Chapter 37: Clearing the Misunderstanding

That evening, Fine sat across from Hawk, talking face-to-face for the first time in a while.

“What?!”

Her loud exclamation echoed in the inn’s room.

“Sherry is a horse?”

Fine was stunned by the unexpected revelation.

She’d always thought it was a woman’s name.

“Yes.

Sherry’s been my mare companion for years.

She’s been in breeding and pregnant this past year, so I’m riding a different stallion now.”

“No way…”

Fine was dumbfounded.

“Didn’t I mention it?”

“I don’t think so…”

‘So, for two years, I thought a horse was his lover?’

There had been plenty of moments where it seemed odd.

Despite supposedly having a lover, Hawk held her close every night and showed no signs of sneaking off for secret rendezvous.

She’d always wondered when he could possibly meet this “lover.”

But, convinced Sherry was a woman, Fine lacked proof they’d parted and had doubted Hawk until now.

“What about the Sherry in the kitchen?”

“Kitchen Sherry?

Who’s that?”

“Well, Anna said there’s a Sherry in the kitchen sometimes—”

“Oh!”

Hawk clapped his hands, realizing something.

“You mean the head chef’s daughter who helps in the kitchen?

She’s barely over ten.”

“Over ten…”

Fine had no idea the kitchen’s Sherry was a young child.

No wonder she wasn’t on the staff roster.

It also explained Anna calling her “everyone’s favorite, super cute.”

“To think you misunderstood like that.

Did you really see me as such a disloyal man?”

Hawk looked hurt, his head drooping.

Seeing his expression, Fine felt deeply guilty.

“I’m so sorry.

I completely misunderstood… I couldn’t bring myself to confirm—”

If she’d just asked about his relationship with “Sherry,” this absurd misunderstanding would’ve been cleared up instantly.

But in two years, Fine never once asked Hawk directly about her.

“I’m sorry for causing trouble.”

“When I learned you’d left and taken a long-distance coach, my blood ran cold.”

“…I’m really sorry.”

Fine felt entirely at fault.

According to Hawk, after she vanished, he searched the mansion and sent men to every coach destination, following up on any sighting of a woman resembling her.

She’d caused tremendous trouble, and Fine hung her head.

“I was scared you’d tell me you only loved Sherry, that I was just a temporary wife.

It’s silly, since I’m the one who suggested it.”

Fine gave a self-deprecating laugh.

She’d been the one to propose a sham marriage, thinking it’d make leaving easier when the time came.

Yet, the freedom she gained after leaving felt hollow, like something vital was missing.

Hawk’s face and the kind smiles of the mansion’s staff kept surfacing in her mind.

“Don’t ever run from me again.”

“I won’t.”

Fine nodded.

She’d never repeat this mistake and vowed to trust Hawk, confirming directly if she ever heard something confusing.

Hawk smiled softly, pulling a small box from his pocket.

“Remember I said I had something to discuss that night you left?”

“Yes.”

“I wanted to give you this.”

Fine gasped as he opened the box, revealing a dazzling diamond necklace.

Hawk lifted it and fastened it around her neck.

“Our marriage wasn’t born of love.

Our meeting wasn’t ideal, my proposal was sudden, and we didn’t even have a wedding.

Let me start over.

I swear to make you happy for life.

Marry me, Fine.”

His earnest gaze took her breath away.

“…Are you sure about me?

After all the trouble I caused?”

“I told you, I love only you.”

Tears welled up, blurring her vision.

“Fine, your answer?”

Hawk asked, looking troubled.

“If you’re okay with me, gladly.”

“No one else but you.”

Hawk’s stern face broke into a boyish grin.

They kissed, the moment deepening.

“My lord…”

“Fine, call me by my name.”

“Hawk-sama.”

His joyful, boyish smile made her heart flutter.

“Fine, I want to be one with you.”

Hawk hugged her tightly.

“Me too.”

Blushing but responding, Fine was gently flipped onto the bed.

Her body, accustomed to him over two years, accepted him easily—no pain, only pleasure, warmth, and happiness.

“I’ve always wanted this.”

Hawk touched her flushed cheek.

Fine looked up, smiling softly.

“Hawk-sama, I’m so happy right now.”

He smiled tenderly, and their lips met again.