???????????

Pretending to be sick really is the best strategy!

Feeling triumphant, I quickly bowed. Fearing they might keep us longer, I hurriedly exited the room.

Once out of everyone’s sight, my legs gave way and I slumped to the ground.

“Whew… that was nerve-wracking. Meeting with such high-ranking individuals is always so draining. Social interactions really aren’t my thing.”

Etienne offered his hand to me as I sat curled up. I paused for a moment to admire his slender and beautiful fingers before grasping his hand.

He pulled me to my feet. The corners of his lips lifted in a subtle smile. A tingling sensation traveled from the hand he still held to my heart.

Why is he smiling like that? He is handsome, but… did I act that well?

I cleared my throat softly and beamed back at him. It felt like a special bond was forming between us – not quite romance, but something like… camaraderie.

* * *

Servants led us to a room.

This was the room Etienne used when he lived in the royal palace. Although it had been vacant for a long time, there wasn’t a speck of dust to be found.

After handing his coat to a maid, Etienne sat on the sofa.

I stood awkwardly in the center of the room, unsure where to go.

But why was I guided here too? Does Etienne have something else to discuss with me?

However, Etienne seemed intent on genuinely relaxing. His hair, which had been neatly tied up, came undone at his touch, cascading down.

“Etienne, where’s my room?”

“Here.”

He looked up and our eyes met. A hint of amusement danced in his sharp gaze.

“And where will you stay, Etienne?”

“Of course, right here.”

They said the banquet would continue for a few days.

He did mention we’d have to stay at the palace for at least two or three days? But to stay in this room?

I looked around again. Although the room was spacious, it was a single space. And there was only one bed. Which means…

“You can’t be serious.”

I pointed at the large bed placed in the center of the room. I pointed at myself, then at Etienne, and then back at the bed.

You, me, one bed.

Etienne nonchalantly nodded.

This can’t be happening.

It can’t be!

“Wha- Why?! It’s the royal palace! There’s no way they’d be short on rooms!”

“Unless specially requested, a single room is given to a couple.”

Couple, right. We are a couple.

I keep forgetting because we’ve never shared a bed, let alone a room.

“Alright. Then we should specifically request separate rooms.”

“Why? Is it uncomfortable for you?”

“Of course!”

I responded almost reflexively. Etienne’s lips pressed tightly together. A chill seemed to surround his exhausted-looking face.

“You’d be uncomfortable too, Etienne. We always had separate rooms anyway…”

“I don’t mind.”

I was at a loss for words at his firm response.

Is he indifferent? Even if he doesn’t see me as a woman, this is a bit much.

“Absolutely not!”

What if I can’t control myself and attack you? How can I share a bed with such a handsome man and not make a move? Is that even possible? I can’t!

And if I did, that would be a direct path to divorce.

“Think of our plan. Everyone knows we’re not on good terms. Won’t it be strange if we share a bed? Besides, Versus is here too.”

The real Dahlia would never have shared a bed with Etienne with Versus around. It would be a miracle if she didn’t sneak out the window to crawl into Versus’s bed.

But sharing a room with Etienne? It’s practically screaming that we’re different people. It’s absurd.

Etienne’s expression grew even colder.

“What does Versus have to do with anything?”

I was taken aback by his response.

Does Etienne still trust Versus? Even knowing that Versus is connected to that document… Etienne… he’s surprisingly naive and trusting.

Maybe it’s best not to mention any suspicions about Versus for now.

“Um… No… The plan is such. Anyway, for the plan to work, it would be better if we had separate rooms.”

Etienne suddenly stood up and approached me.

“Why, wh…”

Why does this man always get so close to my face? It’s clear he knows his face is a weapon. This cunning fox!

He just stared at me for a long moment without answering my hastily spoken question. Then, in a low voice, he said each word distinctly.

“I’ll arrange for separate rooms.”

And with that, he swiftly turned away.

I haven’t done anything wrong, so why do I feel so downcast?

Why is he mad at me? Did he want to share a bed with me? Why? It’s as if we always slept together! We’ve always had separate rooms anyway!

???????????