Chapter 49 - Ruined Plans

Although I was taken aback by this unexpected predicament, I didn’t reveal my uneasiness in fear that the rumors might be established as a fact. I calmed myself down and glared at the young man. 

“Who said I was deeply in love?” I asked, acting as if he had just said something ridiculous. 

He shook his head. “I don’t know the details either. This rumor has been spreading around lately… I just happened to overhear it.”

I frowned. If everyone knew that I was the subject of this rumor but no one knew my supposed lover’s identity, it must’ve been created out of malice. ‘If someone indeed saw my father’s disciple, the person who started this rumor probably guessed his identity to add details. They might have mentioned his handsome appearance as well.’

After grasping the situation, I deliberately raised my voice to show my bewilderment. “I stay at home most of the time, so that’s not possible! If necessary, I can gather witnesses who recently visited the estate.” 

In response to my stubborn denial, he let out a sigh of relief. “So the rumors weren’t true after all.” 

I smiled. “Yes, so you can rest assured.”

“My lady.” He suddenly kneeled before me. 

“What is the meaning of this, Lord Rowen?” I asked with surprise. 

He continued to stare at me with a serious expression without standing up. ‘Is there something else that he needs to tell me?’ As I looked at him anxiously, he lowered his head.

“I’m sorry,” he muttered regretfully.

I frowned at his sudden apology. “You’re sorry? What do you mean…?” 

He stared at me intensely. “I made a big mistake.”

“A mistake? What do you mean by that?” 

“I thought you were going to refuse my request, so I have already partnered with another lady.”

His unexpected declaration hit me like a ton of bricks. ‘You mean you acted rashly before even receiving my reply?’ It was proper etiquette to always respond to requests, as well as wait for a response before asking another prospective partner. I was lucky that I hadn’t sent a response to the two other men yet, otherwise, I would’ve had to attend the banquet by myself. ‘And if I did that, my father would mention the marriage list to me.’ 

The man in front of me twisted his expression as if he was truly troubled. “I have always dreamed of this day. Unfortunately, I lack… no, it’s because of my carelessness.”

He was acting with such distress that it seemed like he was truly sorry. I felt relieved that he came. Thanks to him, I had the chance to learn about the ill-intended rumor. ‘If I ignore what he had just told me about, it might cause a mess in the future… Although it’s bothersome, I will have to dig deeper into it.’ 

I forced out a laugh to show that I wasn’t offended. “Don’t worry, I can just find another partner. Why don’t you get up?” 

“Are you an angel?” he muttered under his breath.

“What?” I asked, wondering if I had heard him wrong.

“Oh, no. I meant that… you have the heart of an angel,” he quickly amended. 

‘Hm… I’m obviously a villainess, but he compared me to an angel.’ Other people would laugh at this comparison, but I forgave him, knowing that he was exaggerating.

“Although I can’t make up for one of the biggest mistakes in my life, I truly regret it.” It was obvious why he was apologizing excessively to me; he didn’t want me to tell my father about this incident. 

‘I never intended on telling him even if he doesn’t do that…’ I looked back at his gaze which was making me uncomfortable and tried to console him. But he spoke again in a sorrowful voice before I could do so. 

“Most of all, I’m afraid that my careless actions may have hurt your feelings.”

I was growing tired of his excessive apologies, despite my repeated attempts to tell him that it was okay. “Don’t be, Lord Rowen. I must thank you for bringing this rumor to my attention and for taking the time to visit.”

“Thank you for forgiving me, Lady Floyen,” he said with a bitter smile. When it looked like he was about to leave, he suddenly leaned into me and whispered, “I was upset because I thought I wasn’t qualified… but I’m comforted by your words, my lady.”

‘Huh? Not qualified?’ I was about to ask him what he meant by that, but he continued to speak.

“In that case, why don’t we…” The man trailed off and abruptly shut his mouth. He stared at the window behind me with a pale expression. 

‘Why is he acting like that? It seems like he saw something scary.’ I turned around to see what caused him to look so pale, but there was nothing unusual.