A Handsome K*nky Gangster Reporter - Chapter 76

#76

I looked at Phillip, a surprised expression was apparent on my face.

“Huh? Why are you giving this expensive item to my mother? Where’s mine?

Is Phillip falling in love with my mother? I never expected Phillip to fall in love with my young and beautiful mother. Indeed, age is not important in love.

However, all this time I was wondering if Phillip would act. Now, do I feel a little sad?

Looking at Phillip’s gift box, mother heaved out a deep sigh and cupped the back of her hand on her forehead. Then, she looked at the diamond bracelet with a frown and snickered lightly.

“It’s no big deal. It’s only one carat at most.”

No, when did Mother say she saw a diamond bracelet on her wrist?

I felt a huge gap between the image of my mother that I knew and how she was acting now. My mother, who had always shown me kindness, currently wearing a super cold expression now.

“My daughter, can you find another man instead of him? That’s your mother’s wish.” 

I opened my mouth wide and stared blankly at her. Therefore, now I have to make an excuse that the two of them didn’t have such a relationship with me. Although there are many things going on with me and Claude. Regardless of that, he was the son of a duke and I was just a commoner. Our status difference wouldn’t sit kindly among people. It seemed that Mother has misunderstood.

But before I could make excuses, these people preceded me.

“Bella, I am now recognized as the young duke of the Lischer family. With my wealth and abilities, I can make Haley happy. I’m not like when I was young. Please trust her to me.”

“My family, the Dunger Family, also has a lot of money. Please hand your daughter over and I’ll make her live without lacking anything.”

I just blinked my eyes absentmindedly and tried to grasp the situation. So, were they asking my mother to hand me over to them?

“Even if Claude is usually like this, since when has Phillip been acting this way as well?”

No, actually I had no clue either. I just ignored Phillip’s feelings as if I never noticed it at all.

But, something was strange. Including the Crown Prince, Claude and Philip were all men who were supposed to chase after Gloria, the protagonist of this world. What are they doing here?

I was suddenly curious about the whereabouts of the female lead who wasn’t doing her job properly.

“Mother, where is Gloria right now?”

“She’s in her room.”

“How has Gloria been lately?”

“She’s fine. She’ll be fine if left alone, so you just need to lie down.”

I got up despite my mother’s suggestion. I wanted to check what Gloria was doing right now. I was still staying at Baron Stephan’s residence, so if I moved around for a bit, I could bump into Gloria.

“It’s fine, you just need to take care of yourself. Why do you keep taking care of such a strong girl? What if she betrays you?”

My mom clicked her tongue and grabbed my shoulders. Then, she pushed me back onto the bed. The handkerchief on my forehead was replaced with a new one. The weak cold air cooled my burning forehead. It seemed like my body had a fever and I didn’t even realize it.

My body was as limp as wet cotton. Even though it hurts, it felt weird as my heart sank from the warmth engulfing it. It felt nice to have people around her who seemed to be worried about me when I’m sick.

* * *

Gloria woke up after having a nightmare. She was in a dark bedroom with no one around. If she pulled the rope, one of the maids would come to her. It wasn’t a maid or servant she needed right now.

‘I have to see Haley.’

Gloria had a strange dream last night. In her dream, Gloria k*lled Haley many times.

In a place that was so windy that I couldn’t see ahead, Gloria saw the black box and put a knife in the body of the chattering woman. After that, the woman who collapsed while covered in blood strangely looked like Haley. Everything was different, including her appearance.

In the dream, Gloria poured poison into Haley’s teacup and made up all sorts of excuses. Dreams are an expression of the subconscious. She said her jealousy and love for her friend, Haley, created such horrible nightmares. She could only sleep comfortably today if she checked whether her friend was fine or not. 

‘There’s no way I want to k*ll my only friend.’

The strange guilt from an uncomfortable dream. Gloria wanted to remove these miserable feeling from her chest.

Particularly, Gloria’s feelings were wicked because of the feeling of choking Haley through pressing the pillow on her face that she had right before waking up.

Even though it was almost midnight, Gloria hoped to see her if she went to the bedroom where Haley was.

She kept rubbing her goosebumpy arms and quickened her already fast pace. As he approached the bedroom where Haley was staying, a bright light came out through the crack of the open door.

“Today a noblewoman came to the newspaper office with gorgeous necklace, very beautiful and splendid. It was the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen in my life.”

“Noona. I’ll buy you something prettier and more expensive than that.”

“What does that necklace look like?”

When Gloria peeked through the crack of the door, three people were clinging beside Haley, who laid down on the bed. Haley’s bedroom exuded a warm air, unlike the cold hallway. Of course the bedroom was warm, but that level of warmth was somehow different from another room.

‘Why are Claude and Phillip here?’

Contrary to her, whose mother passed away early, Haley was also loved by her family.

Haley seemed like a person who lived alone in the light, according to Gloria. After a short chat with Haley, people would soon assimilate to her friend’s bright mood. Contrary to her depressed appearance.

‘Why do people always clinging to you?’

Gloria stared at the smiling face of her first love, Claude. Come to think of it, he had never shown her that warm smile. When he smiled like that, there was always Haley by his side. As well as the blue-haired Phillip.

Gloria didn’t need their love right now. However, if you are human, what you don’t have always leaves regrets within.

Gloria watched them with envious gaze for a while. Gloria wished there was confidence between them. How nice it would be if the person he love was her, not Haley. 

‘No matter how hard I try, I can’t be Haley.’

Haley who was always loved. Haley, who can accept her even when she make mistakes. She had always been the hero of this world.

“Why? Why can’t I be the lead?”

Gloria, who stood in place and said this, turned away bitterly. She didn’t have the courage to stand beside them and enter in the bright room. Tears clumped between Gloria’s delicate eyelashes. Now, no one ran to her side because she was worried about being left alone. No one.

* * *

The next morning, Prince Edmunds dined while reading the Golden Wild Goose Daily newspaper.

[Met the tear of the century masterpiece, Bruen].

[The new owner of the necklace auctioned in bulk at Orbiote’s previous auction house, called ‘Bruen’s Tears’, is Countess Marice. As seen in the photos, the finely shaped blue diamonds and the white diamonds set with eggs on the side are almost like art, a harmony between light and color. This beautiful necklace is a possessive dream for every woman. ]

“Every woman wants it?”

While munching on a fresh salad, he asked, showing the photos in the newspaper to the woman beside him.

“What do you think? Would any woman fall in love with this necklace?”

While looking around, the woman expressed her opinion carefully.

“Doesn’t it depend on who you give it to?”

“Hmm. What if it’s a gift from a man as handsome as me?”

Without thinking, the waitress replied immediately.

“Otherwise, you should question her sexuality.”

If it was the Crown Prince, there would be many women who would devote themselves without such a gift. The woman, who was grumbled, had her cheeks and ears reddened before she retreated. Seemingly satisfied with the woman’s reaction, Edmund leaned far back in the chair and stared at the picture of the necklace in the newspaper.

“I’m going to visit my mother after a long time.”

On the way, I also negotiated with my mother’s maid, Mrs. Marice, to buy the necklace at a reasonable price.

Edmund sang a light song and walked to the palace where the Empress lived. Using the necklace as an excuse, he said he could see Haley again soon. He promised to win her heart this time. After the hasty kiss, wariness rose in the woman. It made him very impatient.

Actually, the world was too easy for Edmund. A single movement of his hand can make a woman take off her clothes and run under his feet. To him, women were just momentary entertainment.

‘Haley Mertes. What a strange woman.’

As soon as Edmund saw her face, he felt like he had finally met someone he had missed since childhood. Edmund could not forget his words for a while when he saw the delicate red haired figure for the first time.

‘Is it because Haley is so beautiful that she cannot be compared to other women?’

‘No. If you look for it, that kind of appearance is everywhere in this kingdom.’

Her mysterious green eyes shook his heart, and unlike her innocent appearance, her personality jumped without hesitation for what she wanted making Edmund laugh. 

‘I want her. I must have her. If this feeling is not love, what exactly is this?’

While remembering Haley, he unconsciously smiled.

‘I can’t believe I’m smiling at the thought of a woman. This is a serious illness.’

Inside the empress’s palace was a large rose greenhouse. Her favorite roses bloomed in winter with a strong fragrance and fresh petals. White snow was piled up outside, but it was warm inside the greenhouse, so it felt strange.

When Edmund walked through the rose greenhouse with the empress, there were people who came before Edmund.

“Your Majesty. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is here.”

Empress Fionia looked bright when she heard the servant’s words.

“Really? What a coincidence. There is someone I want to meet.”

Before the announcement from the servant, the grumpy Edmund approached the tea table. Those invited by the empress rose from their seats and bowed.

“May glory and blessings always be with the kingdom of Morris and the Crown Prince.”

He greeted the people beside the empress lightly and found Countess Marice among them. As expected, today she wore the rumor necklace around her neck.

“Have a seat. Since the Prince has also come, let’s have some tea. I will also greet the young lady Joanna Erke who is here.”

“I am please to meet Your Highness. I am Joanna Erke from the Marquis of Erke.”

Joanna Erke smiled, framing her eyes beautifully. Her red hair looked lustrous just like the empress’s beloved red roses. However, her straight hair was sharp and felt like it could pierce anyone, and Edmund was sick of seeing it at a glance.

“My goodness, such a lovely couple. Since our Joanna is four years younger than His Highness, the age difference is just right. Hohoho.”

The Marchioness of Erke showed her willingness in their possible union gleefully. Empress Fionia was not pleased with the sight, and although she showed a brief pout, she did not really give the Marchioness a warning. It was time to find the Crown Prince’s partner.