Chapter 14

***

Madeline sat still as she was helped dressing up. She wore the most beautiful dress that had not yet been sold and was given a makeover by the only remaining servant. Her hair was neatly tied up.

‘The young lady has very attractive rosy cheeks…. It would be better if there’s a pink dress to match it.”

“Yes, I wish I had.”

Madeline smiled bravely, consoling herself. But this dark green dress she was wearing now would have fit better. Can’t go out in a resilient pink dress when she had to create the maximum tragic atmosphere.

* * *

When she visited Nottingham Mansion again, it was so different from what she remembered that she was puzzled. It didn’t have a gruesome atmosphere, but an old-fashioned and splendid baroque mansion. A huge fountain in front of it spewed out streams of water, and everything was well organized. Madeline felt her heart involuntarily tighten. Sweat beaded on her palms. 

There was no rose garden, but a tennis field. The sun was shining brightly, unaware of the woman’s feelings.

Madeline took her father by the arm and carefully made her way to the mansion. The servants lined up in front of the gate were very friendly.

Even Sebastian, the chief butler with a solemn face, and Lilibet, who was still unspoken but kind. When she saw those servants at that time looking a little younger, she couldn’t resist the urge to talk to them for no reason.

Besides, their expressions all seemed peaceful. Once again, she was able to experience the transition of the Nottingham Mansion. It was even the weight of the tragedy that loomed over the mansion.

She was guided by the chief butler with a somewhat awkward look on her face. Following the servants, the Counts of Nottingham welcomed them. 

This was the first time she had met the Nottinghams in this way. It was only natural. For in her previous life, they had died, been injured, or disappeared. Now they were greeting the father and daughter of Loenfield with stately grace. 

The Count of Nottingham, Louis Nottingham, approached first with a gentle smile. The man whom she had seen only in portraits and black-and-white photographs was pale and old. On the surface, he did not look like a ruthless businessman at all. 

He was accompanied by Catherine – the Countess of Nottingham. The quiet and gentle woman retired to her villa for a long time after the “Nottingham family tragedy”. Now she was a figure with a bright smile on her face, not expecting such a misfortune to happen.

Behind the couple were the three Nottingham siblings. Ian Nottingham, the eldest, stood behind the Count, smiling faintly. Eric looked amused, and Isabel was still casting sardonic glances toward Madeline.

“Okay, let’s go in. I looked forward to your visit.”

The Count of Nottingham, with a friendly expression, invited the Baron and Madeline in. Madeline knew that he did not have much life left . However, it was unnecessary for her to know if he would live long or short. 

At a glance, his illness seemed quite severe. Perhaps this was why, despite the three young siblings’s vigor, a slight shadow hung over the mansion.

Despite the hardships, the Count did his best to be consistent throughout and welcomed the Baron and Madeline. The different subjects of the conversation circled around, postponing the main purpose of the invitation.

So much so that even Baron Loenfield, who was naturally relaxed, was in pain. He was nervous, clenching his fists and breaking out in a cold sweat.

Madeline was just as nervous. She was frustrated because she could not resolve her doubts about why the Nottingham family had invited her and her father, who was bankrupt, to the party. Her and Ian Nottingham’s eyes met from time to time. He seemed to be somehow enjoying the situation.

Satisfaction. It was clear that he had some kind of plan from the raising corners of his lips.

When Madeline wrinkled her brow a little, Ian tilted his head and looked at her. 

It was then. Suddenly the Count began to cough dryly and stood up trembling. He smiled faintly.

“Now.…if you excuse me.”

With those words, everyone got out of their seats at the same time, as if assembled. Except for Ian Nottingham.

Madeline was puzzled. Nottingham’s family had leisurely slipped out of the parlor. Baron Loenfield followed them out of the room in a hurry. And he did not forget to send a meaningful look towards his daughter.

‘What is it?’ Madeline asked in the movement of her lips, but received no reply. After everyone had left, the door closed. Madeline stood up late. Something was wrong with the atmosphere. 

“You don’t have to get up. I will.”

Ian Nottingham stood up with those words.

“And I will kneel before you like this.”

He knelt on one knee in front of Madeline.

Madeline bit her lower lip as she finally knew why all the others had left. She wanted to scream if she could. The unimaginable had happened. 

“What in the world…?”

“Are you surprised?” 

Ian said quietly. He deftly pulled a ring from his pocket. 

“I’m going to be direct. I heard you went bankrupt.”

“What does that have to do with our current situation?” 

Madeline raised her voice in bewilderment. She couldn’t understand. What did the bankruptcy of her family have to do with what the man was doing?

“I’m talking about the fact that I can give you what you need. I have even convinced my parents, so there will be no need to question them further. Madeline Loenfield. I like you.” 

Ian opened a square ring box. Inside was a ring with a large diamond of ten million colors. Madeline stopped for a small breath.

“You’ve seen my father’s condition.”

“…….”

“I want to settle this before something happens. Shouldn’t you at least think about it?”

“Marry me?”

Madeline furrowed one eyebrow in disbelief. 

A laugh broke out. she laughed in front of the arrogant handsome face. At such a reaction from Madline, the expression disappeared from Ian’s face. Only a complete blankness remained. 

“What in the world is this…?”

“Do you love me?”

Madeline asked again. She had to, otherwise she could never have justified the man’s current behavior. Ian Nottingham immediately answered.

“Love? Isn’t that a whimsical expression? It’s more like the expression ‘not bad’.”

“…….”

“I like your strange philosopher-like expressions, facial expressions, and cloud-catching stories. Unlike your father – I can’t help this expression – your rationality.”

“I don’t know what to say.”

“I understand the suddenness of the situation. But when I heard that you were in financial jeopardy, this was the only way. Madeline Loenfield. Let me help you.”

Marriage.

“…….”

Madeline’s whole body was horrified as if cold water had been poured over her spinal cord.

“You always try to buy me with money, don’t you?”

In the end, she had no choice but to say those words. Such bad words. Ian’s expression twisted dubiously at those words.

“I have never…”

“No, I didn’t come here today to get proposed to.”

“Do you need time to think about it? I understand that this is sudden for you.”

Ian got up from his knee. His shadow covered Madline’s entire body as he got closer to her.

The man was a little angry. No, he managed to hold it in. He had never had a refusal before. He was too embarrassed to get angry. Madeline’s calm response seemed unexpected.

“No, I don’t want to get married like I’m being sold because of my father’s debt.”

“It’s a misunderstanding.”

“I don’t want to repeat the same mistake. Ian Nottingham, your proposal…”

“Same mistake? Miss Loenfield, I don’t know what you’re talking about. Now I’m not trying to insult you! Isn’t that a good offer for you, too?”

And so, the man completely lost the normalcy he had nevertheless maintained. From his appearance, Madeline felt accustomed. It reminded her of the Count who had confined her.

It seemed snarky, but on the other hand, it was cruelly sad. Perhaps man was, after all, trapped in the shackles of his own nature and could not get out. But she didn’t want to care any more whether or not a man lived in his own arrogance. She didn’t want to be entangled any more. 

“Master Nottingham.”

Madeline looked sad without knowing it. She didn’t know her appearance shook the man endlessly. She said in a whisper.

“You and I shouldn’t be together.”

“Miss Loenfield, can I at least know why? I feel like a fool.”

Ian reached out and grasped the back of Madeleine’s hand. I saw his large hand flicker and tremble, and his confusion was obvious.

“We’re the type to lead each other down miserable paths.”

“…….”

Ian Nottingham reached out to Madeline’s face. They stared at each other in silence for a long time. Madeline’s lips quivered like a mermaid in a fairy tale. There were so many things she wanted to tell him, but she couldn’t do it. He lost her because of this behavior. …. It was unfortunate.

It was the man who turned away first. His face was full of shame and distorted anger. Madeline could only breathe after he walked straight out of the room that way. 

The man was gone, but somehow his shadow seemed to remain and bind Madeline. 

She closed her eyes. Exactly when she was 26 years old here……