ICHYR Ch 3

Irene straightened her back, stiff as a board.

 

Steam rose from the teacup, and soft sunlight streamed through the curtains. Even the antique furniture in the drawing room, all familiar as it belonged to the Whitfield family, felt foreign.

 

Kaiden Hegwins.

 

It was because of the man who seemed so out of place here.

 

“I trust you’ve been well.”

 

Kaiden said, setting down his teacup. His demeanor was one of grace and composure.

 

Irene, still tense, offered a polite smile.

 

“Indeed. Mr. Hegwins, I appreciate you accepting my invitation on such short notice.”

 

It had been exactly three days since they last met. She had hesitated and worried a great deal before contacti Kaiden.

 

If she had answered his request that day, her heart wouldn’t feel so heavy now.

 

“I would like you to spare me some time once a week.”

 

It was a veiled request to continue seeing each other.

 

Was he asking for her time purely for business reasons? Or did he have other intentions?

 

Irene had pondered it for days but couldn’t find an answer. Perhaps it was inevitable, as they hadn’t shared much conversation.

 

After much deliberation, she had invited Kaiden to the mansion.

 

After all, she had something to return to him.

 

Irene held out the handkerchief she had been carrying.

 

“The bloodstains wouldn’t come out, so I prepared a new one. Thank you for that day.”

 

“Not at all. I worry that I may have caused you more trouble, Miss Whitfield.”

 

Since the commotion in the lounge, rumors about Irene Whitfield had been circulating.

 

Irene had seen them in the scandal magazines herself.

 

It wasn’t exactly surprising, as she had been prepared for it even before meeting Kaiden. Of course, the controversy was bigger than she had anticipated.

 

She had nowhere further to fall anyway. Irene Whitfield was already ostracized from society.

 

What’s more, she could no longer converse in crowded places as she once had.

 

What difference would it make to cling to her reputation in this state?

 

Yet, one thing stuck in her throat lik thorn: Kaiden Hegwins, that man right there.

 

“I’m afraid you’re the one in a more awkward position, Mr. Hegwins. You’ve been caught up in baseless gossip because of this.”

 

Kaiden Hegwins, she knew, was a well-regarded businessman among the rising capitalists. She had heard that he had amassed a great fortune and even bought a baronetcy.

 

Scandal would be a hindrance to his successful career.

 

“You have every right to resent me. If we had just talked without any fuss, things wouldn’t have escalated this far.”

 

Irene quietly lowered her gaze.

 

Her misfortune had even troubled someone who had approached her with goodwill. She was prepared to take responsibility for it.

 

“Indeed, things wouldn’t have escalated,” Kaiden said.

 

Her slender shoulders flinched slightly. Watching her, Kaiden let out a sighing laugh.

 

“But what a pity. I don’t have any businesses that can be ruined by a mere love affair.”

 

Irene stared blankly at Kaiden, feeling a little bewildered.

 

His golden eyes curved gently. “Above all, it’s enough to be confident in oneself. Miss Whitfield, isn’t that why you agreed to meet, because the rumors are false?”

 

“…You don’t believe the rumors?”

 

“I tend to believe only what I see and hear. And the Miss Whitfield I’ve encountered seems nothing like the rumors. You seem like a very warm person.”

 

Irene blinked slowly. She had never imagined that someone would look at her without prejudice. She hadn’t wanted to expect it, fearing the disappointment would be too great.

 

But perhaps she had been hoping for it deep down.

 

A smile crept onto her lips, and her heart fluttered. Irene fiddled with her teacup, the warmth from it feeling particularly pleasant.

 

“…I owe you so much, Mr. Hegwins.”

 

“I don’t know when the last time was that I received so many thank yous.”

 

“That’s probably because you’ve done so many things to be thankful for.”

 

“Well, this makes me feel like I need to do even better.”

 

Irene burst into laughter at his jest.

 

“You’ve already done enough, Mr. Hegwins. I don’t ask for anything more.”

 

“So, that doesn’t mean you don’t want to see me anymore. I’d be a little sad to think today was our last meeting.”

 

“I…”

 

Irene started to speak, then stopped. As the silence stretched, Kaiden backed down.

 

“It was just a joke. You don’t have to think too much about it.”

 

A joke… For some reason, the word felt disappointing.

 

I enjoy talking to Kaiden.

 

She had definitely thought that, even if only for a moment. The joy she felt after so long was exciting. Even the subtle tension that had always made her uncomfortable didn’t feel so bad. She couldn’t even remember the last time she had felt this way.

 

It was a strange thing. She hadn’t wanted to meet anyone else after losing her hearing.

 

“Shall we talk about Eldenberg estate now? I’ve heard you’re very knowledgeable about the southern region, Miss Whitfield.”

 

That was why she wanted to accept request.

 

“It would take more than a day to explain everything.”

 

Irene set down her teacup and stood up.

 

“I’ll see you again next Wednesday. I only intended to return the handkerchief today.”

 

A cool smile appeared on Kaiden’s face.

 

“Yes. I’ll have to keep Wednesdays free entirely for you from now on.”

 

 

⋆˚✩☽⋆⁺₊✧༚❃༚✧⁺₊⋆☽✩˚⋆

 

 

“You’re meeting him again today, I see.”

 

Her nanny, Mrs. Debitt, smiled contentedly.

 

Irene nodded shyly.

 

Her father had been right.

 

Meeting Kaiden Hegwins had brought about a big change. She looked forward to each day, and her life had become more vibrant. Bright dresses were returning to her closet, and she had more reasons to smile.

 

Irene, looking in the mirror, tilted her head slightly.

 

“Are these earrings too plain?”

 

“You look beautiful in anything, Irene.”

 

“You’re too lenient with me, Nanny.”

 

Irene laughed lightly and changed her earrings. Whenever she met Kaiden, she couldn’t help but check her appearance one more time.

 

“I’m sure he thinks the same thing every time he sees you.”

 

“…Do you really think so?”

 

“Of course. He might even formally propose to you soon.”

 

“Oh, Nanny. Mr. Hegwins and I are just friends.”

 

“Who puts this much effort into their appearance when they’re just meeting a friend?”

 

Irene paused at Mrs. Debitt’s pointed remark. Had she ever been so concerned about her attire when meeting Enzo? She hadn’t, unless it a special occasion.

 

Irene looked in the mirror. She saw a woman wearing a bright coat and silk gloves. She was even wearing a pearl necklace that she usually only wore on special occasions.

 

Her golden hair, neatly tied back, was no longer dry. Her face, once dull and overly pale, was no longer the same. Her complexion had returned, and her blue eyes were full of life.

 

She had vaguely realized it. That her feelings for Kaiden were going beyond simple goodwill and turning into something deeper.

 

But was this feeling really love? Or was she just mistaking it for the kindness and warmth she hadn’t felt in so long?

 

She couldn’t quite grasp it, and she hesitated.

 

“I was hesitant to say anything, but the Duke said he hopes things work out between you two.”

 

“…I know what you’re saying, Nanr But it’s still too early.”

 

After much deliberation, Irene simply answered that way. She was afraid to acknowledge the feelings that were welling up from deep within her heart.

 

“Mr. Hegwins doesn’t even know that I’m deaf in one ear.”

 

Ten months had passed since she began meeting Kaiden regularly once a week. They had many conversations and learned a lot about each other. But she hadn’t said anything about her hearing.

 

The places they had met so far had been limited to the drawing room of the mansion or private rooms without much noise.

 

Kaiden seemed to have suspected something but had concluded that it was due to her social anxiety.

 

Mrs. Debitt, noticing Irene’s expression, took her hand.

 

“Irene, a true relationship begins when you share the truth.”

 

In the mirror, she saw herself holding hands with Mrs. Debitt. At some point only Mrs. Debitt had been allowed enter her bedroom.

 

It was because of her father’s orders, fearing that the other maids would find out about her hearing problem.

 

[ “People don’t let go easily once they bite into a target. If they find out your weakness, they’ll all try to exploit it. So, I hope you won’t disappoint me with a wrong choice.” ]

 

Her father’s concerns lingered in her mind. It was right not to say anything. Her father was always right. Irene gently pulled her hand away. She wanted to shake off this complicated feeling.

 

“I’m running late. I’ll be late at this rate.”

 

“Irene…”

 

“I’ll be back, Nanny.”