Cain gazed silently at Laila, his countenance betraying surprise at the unfamiliarity of her sincerity. After a moment, he returned to his former kind self, wearing a smile as he spoke.

"Your understanding of my heart truly moves me, my wife."

"Pardon?"

"That's why marriage is a remarkable endeavor."

Cain raised his hand and gently stroked Laila's cheek. His hand caressed her hair, flowing back behind her ear, while his intense eyes engulfed her like a swirling whirlpool.

"Shall we truly get married?"

"...."

Laila swallowed hard in response to his words, spoken with a mischievous grin. She couldn't discern if he meant her or another woman he desired to marry. Nevertheless, his words swept over her like a tempest, piercing her heart.

A genuine marriage... It was the first time she had felt the thrill of those words.

"What are you doing over there, Rebecca?" Cain asked, his voice suddenly raised.

Laila quickly lifted her head in surprise, following his gaze. Her mouth fell silent when she saw where his eyes were directed.

There stood a maid not far from them. Judging by the tray she held with two teacups, it seemed she had halted while bringing tea.

Rebecca!

Laila recalled the maid's name.

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Ever since she first stepped out of the carriage, this woman had been sending her unusually cold glances. She wore a narrow brown dress and neatly tied her black hair in a bun, covered with a mesh. Her thin and angular face, along with her intense reddish-brown irises, gave her a resolute impression.

Though it was not fair to judge someone solely based on their appearance, Laila felt a sense of desolation from her first impression alone.

"I only waited as I didn't want to disturb your conversation. May I serve the tea now?" Rebecca looked up, meeting their gaze, and replied without a hint of fear or surprise to Cain's sharp question. Her gaze was as icy as shivers running down one's spine.

Laila trembled uncontrollably, unbeknownst to herself.

"Emily!"

Cain called out to another maid with a slightly raised voice. The young maid he had seen earlier hurriedly approached, her spirit drained.

"Um, it's me, sir."

"...!"

Laila was once again struck by the maid's response. The maid addressed as Emily couldn't speak properly. The words that stumbled out of her mouth were incomprehensible. That was why she hadn't greeted her earlier. Laila didn't know. It was a fact that no one, not even Cain, had bothered to explain.

"Please escort the young lady to her room."

"Uuhhh."

As if understanding, Emily lowered her head towards Laila.

"You go upstairs first. I'll follow soon."

"Let's go together."

Laila retorted resolutely for the first time. She was taken aback by the icy tension between Cain and Rebecca, but she didn't want to leave. She wanted to know what they were saying, why the atmosphere among those who had known each other for a long time had turned so chilly. She was continuously intrigued by the strange ambiance of this place.

Cain turned his head and looked at Laila. Realizing her mistake as she saw his chilling gaze, Laila understood. He had been mostly kind, but only when she cooperated and didn't cause any problems.

"Yes, I'll go up first."

Laila rose from her seat, concealing her trembling hands. She felt no inclination to defy Cain, who was silently pressuring her with his gaze. The familiarity she had felt until now vanished, replaced by an eerie feeling.

A good person, but sometimes frightening. An enigmatic person.

As she followed Emily, her mind grew more complex.