The End of Your Arrogance - Chapter 28.2

With a flick of her hand, she sent a stone skipping across the surface of the pond. A brightly colored yellow fish leaped out of the water, catching her eye. It’s not urgent, so I’ll think about it later, she thought, allowing herself a small smile. She kicked off her frustrating shoes and socks, and dipped her feet into the pond.

Fearless fish swarmed around her feet, tickling her and making her giggle. “It tickles, stop it,” she giggled, feeling a warmth in her chest that hadn’t been there before.

“You’re having so much fun all by yourself.”

The sound of a low voice startled Evelyn from her thoughts, and she jerked her head up. Her body lost its balance, and she floundered, almost falling into the pond. “Evelyn! Be careful!” Ilya’s voice was a warm, steady presence, and she felt his arms wrap around her waist to steady her.

Every hair on her body stood on end as she leaned against his strong chest. “I’m sorry, I was so startled,” she apologized.

Ilya’s hands lingered on her waist, and he reached out to brush her long, curly blond hair. His touch was gentle, almost reverent. “It’s similar to what you wore on the wedding day,” he murmured.

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat. She had thought he didn’t remember anything from their wedding, as he had stood there with an indifferent expression. But he remembered. Her eyes met his, and for a moment, they lingered there, searching for something.

As Ilya detached himself from Evelyn’s embrace, his legs felt weak, and he sat down on a large rock beside her. It had only been a moment, but the encounter had left him unsteady. Evelyn’s gaze lingered on his hand, which was tightly wrapped in bandages, and he could see the concern etched on her face.

“Your Highness, did you get hurt a lot? It must hurt,” Evelyn said, frowning.

“Oh, it’s nothing,” Ilya said dismissively, changing the subject before she could ask more questions. “You’re swimming alone at night. That’s an unusual hobby.”

“I came to see the flowers, but the fish were so pretty,” Evelyn said with a smile.

As Ilya glanced at her bare feet, she quickly hid them under her skirt. He couldn’t help but smile mischievously. “Embarrassed? I’ve looked at more than just your feet.”

“What… what do you mean?” Evelyn asked, blushing.

“Is there anywhere on your body that I haven’t seen?” Ilya teased, knowing full well that he had seen every inch of her during their wedding night.

Evelyn’s blush deepened, and she looked like she was about to cry. He chuckled and changed the subject once again, not wanting to make her uncomfortable.

“Do you know that I just fell asleep last night?” he asked.

“I was surprised too when I woke up this morning,” Evelyn replied, still avoiding Ilya’s gaze.

He smirked and leaned closer, his voice low and teasing. “What are you thinking about that’s making your face turn red?”

Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat, and she quickly looked away, feeling the heat spreading to her neck. She fanned herself with her hand, hoping to cool down. “I’m not thinking about anything…It’s just hot.”

“It looks like you’re drunk,” Ilya chuckled. Evelyn’s face turned even redder.

“Why don’t you just pour alcohol in a glass instead of your mouth?” Evelyn complained, fanning herself faster. Ilya held back his laughter.

“I won’t drink from now on. Especially not in front of you,” she said, trying to sound confident. But Ilya’s next words made her feel small again.

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone quit drinking for real after claiming to do so,” he said.

“But what really happened yesterday?” she asked. She felt her voice trembling with embarrassment and wished she could disappear.

Ilya was also curious about what had happened the night before. He had been pondering about it all morning, but it was still an inexplicable event. “Maybe it was just sweat or saliva, something like that?” he suggested.

Evelyn’s blushing cheeks were about to burst, and she quickly covered them with her hand. Ilya stood up and reached out his hand to her.

“Are you going to keep sitting here?” Ilya asked.

Evelyn quickly picked up a pair of shoes beside her, but Ilya was looking down at her, causing her hand to slip repeatedly.

“You’re a really clumsy woman, aren’t you?” he teased. He then kneeled down in front of her, holding one of her ankles with one hand and the shoe in the other.

“Ilya, what are you doing?” Evelyn’s voice escaped her before she realized she had spoken. She attempted to move her ankle to break free, but Ilya’s grip on her hand was too firm.

Ilya replied, “I’m putting your shoes on for you. Can’t you tell?” Evelyn’s head dropped, and she began fiddling with the hem of her dress. Ilya couldn’t help but smirk as he observed her restlessness.

Ilya lifted Evelyn’s foot and placed it on his knee, slipping on her shoe before repeating the process with her other foot. He met her gaze and said, “You asked me how I fell asleep, didn’t you?”

Evelyn nodded in response.

Ilya added, “It doesn’t matter much. The only thing that helps me sleep well is being by your side.”

With those words, Ilya stood up and helped his wife to her feet. As Evelyn looked at his face illuminated by the moonlight, she felt an overwhelming sense of sadness.

I won’t be able to stay with you forever, she thought to herself. However, she suppressed the words that were on the tip of her tongue.