Odalisque - Chapter 267

Liv eventually broke into a small laugh. The tense air surrounding them loosened. Demus, completely regaining his composure, softly pulled Liv into his embrace and whispered softly.

“That is why you are the only one who can stand by my side.”

The man’s fingers slipped between Liv’s fingers, rubbing lazily over her hand. Realizing his breath was growing subtly closer, Liv smiled and squeezed his hand.

He didn’t seem to realize it. That among all the jewelry he’d given her in the past, none of it had been a ring.

Which made this one on her hand all the more special.

That she would have been happy to receive it even if it had been forged not from a sparkling diamond, but from dirty iron or a wildflower by the side of the road.

But maybe she didn’t have to tell him that. He was hers after all.

“You are right. Since fancy suits me so well, your side is my place.”

Liv happily hugged the rose, which was sure to be beautiful forever.

***

Dear Coryda, whom I miss.

The sun is so warm in Buerno. How is it there?

Are you busy preparing for your finals? I was so surprised to hear that you got a scholarship after your first exam for your grades! I’m so proud and happy to be your sister. But I hope you don’t push yourself too hard. Your health always comes first, okay?

And I’m glad to hear that your dorm life is going well there. You seem to have made a lot of good friends, which makes me relieved. Still, if you ever have any worries, you can always talk to me, don’t hide it. Remember, I’m always behind you.

Also, I’m a little worried that you might be upset that this letter is a little late.

Well, actually, I’ve been looking over Millian’s study a bit lately, and I’ve been so exhausted that I haven’t had the energy to reply to you for days. I’m not going back to tutoring, I’m just giving her little bits of advice, but it’s been so long that it’s taken all my energy. I don’t know how I used to do this all day back then. But I’m having fun doing it, so I may be giving short, occasional tutoring sessions for young girls for a while.

By the way, why are you hanging my painting in your dorm? It’s not worthy of display, so please don’t embarrass me anymore. Besides, he was pretty upset that I sent it to you. He might go pick it up himself if he realizes it’s hanging in your dorm. You are uncomfortable with him, so of course you don’t want that to happen, right?

Anyway, I’m doing well. You should come to Buerno with your friends during the vacation after finals. There’s a nice place for you to stay, and there’s going to be a feast and a party!

If you had seen the accompanying invitation, I’m sure you’d know what I’m going to write.

Yeah, we finally set a date. We decided to have the wedding around the beginning of your vacation. The invitations were sent out to everyone in Buerno the very day after the date was set, so we couldn’t even put it off. That made some call me marchioness before the wedding even took place!

Coryda, if you’re late, I fear you might find me as a “marchioness”, so you must come as soon as you get to vacation. We must have one last memory as Rhodes sisters!

But please don’t think that this marriage is forced. I’m very happy right now, and I just want to share this happiness with you. I know you don’t agree with me at all when I explain how cute he is, but you’ll see for yourself when you come and see him.

I can’t wait for that day to come. I’m sure you’ll finally admit that we could be a great family.

Well, Coryda, it’s time for me to go on my date, so I’m going to stop here. Have a good time for the rest of the semester,

…

“Liv?”

A soft call rang out over the sound of the scribbling nib. The woman, who was busy writing a letter, turned around. A handsome man in a suit, dressed for an outing, stood with a cane in one hand.

“Demus.”

The woman smiled brightly at him and quickly put her pen down.

…

And see you soon, my dear sister.

…

– Your family, who always supports you, Liv Rhodes.

…

With a black period, the cap of the pen closed. As the woman put the pen down and turned to face the man, a happy smile spread across her face.

The lovers affectionately linked arms and left the room. They walked side by side, until their figures became a dot resembling a period.

<end of the main story, continuing in the side story>

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