Chapter 33: A Quiet Departure

On their wedding day, learning Hawk had a lover, Fine resolved this marriage would be temporary.

She planned to enrich Rosaider during the agreed two years and then leave cleanly after a divorce.

‘Yet, I’m still reluctant to go…’

She hadn’t felt a shred of regret when ending her engagement with Banaji, so why now?

“Am I just an easy woman after all…?”

Banaji had always belittled her, but Hawk treated her with such kindness, it felt like love.

She’d even started hoping he’d ended things with Sherry, dreaming of a happy marriage.

‘Stop being sentimental, Fine.

It’s time to go.’

Scolding herself, Fine rose and began morning preparations.

Soon, Anna arrived.

“My lady, you chose quite a light outfit today.”

Anna tilted her head, noticing Fine in a simple dress she could wear alone, unlike her usual flared day dresses.

“Yes, I thought it’d be nice for a change.

Is it odd?”

“No, it’s very cute.

Since it’s a special day, shall we try a hairstyle popular among young women in town?”

“Really?

Thank you.”

Fine thanked her.

She planned to blend into the crowd in town, so Anna’s suggestion was perfect.

A trendy hairstyle would help her go unnoticed.

“Which hair accessory?”

“This one.”

Fine pointed to a simple hairpin Hawk had bought her during their town “date.”

Affordable even for commoners, it wouldn’t stand out.

Anna pinned it near Fine’s face.

“All done.”

“Wow, it’s cute.

Thank you.”

Fine smiled at her reflection.

Three braids on each side were twisted into buns, making her face look neater.

“Anna, this is for you.”

Fine offered a necklace from her collection, brought from the Shot Marquis house—a simple single-diamond piece suitable for Anna’s daily wear.

“What?

I can’t accept something so expensive.”

“It’s fine.

With the diamond mine found in Rosaider, my husband keeps giving me jewelry.

I won’t use this one.”

“Is that so?

Then, thank you.”

Anna accepted it hesitantly.

“Let me put it on you.”

Fine stood, went behind Anna, and fastened the clasp.

“See?

It suits you perfectly.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

Anna smiled happily.

After breakfast, Fine spent the morning reading in her room.

“Anna, could you fetch a book from the library?”

“Of course.

Which one?”

“This one—”

Anna looked at the note Fine handed her, tilting her head.

“Is there a book with this title?”

“I heard it’s interesting and wanted to read it.

It might not be there, though…”

Fine faltered.

The title was made up, but that wasn’t the point.

Her goal was to buy time away from Anna.

“Understood.

I’ll check.”

“Thank you.”

Fine smiled as Anna left.

“Well, then.”

Fine scanned the room.

When she arrived, it was plain, but now flowers adorned every corner, reflecting her taste.

The changes marked the passage of two years.

‘Two years went by so fast.’

Memories of meeting Hawk at the Diner Dukedom’s ball flashed like a montage.

Fine shook her head.

She had to leave soon, or the urge to stay would overwhelm her.

From the back of a drawer, she retrieved a letter she’d written for Hawk and placed it on the desk.

“Thank you for everything.

Goodbye.”

Suppressing her lingering attachment, Fine grabbed a single bag and left the room.