Chapter 83

"That'll have to wait for next time."

"What? But...!"

Vincent gently pushed away Vecchio as she clung to him, pleading.

"Once this is handled properly, I'll give you your reward."

"I— I'm anxious, Your Highness. I need some proof. I—"

"I told you not to call me that."

The warm voice that had been whispering love so tenderly a moment ago turned cold in an instant. Vecchio flinched without meaning to.

"I'm sorry..."

"I want to keep caring for you, Lia. Don't make this difficult for me."

Vecchio bit her red lower lip, looking uneasy. Vincent watched her do it in silence.

"...I heard you danced with another noble lady at the debutante."

"Ah."

He answered easily, as if he'd simply forgotten.

"That did happen."

"Why...?"

"Does it matter? Wherever I am, whatever I'm doing, there's only one person in my heart — you, Lia."

Vincent cupped her cheeks lightly…