In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 99

EPISODE 99

It was a question that had lingered in her mind since childhood. Why was it okay for Rick to do certain things, but not for me? Why did she always have to be pretty, and because of that, constantly be compared to others?

“What’s the point of being praised for beauty when there are so many people who treat me like an ornament?”

Noah’s gaze fell on Cordelia’s shortened hair as she lamented softly. The white nape of her neck, exposed beneath her hair, looked like an untouched field of snow. For a moment, he had the sudden urge to press his lips against it, but the thought startled him.

What’s wrong with him? What is he thinking?

“Oh, don’t get me wrong. I like being pretty. Honestly, who wouldn’t like hearing compliments?”

Although she turned to look at him with a bright smile, Noah found himself unable to smile back. A melancholy light flickered in her blue eyes. Her red lips moved slightly, forming her words.

“But sometimes, I can’t help but wonder… if a moment comes when I’m no longer beautiful…”

Would she still be someone worthy of love?

Even without Rick saying anything, she already knew the answer. It’s her issue, after all, so how could she not have thought about it? But she doesn’t want to define her life by her fears about the future.

Even if she can’t find the love she desires throughout her life, she wants to live as herself. Just as she decided a long time ago.

Cordelia quietly observed Noah’s face. She thought she had gotten over it, but just looking at him still made her heart flutter. However, it wasn’t unpleasant.

These were words that needed to be spoken casually. Whatever his answer, it would be fine.

“Noah.”

Saying his name quietly, it still felt good. It was just the simple act of calling out a name, so why did it make her feel so suffocated? Why did her tongue keep freezing up, making her hesitate?

She wants him to accept her. Even if no one else does, she wants him to.

She likes him.

Thinking this far made her laugh uncontrollably. It was absurd. She realized just how much she had come to like him.

On a night when the moon shone brightly, the cool, bluish air lingered around the two of them. As they stood facing each other at a distance close enough to touch, Cordelia’s lips curled softly into a smile.

“If I wasn’t beautiful, would you still like me?”

Cordelia asked with a soft smile, her gaze serene. There was a quiet sadness in her expression that drew Noah’s attention.

His chest ached strangely. It felt like something hot was rising to his throat. The emotions contained in her question were palpable, and because of that…

“How could I…”

Noah, after struggling for a moment, finally spoke.

“How could I ever reject you?”

A myriad of emotions flickered in Noah’s eyes. He took Cordelia’s hand and placed it over his left chest. The sound of his heart pounding wildly was felt through Cordelia’s fingertips.

He liked her for so long. He’s sure he liked her first.

“I’m relieved. I was worried you might say no. Silly, right?”

Cordelia, who had been smiling brightly as if she had never been serious, blinked when she saw Noah carefully kiss the back of her hand. The warm, soft sensation tickled her skin.

“Things like that don’t matter at all.”

Noah slowly lifted his head to meet Cordelia’s eyes.

“Cordelia, I’m in love with the girl from my childhood who told me to do what I wanted. Your beauty is just an additional factor.”

For the first time, Noah admitted his feelings, and his face showed a shadow of emotion.

“It might be true that my eyes are drawn to beauty, but I think love is a different matter. I’ve met many beautiful people, but none have stayed in my memory as long as you have.”

She influenced his life so much that he was even afraid to create a single sculpture. He only realized this after they reunited.

Maybe that’s why this magic has bound them together, revealing the feelings he wasn’t even aware of.

“To be honest, I’m still afraid. I haven’t completely gotten rid of the worry that I might be a flaw in your life…”

As Noah tried to pull his hand away, Cordelia held onto it and intertwined their fingers. Then she stepped forward, standing directly in front of him. Looking up at Noah, who couldn’t move, Cordelia’s eyes narrowed.

“Noah, you overthink too much.”

“Sorry?”

“The fact that you’re worried about being a burden makes you seem like someone who’s never been in a relationship before.”

Despite her stern words, her hand tapping his shoulder was warm. Cordelia spoke firmly to the confused Noah.

“Why do you think of it as a sacrifice? I’ll tell you right now, I always prioritize my own benefit. Do you think I’m taking you in out of some excessive sense of self-sacrifice? Absolutely not. I simply like you, that’s all.”

As he looked at Cordelia, who was sorting out the situation, Noah thought to himself.

She’s always been a straightforward person. That’s what he liked about her. Yet, he can’t shake this insecurity—probably because of his own inadequacies.

“You can’t have everything in life, you know.”

“I’m greedy, so I want it all.”

Cordelia’s instincts told her that just a little more effort would bring him over. Without hesitation, she stroked Noah’s cheek with her free hand.

“So, Noah—or should I say, Ian—let’s date. I’ll treat you so well that you won’t want to break up with me.”

How could she let someone else have this precious person? She’s already going crazy at the thought. The mere idea makes her blood boil.

“I have plenty of money, a good family, beauty, and I’m good to those I care about. Isn’t that a perfect package?”

Her hand, gently caressing his cheek, was so tender that Noah asked without realizing it.

“Why… Why would you go that far for me?”

“I already told you, because I like you.”

At that masquerade ball, he was the only one who recognized her. Even in confusing situations, he always prioritized her.

She’s glad. She’s glad she met him before things got to this point. She’s glad she could be there for him during the most important time of his life. That’s why they were able to meet again.

“We’re different in many ways, but… I still want to keep you by my side. Forget about status and position for a moment and think about just one thing. What do you want to do, Noah?”

How could he do that? Even as he thought this, Noah’s lips moved on their own.

“I want to stay by your side, Cordelia.”

Just a little more, just a little more. Noah finally pushed out the words that had been weighing heavily on his heart for so long.

“I’ve loved you for a very long time.”

As he confessed his feelings, Noah’s eyes reddened slightly. Cordelia gently patted his cheek.

“Great! So, we’re a thing now, right?”

Cordelia, who had been so serious just moments ago, suddenly looked thrilled as she hugged him. Caught off guard, Noah hugged her back, his eyes lingering on the nape of her neck, which was now closer. After hesitating for a moment, Noah spoke up.

“Cordelia.”

“Yes?”

“Can I kiss you?”

Wow, could he be any more straightforward? This guy, now that he’s certain of his feelings, is completely fearless. Cordelia, who had been about to smile, quickly closed her mouth and responded with a playful tone.

“Why do you need to ask about something like that?”

She had just blurted out the first thing that came to mind out of embarrassment, but Noah smiled warmly.

“I’m sorry for being such a boring guy. But I think I’ll probably always be like this.”

He couldn’t live any other way. He didn’t want to do anything Cordelia didn’t want. He liked her, so he always wanted to be cautious. It wasn’t that he intended to hide his feelings. Rather, he wanted to ask because he genuinely wanted to make her happy too.

“Even so, are you really okay with someone like me?”

He couldn’t change his way of life completely, but if it was something she wanted, he’d do his best to grant it.

“Yes, of course.”

With those words, they quietly shared a kiss, as if making a vow. Noah’s strong arms wrapped around Cordelia’s waist, while his other hand gently cradled the back of her head. Even though the kiss was soft, it felt oddly like she was being captured.

It was like taming a wild beast.

Only after some time did their lips part. Blushing under the moonlight, Cordelia shyly averted her gaze.

“This is… more embarrassing than I thought.”

“…It really is.”

As she gently touched Noah’s reddened ear, he flinched but didn’t pull away. The newly formed couple looked at each other and then burst into laughter.

A cool night breeze swirled above their heads.