The Male Lead Is Mine - Chapter 202
The love Limontri had been exposed to had always been the type that burned intensely. All the women who approached him had fallen into the former category, except for Violet. Her love was different—it felt like he was quietly being immersed by the love that washed over him quietly. That was the reason why he had now come to reciprocate her feelings. He was in love with her.
“Violet is a good woman who knows how to respect a man. Frankly, I’m jealous,” Hiel sighed.
“Of me?”
“Yes,” Hiel replied and smiled bitterly. “Elsa loves me, but she doesn’t trust me. She believes that my love for her will dissipate one day. That’s why she refuses to allow me to draw closer than necessary to her. She cares for and respects me, but a distance remains between us.”
Even if Hiel genuinely confessed his feelings for her, his sincerity failed to reach Elsa. People had warned him that one day he would be troubled by his past behavior of fooling around with mistresses and his lack of respect towards women. He had been unconvinced and waved off those remarks back then, but now he was being punished for his callous behavior.
“But it’s different for you,” Hiel added. “You can have a good love.”
“That’s true,” Limontri agreed, blushing. “Still, she’s a young girl.”
“Yes, you should wait.” On this matter, Hiel was of the same mind as Limontri. At 16, Violet was too young to be a lover. “Nonetheless, Aris was sixteen when she approached Roy.”
“Your Royal Highness…”
“What I’m saying is you can keep her safe beside you as a lover.”
“I understand,” Limontri answered, bowing his head.
“By the way, what do you plan to do about studying abroad?”
“Oh, I should give that some consideration.”
Limontri had broached the idea of studying abroad with Hiel before, though he hadn’t mentioned it to Aris or Violet. It was a simple matter to inform Aris, but he found himself hesitating when it came to Violet. Now that he was aware of his feelings for her, he needed to include her among his considerations.
“When you’re done here, go to Violet. Why don’t you confess your feelings first, and then discuss the matter of studying abroad together?” Hiel suggested.
Agreeing with Hiel, Limontri nodded silently.
* * *
The serene spring breeze seemed to welcome Violet, as she enjoyed fresh air in the gardens of the d’Essel estate. When she saw Anthe hurriedly approaching her, she asked, “What’s the matter?”
“Sir Raon would like to see you.”
“Oh, do you mean Limontri?” Other than Limontri, no one else in the Raon household would call on her. She was surprised by the sudden visit, but agreed to meet with him. Looking at Anthe, she asked nervously, “Do I look okay?”
“You look pretty,” Anthe smiled.
“Oh, that’s a relief!”
“Do you like him that much?”
Violet flushed in response to Anthe’s innocent question. As she walked back towards the mansion, she felt her mood lifting at the thought of seeing him. Limontri had already been shown to the sitting room, and as she walked into the room, she wondered about the reason for his sudden visit.
“I brought flowers,” Limontri said, greeting her and holding out a bouquet of beautifully blooming yellow flowers.
“They’re pretty,” she beamed, gazing warmly at the flowers. Though she was no longer surprised by his gift of flowers, she was still just as pleased to receive them.
Seeing the happiness in her expression, Limontri smiled and said, “I came to profess my love.”
“L-Limontri?” Violet stammered, perplexed. Her eyes widened in surprise, and she wondered whether she had heard him correctly. Had he really come here suddenly to make a confession of love?
“Can I hug you?” Limontri asked, as he moved to stand before her. When she nodded, he circled his arms around her and held her tightly. “I love you.”
“Limontri…”
“I’m sorry that I made you wait.”
He wasn’t sure exactly when these feelings had taken root, but he was certain that all the moments he had spent with her were precious and thrilling to him. It was possible that he failed to realize his heart earlier because he had been deluding himself with the idea that she was nothing more than a cherished friend.
