daphne turned first.
Step, step.
After a few steps, a sound came from behind her.
Thud.
Something fell.
She turned quickly.
Her eyes widened.
The black cloth that had covered the portrait lay on the floor.
“…!”
So it could be removed that easily.
A strange feeling rose in her chest.
All these years, she had believed she had no choice.
‘I could have done it… all this time?’
She looked up slowly.
Julian still hadn’t moved his eyes from the portrait.
The moonlight spilled over him like silver dust.
He looked less like a tyrant and more like something else entirely.
“Let’s go.”
Outside the corridor, Daphne found Julian standing below the steps.
As before, he offered his hand.
“Thank you, Your Highness.”
“It was just a tour.”
“Even so—”
“Don’t overthink it.”
His tone was indifferent, but his hand was warm.
As they walked, Daphne’s mind felt lighter.
She could finally think of her mother’s smile without guilt.
Then suddenly, her steps faltered.
Julian’s hand tightened, steadying her again.
“…Thank you.”
“Just walk slower.”
Daphne looked up at him.
He didn’t seem like someone who disliked women at all.
All those rumors suddenly felt strange.
‘Maybe I was wrong…’
But then his fingers subtly adjusted around hers again, as if checking she wouldn’t fall.
Daphne froze for a moment.
This man… was confusing.
“Why are you like this?”
Julian glanced at her.
“You keep stumbling. That’s all.”
“…Ah.”
Right. She was just overthinking again.
She nodded and tried to walk, but her strength gave out.
This time, Julian caught her firmly by the arm.
Daphne steadied herself and looked at him.
“…Thank you.”
“Walk carefully.”
Her gaze dropped slightly.
“…So big.”
