Chapter 203:

Chapter 203:

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Two months?

Yes.

Having rested well and regained some energy, Juliet got out of bed and prepared to go out.

Though all she had done was lying half-asleep in bed until she was helped by the head maid to change her clothes.

Miss Juliet!

She was sitting in the sitting room with her thick coat on, when the door swung open and familiar faces from the Dukes household came pouring in.

For the past two days, Lennox had monopolized Juliets time, so it had been quite a while since she had conversed with anyone else.

And then Juliet learned a shocking fact.

Its been two months?

That couldnt be. Juliet thought her sense of time was strange.

She had lost consciousness for a moment when being dragged away by the snake, and she had gone through various incidents, but

The time Juliet felt she had spent underground felt like just three or four days. But now two months had passed? Was this another trick of evil spirits?

On one hand, confused, Juliet was convinced.

She understood why Lennox, who found her, looked like he had seen a ghost, why he acted so strangely.

It wasnt unreasonable for the people in the Dukes household to have thought Juliet was dead.

Its a relief that you have returned safely.

The head maid was welling up with tears.

Everyone was so worried.

Over the 7 years of staying in the Duchy, people in the Dukes estate had grown quite fond of Juliet.

But even so, the visitors were extremely pleased with her return.

Now everything will get back on track!

The Dukes secretary, Elliot, too, teared up upon seeing her.

Though, his tears seemed to be of a different kind.

Its about time that His Highness started to look at the duties!

?

Juliet was puzzled why this was something to be happy about.

A moment later, Lennox, dressed in his outdoor attire, entered the sitting room and all the visitors were shooed out.

Then have a good trip, Miss.

As a last greeting, Milan subtly reassured her that he had contacted her grandfather, so there was no need to worry.

Thud.

But instead of going out, Lennox, leaving only the two of them in the sitting room, held out a tray in front of her.

Eat.

What is this?

Its prescription medicine.

What was neatly laid out on the silver tray was a warm cup with medicine and a round container.

Ah.

Then Juliet faintly remembered seeing a doctor when she was half-asleep during the night.

Theres only accumulated fatigue, theres nothing else wrong so you can rest easy.

So it wasnt a dream.

Juliet cautiously looked into the cup.

The grape-colored liquid was a kind of potion brewed from various herbs.

Having had it before, Juliet inadvertently frowned.

Though it contained valuable, effective medicinal ingredients, this medicine tasted horrendous.

Whether a child or adult, no one likes the bitter taste of medicine.

Juliet glanced at Lennox, wondering if she could take it later when she returns. But Lennox didnt look like he would let her go easily. When their eyes met, he tilted his head and said affectionately:

Shall I feed you?

Lennox Carlyle had a knack for making even mundane statements sound significantly meaningful.

With no choice, Juliet picked up the cup of medicine.

Its expensive, so Ill drink it.

The horrendous taste hit her as soon as it touched her tongue. Juliet clenched her eyes shut and somehow swallowed it down.

Youre a good girl.

Lennoxs remark was somewhat sharp, and Juliet tilted her head as if to ask what was wrong.

Of course. The winter is prolonging, and even now crops and wildlife are freezing to death.

Spring is coming, and then summer. These were more worrying issues for the lord of the North. However, Lennox coldly and calmly prodded her again.

And then?

What?

Will you still be with me?

Yes?

Juliet.

Lennox eventually couldnt hold back, stopped, and turned her around.

Ive been having dreams of you dying, every day.

Whenever he closed his eyes, he was tormented by the recurring nightmare. Juliet, covered in blood, was dying, and he could do nothing in the dream.

I said you didnt kill me.

But that was more horrifying.

Juliet thought all along that he had killed her.

So Im asking. Will you be by my side even after spring ends and the season changes?

Juliet blinked with an incomprehensible expression for a moment.

The longer her silence lasted, the more Lennox felt a burning sensation within.

What if I want to leave?

His heart sank.

If I no longer want to be by your side, or if Ive come to like someone else, and say Ill leave?

The blue eyes of Juliet were transparent to the point of being unreadable.

Can you swear to let me go peacefully?

Of course, Juliet intended to leave him.

Lennox knew what he had to say here.

If he wanted to hold on to even a shred of hope, he would have to say hed respect her wishes, but he didnt want to.

No.

Lennox sighed at his own audacity. However, he didnt want to make a promise, even a false one, to let her go.

You wont forgive me. I know.

The past few months had been hellish for him.

He pleaded, not knowing to whom, to see the alive Juliet just once.

It was okay to hate him and leave him, just somehow remain alive, and when Juliet miraculously returned, he realized that he never wanted to lose her again.

He didnt even wish for affection or a smile.

I wont ask for anything.

Even if she found him disgusting and hated him, it didnt matter.

No, Lennox rather hoped that she pitied him. At least that would mean she had some concern for him.

Please, just stay by my side.

Heh.

Juliet laughed quietly.

Its really funny Who in the past would have thought Id hear such words from you?

Juliet, murmuring self-mockingly, had cheeks flushed by the cold wind.

She looked up at him silently for a while.

Lennox.

Juliet quietly reached out and cupped his cheek.

I will never forgive you in my lifetime.

I know.

Lennoxs eyes darkened.

You hate me. So, its okay to hate me for a lifetime.

Lennox desperately clung to her.

But Juliet sighed lightly.

Listen till the end.

Suddenly, Juliet tightly gripped the collar of the man who was a head taller than her.

Im not going anywhere.

The man, who had lived a lifetime without knowing humility, had his red eyes tremble slightly.