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Chapter 19
“That’s not what I meant by kissing!”
The place Theo brought her to was Bellarsy.
A first-class restaurant so exclusive that even contacting them half a year in advance didn’t guarantee a reservation.
“I heard Bellarsy’s food is incredible.”
“So what? One meal there costs our entire monthly salary.”
Evelyn had known about this place from conversations among the researchers.
Did the Duke make a reservation long ago?
She stepped inside with that innocent thought.
“Huh? They’re closed today.”
Evelyn pointed at the sign by the entrance.
“That’s right. Isn’t it perfect?”
Theo led her forward with a cryptic remark.
Perfect? The doors are locked!
Just then, a man in a suit hurried out from inside the building.
When he opened the grand double doors, a meticulously landscaped garden was revealed.
It rivaled the imperial palace in splendor.
“Duke Ashford, you’ve arrived! Earlier than expected.”
After greeting them, he offered Evelyn a warm smile.
“This is our first meeting. I am the head manager here.”
“Hello.”
He asked no questions, simply focusing on guiding them.
Bellarsy was a three-story ivory building, grand yet warm in atmosphere.
Even Evelyn, who knew nothing about architecture, could tell it was refined.
Contrary to the rumors that it was bustling daily, the interior was completely quiet.
“Is there a particular table you would prefer?”
“We’ll dine upstairs. Prepare the menu as you see fit.”
Theo kept glancing at Evelyn. When they reached their seats, he even pulled out her chair.
The Duke, serving her personally instead of leaving it to the manager, looked quite pleased.
Confused, Evelyn asked, “There are no other guests?”
“It’s closed.”
“I know. That’s what I mean. How are we here on a day off?”
Could you really make something like this happen just by paying enough money?
That couldn’t be it. She’d heard that even high-ranking nobles had to follow procedure and wait.
“Oh,” Theo answered casually. “I own this place.”
“What?”
Once again, the emotional distance between her and the Duke widened.
When Evelyn fell silent, Theo tilted his head.
“The food’s quite good. I think you’ll like it.”
“That’s not what I’m worried about… never mind.”
“What’s the problem? Since we’re closed, no reservations were canceled. And I’ve decided to pay the staff who came in today triple their usual wages.”
“Triple?”
Oh… I should’ve worked here today—no, that’s not the point!
Evelyn shook her head.
“There’s something important I need to tell you.”
“Say whatever you want.”
Hoo—Evelyn took a deep breath, steeling herself.
You can do this! You have to say it clearly!
She repeated the lines she had practiced countless times in the carriage.
“I have no intention of seeing you, Your Grace. Please don’t come looking for me anymore.”
It was only two sentences. She just had to say them plainly.
Surely he wouldn’t get angry?
This was different from keeping him waiting.
From the Duke’s perspective, his long patience was about to be rewarded with rejection.
There was no way he’d feel good about it.
And she couldn’t stop recalling the story about him leaping into flames to catch a monster.
Catherine’s final warning had scared her.
When she imagined that warm smile changing at any moment, her entire body stiffened.
“I—!”
At last, Evelyn opened her mouth.
But someone interrupted her.
“Excuse me.”
The head manager returned, pushing a trolley.
“We’ve brought out the full course at once, so you can focus on your conversation.”
As he said, a variety of dishes were placed on the table.
Evelyn unconsciously swallowed.
“For the appetizer, a salad with a tangy dressing, and…”
His refined voice felt painfully slow.
Perhaps because it was already evening after work, she felt even hungrier.
Come to think of it, she had skipped lunch worrying about the Duke.
I’m weak to two things.
A handsome man and delicious food.
It was a moment of self-realization.
“For the main course, butter-grilled trout and a beef steak—”
“That’s enough explanation.”
Theo stopped him.
Evelyn’s gaze toward the table looked far too pitiful.
Once the manager retreated, Theo tried serving her salad.
“Do we have to eat in order…?”
she murmured quietly.
Suppressing a laugh, he cut her steak instead.
After taking a bite, Evelyn cupped her cheek with one hand.
The tender texture and rich flavor filling her mouth were exquisite.
No wonder it’s the best restaurant!
Every bite was astonishing.
She began eating without restraint.
Theo continued serving her attentively so she could eat comfortably.
He didn’t forget to fill her glass with fragrant wine.
It’s better to bring up the important matter after the meal.
What if the Duke got indigestion?
Having crafted that excuse, Evelyn focused on the food.
Everything she tasted was heavenly.
Would she be able to eat like this every day if she were with the Duke?
That would be a bit of a waste to give up…
Each time she enjoyed the food, she recalled what had happened earlier—
How the entire laboratory had been thrown into chaos just because the Duke visited briefly.
And how would she deal with things tomorrow?
Sigh. Let’s just eat.
It was probably a luxury she would never taste again. She decided to savor the one chance she had.
As she gradually became full, other things began to come into view.
For instance, Theo, who had been constantly taking care of her.
She had been too busy eating to notice.
Feeling apologetic, she said, “Your Grace, please eat as well.”
“You’re thinking of me?”
He looked delighted by even the small kindness of a glutton.
Regaining her senses, she began searching for the right moment to refuse him.
Theo only ate when she urged him to.
He seemed to find more joy in taking care of the woman before him.
Eventually, Evelyn set down her utensils first.
“Your Grace… I think it’s time I say what I need to.”
“I won’t listen.”
“Pardon?”
You told me to say anything earlier!
With a smile, Theo said, “Call me by my name. Then I’ll listen to every word.”
“What a… joke…”
It was the least funny joke she had ever heard. It was chilling.
“I’m not joking.”
He continued, “It seems you’ve resolved your assignment. Isn’t it time you call me by my name?”
“How did you know?”
“A feeling.”
He could have been a fortune-teller.
“Even so… between us, how could I…”
“It’s fine. We’re not strangers.”
This is driving me crazy! Evelyn felt like crying.
“Your Grace, I truly hope you’ll listen to what I’m about to say.”
“….”
He gave no reply.
“Your Grace? Are you listening?”
“….”
No matter how many times she called him, Theo remained silent.
It seemed he intended to keep his mouth shut until she used the title he wanted.
Unbelievable.
At this rate, this would never end. At last, she forced the words out.
“Te… Theo.”
“More familiarly.”
“Theo… would you please listen to me?”
“Of course. Who else would I listen to?”
He answered far too easily.
His violet eyes sparkled, as though he enjoyed her distress.
“So, Theo…”
This was torture. To call his name so tenderly, only to hurt him.
First, she offered her thanks.
“Thanks to you, I was able to enjoy such a delicious meal. Thank you. The steak today was wonderful, and the mushrooms on top…”
“Tell that to the chef.”
That’s quite a long introduction.
Theo cut her off with an incredulous expression.
He was beginning to understand.
That hesitant, roundabout way of speaking with such a troubled face…
Is she rejecting me?
Why? Because I still haven’t given her enough certainty?
In truth, he had sensed it days ago when she began avoiding him.
He simply didn’t want to face it.
And hadn’t he already overheard her conversation with her colleague?
Whatever answer came from those small lips, his affection would not change.
“Go on,” Theo said with a dazzling smile. “Let’s hear your conclusion.”
