Daddy, I Don’t Want to Marry!

Watching the two grow distant, Mikhail sulked. He was anguished and vexedhe couldnt believe Jubelian had let a commoner lift her into his arms. In fact, she had not even hesitated to jump into him! Clenching his fists, Mikhail imagined punching the uncouth man to his death. Mikhail would then retrieve the lady to lock her in his house forever. But if he did so, he knew her father wouldnt leave him be. Believing that there was a way to make her his again, Mikhail stood still, his eyes shining with revenge.

Act 14. All of a Sudden?

I quietly removed my arms from around Maxs neck once Mikhail was out of sight. Hey, could you let go of me now? I asked, but he shook his head.

You were just about to fall.

He was right, but it had been mostly because of my cumbersome dress and heels. Im not hurt anywhere, so you can let me down now, I persisted, but Max remained adamant. I sighed as I decided to give up. Still, I was eternally grateful that I was able to return safely.

Jubelian! a voice called then.

Lady Floyen!

From far away, I could see Merilyn and Geraldine waiting for me. Slightly embarrassed, I asked once more, Please let me down. My cheeks were probably flushed as I could feel them getting hot. Max gazed at me for a moment before carefully putting me down. I tried to take small stepsit didnt seem like I had sprained my ankle as it only ached a tiny bit. I was thinking that a relaxing massage might help when Max suddenly pushed his arm out toward me.

Hold onto me, he said. Smiling, I linked my arm to his. It was definitely easier to walk like this.

In no time, we reached the carriage. Merilyn welcomed us with a worrisome expression. My lady, what happened there? Your dress has become crumpled

Not wanting to make her panic, I answered calmly, Oh, this was just the byproduct of me making a mess in that mansion.

You didwhatto the marquis estate? It was Geraldine who asked back. I looked up to see that his eyes were trembling.

Yes. Um It seemed that the whole family was still thinking that I was dating Mikhail, so I made sure their misconceptions were corrected, I said nonchalantly. However, Merilyn began to shed tears as soon as I finished speaking.

I-It was my fault for getting myself involved in your affairs, my lady. I was concerned I might have caused a difficult situation.

Regarding the marchioness, I had expected how she would react, so she had not been of much concern. The only unforeseen variable was Mikhail, and thanks to him, the fact that I had made it out of the estate alive became an extremely fortunate event. I began to wonder if he would try to pull off a similar scheme again next time, then realized I would have to explain all of this to my father. It was likely that he would hold this incident against me.

I began to think about the preparations I had made in case I would be kicked out of the house without notice. There was a chance that my father might ask me to leave once I came of age, but I was not worried since I had gathered some funds to live independently for a while. As for Mikhail, he would be meeting the princess and falling in love with her before I would be kicked out. There was now about three months until my coming-of-age ceremonyif there would be one. Until then, I would have to bear with the difficulties in the relationship with my father.

Didnt I say that Jubelian isnt one to be pushed around by anyone? Ha! Geraldine suddenly applauded. I didnt think he meant his comment as a compliment, but at this moment, it somehow sounded like encouragement.

How long are you going to stand there? Max asked. I looked up to see that he was wearing a dissatisfied expression.