#46

“Who? Do you mean Claude?”

“Yes, the one with black hair. He’s rarely coming around lately.”

“Oh, him. He made a brief appearance at the wedding yesterday and then just disappeared.”

“Really?”

Claude didn’t show himself at all after I was kicked out by the people employed by Baron Stephen. Even after I acted cold-hearted to him, he didn’t show the slightest impression of knowing me. As soon as the event was over, he suddenly disappeared without saying anything. In that case, it was better not to pretend to know me at all.

‘You’ll be more interesting when you see me again in the future.’

I hope he wouldn’t say anything like that during the event. He’s showing the typical attitude of a bad man who plays with other people’s feelings. I frowned when recalling yesterday’s events and Philip took my hand and gave it a massage.

“It would make you relax.”

He pressed against my palm diligently, and strangely, the thought of Claude immediately disappeared. Philip’s gentle actions made me laugh unconsciously. It turned out that palm pressing could help reduce stress.

Seeing me like that, Mary raised her eyebrows slightly.

“Do I feel lonely all this time because I don’t have a lover or something?”

She immediately turned towards the food and aggressively started eating Mont Blanc. I felt awkward and tried to give an explanation.

“Uh, why are you suddenly talking about a girlfriend? All of a sudden…”

There was indeed a possibility of misunderstanding in Philip’s actions. However, that was how it was. How could I have such feelings for Philip? This was an action done without any feelings at all. After all, in the story, Philip ended up falling for the female lead.

Philip’s soft voice was heard beside me, “Haley, I’d be happy to be thought of that way.”

When I was surprised at his words, I looked at Philip who was smiling with red cheeks. Looking at him constantly made me have difficulty in breathing. I didn’t even realize that I got choked. I blurted out unconsciously.

“I, I’ll go to the police station which would take a while. I have to visit an innocent friend. Philip, I’ll request for the print of tomorrow’s newspaper. And, please arrange for delivery as well.”

I left the newspaper office hastily. My body felt hot. Perhaps because summer was approaching. My cheeks was flushed. It might subside a bit as I walked towards the police station.

“Wake up! He’s just a boy who’s going to fall in love with Gloria!”

I shouldn’t have let any strange feelings get to me, or I’d hurt myself like I did with Claude. I forced myself to calm down.

Perhaps, Gloria had already met the Crown Prince today. Most likely at the police station. I assumed. I deliberately magnified this event and delayed it for one day. I had to give her time to meet the new man and fall in love with him. Since she was my friend, that was what I had to do.

“Of course, this opportunity can also be used to increase the number of subscribers to the newspaper.”

As the newspaper’s president, I couldn’t resist such an ambition.

*  *  *

Claude had to return to the manor as soon as the dinner was over. His father was still worried about his unstable position and still treated Claude like a child.

A few days later, the Crown Princess’ engagement was held. At that time, his father planned to introduce Claude as a nobleman and his successor to the noblesmen. By that time, Claude no longer needed to hide his feelings for his elder sister.

And yesterday, when they met after a long time, Haley looked even more beautiful. Even the men around her were captivated. Claude was worried that someone else might approach her.

‘That guy with his blue eyes that I used to see looked suspicious.’

It seemed like he was a rival when it came to hitting on his older sister. Claude felt his body heat up at the thought of Haley. However, Haley’s attitude was cold when they met yesterday. After the dinner, Haley immediately disappeared without any chance to talk to her further. Claude had no chance but return to his residence. The guards and bodyguards who followed him also had to return to the residence immediately because he had some business to attend to.

Claude’s work at Hotel Lescher could continue as his position had been changed to that of an office worker. However, outside the office, he couldn’t move an inch. While checking the list of guests who had made reservations today, his friend, Jay, walked into the office and greeted Claude while shaking his hands.

“Hyung, you came too.”

Jay’s bold attitude made Claude chuckle.

“That you, why else? Did you come to linger around?”

“Uh, since you didn’t get out of here, I came directly to see my friend’s face. You should be thankful for having a friend like me.”

“Yes, yes. Thank you.”

“But, why are you staring at those letters with that kind of gaze? If other people saw them, they might think there’s a list of enemies you want to kill inside. Is there a problem?”

Yesterday, Claude, who was excited to change shifts with others because he was going to meet the woman he loved, was now frustrated by a pile of documents. With Jay’s look, the situation was clearly drawn in his mind.

“Oh my. Are you jealous?”

Jay teased and insinuated with his smile. Claude sighed deeply.

“…It’s not that.”

“You be honest. Do you still not dare to hold that woman’s hand?”

With a dismissive look, Jay asked for an answer, hoping Claude would say that he hadn’t. However, Claude felt nervous without realizing it.

“No! I’ve held her hand many times.”

“Oh, seriously? Have you even kissed her? A slight kiss, at least?”

Jay obviously thought Claude would say that he hadn’t. However, with his face flushed, Claude turned his gaze elsewhere. That was a positive sign. Jay released a chuckle.

“Ah, never mind. It doesn’t matter. If her heart isn’t ready, her lips won’t let you meet hers. You know it, I’m an expert in matters of romance.”

Jay suddenly remembered that he often met different women. He even introduced his sister’s girl friend to Claude and they ended up going their separate ways. Perhaps, he could talk to his friend about his problem.

With that thought in mind, Claude innocently asked Jay for love advice.

“Uhm. How do I deal with a woman who act cold after we share a kiss?”

Those words made Jay let out a sardonic laugh.

“Are your skills really that weak, man?”

Was that it? Claude felt that the situation between the two of them was fine. However, did she feel otherwise?

Claude’s gaze looked confused which made Jay feel strange yet happy at the same time.

“It’s always amazing to see a handsome guy in love, you know?”

Jay casually put his arm around Claude’s shoulders.

“I’ll help you, my friend. Just tell me what happened with that woman.”

As someone as experienced in romance relationship as Jay, Claude felt confident that Jay would definitely give him the right answer. Claude told his story with that woman, of course without mentioning his identity as the heir to a noble family.

“What!? So after the kiss you disappeared first?”

“I didn’t just disappear, but I also left a note.”

“That’s called disappeared, my best friend!”

Jay hit the back of Claude’s head in frustration.

“Really?! That woman is so beautiful, there must be a lot of men approaching her, right? You kissed her and then stopped contacting her? Aish! Having a friend like you, who’s too confident in your looks and acts like this is tough.”

Jay leaned back and thought about something seriously. Then, his lips curled up in an ignorant smile.

“Not so. If she’s pretty like that, you’re even more effective. That’s good, friend.”

“???”

“You guys have known each other since childhood, haven’t you? Perhaps, she just thinks of you as a good friend. You suddenly make a surprise? That’s an opportunity!”

He whispered secret remarks in Claude’s ear.

“When you meet him again, use all your charm to conquer him.”

‘Conquering? How can you say such a thing?’

Claude was shocked and simply shut his mouth, seemingly speechless, which made Jay frustrated and scolded his friend.

“Uh, why did you have hesitation after sharing a kiss with her? Women also like sudden surprises, you idiot! Actually, women want the man to initiate first,” Jay said with annoyance.

“However, that’s a crime….”

“If women like it, it’s not a crime.”

Having imagination about it was enough to make his heart race. Even though it was only in his dream, he had imagined it a thousand times. However, how could he do it alone? How could he do that to such a precious woman, even just looking at her was devastating for him.

“If she gets angry and doesn’t want to see me anymore, how can I…”

“In that case, you have to see her again. I’ll find a good way for you.”

“Really? Is there really a good way for that?”

“Uh, who do you think I am? I’ve been dating since I was 3 years old.”

Jay casually put his hands on the back of his head and leaned back against the soft sofa.

“No way. From now on, I will be your love mentor. Be grateful that you got this luck, buddy.”

Jay had told Claude many things about female approaching techniques, and although Claude listened enthusiastically, sometimes he still shook his head in doubt.

‘But, if that’s how I can get Noona’s heart…’

He would try anything.