My New Love That Isn’t Fated - Episode 30

The carriage stopped at the fountain plaza.
Since it couldn’t go down the narrow street, Owen carried Lilia in his arms as they continued on foot.

The scent of freshly baked bread drifted from a bakery. People sat at café terraces sipping tea, while others laughed and chatted over cold ale set on barrels outside already-open pubs.

Everyday life surrounded them.
Owen walked confidently through it all, holding Lilia in his arms.

Her clothes were disheveled, and there were marks on her face from when Elad had hit her. She was far from presentable, yet Owen showed no shame.

He climbed the outer stairs of a flower shop, where pots and bouquets were lined up.
The shopkeeper, a young man, greeted him with a smile.
“Welcome back, Owen. You’ve got a pretty lady with you today? That’s rare.”

Then his expression turned concerned.
“You’re hurt! Do you have disinfectant? Bandages? Gauze?”
“I was just about to go buy some,” Owen replied.
“I’ll bring some over later. Just drop it off—won’t ask questions or get in the way.”
“That helps. Thanks, Silvas.”
“Don’t mention it. We’re friends, aren’t we?”

The shopkeeper, a slim man with long blond hair tied loosely back and wearing a white shirt and black apron, gave Lilia a worried glance.

Owen quickly turned away, shielding Lilia from his gaze, and continued up the clanging metal stairs to the second floor.

There was only one door.
Owen set down her trunk and unlocked it.

Inside was a single apartment—one entire floor converted into a living space.
There was a small kitchen, a bathroom, a living room, and a bedroom. Sparse furniture made the space feel even larger.

Bookshelves lined one wall, packed tightly with books. More books were stacked on the floor.

When Owen tried to lift Lilia again, she stopped him.
“I’m not seriously hurt.”
She knew she looked awful—like she’d been run over by a carriage—but she wasn’t badly injured.

“This way, Lilia. Should I call a doctor? You might need a checkup.”
“No, I’m fine. …I’m so sorry, for intruding on your home.”
“I should be the one apologizing. I couldn’t think of any place else to go.”

Owen gestured toward the sofa, and Lilia sat down.
He knelt in front of her and gently touched her face, checking her injuries.

“Yesterday… Lord Elad got angry. He found the divorce papers. He was furious.”
“That wasn’t the only reason. He seemed suspicious about our relationship too. This happened partly because of me.”
“No… He just misunderstood. We only spoke for the first time two days ago—accusing me of cheating with you is ridiculous. I must have really lost his trust.”

Lilia gave a small, bitter smile.
Owen frowned, clearly pained, then shook his head.

“He was the one betraying you. People with guilty consciences often assume others are the same.”
“Maybe so. Seeing the divorce papers must’ve pushed him over the edge. …Louise scolded me in the church square. That’s when I decided. I couldn’t let things go on—everyone would end up unhappy.”

Lilia looked down. Her voice trailed off.
It was hard to explain more.

Still, since Owen had helped her, she felt she needed to tell the truth. Her lips trembled as she forced out the words.

“Lord Elad hit me… and then…”
“You don’t have to say any more.”
“It’s okay. I wasn’t injured… and we were married, so I thought… I should accept it…”
“Lilia. Even if you were married, that’s still violence. You’re allowed to say it was painful. You’re allowed to say it hurt, and to cry.”
“Owen… I…”

Was it really painful? Was it truly that hard?

She had tried to protect herself by focusing on the good things—telling herself there were happy moments too, not just the bad.

But still…
Hearing Owen’s gentle voice, full of warmth and quiet sorrow, something inside her broke.

Tears spilled down her cheeks.
Her shoulders trembled as she cried softly, and Owen continued holding her hand.

Then, a soft knock came at the door.

Owen let go of her hand and went to answer it.
It was Silvas, bringing the bandages and medical supplies.
Lilia could hear their conversation at the front door.

She wiped away her tears.
When was the last time she cried in front of someone?

She’d cried alone in bed as a child, after her mother had passed.

Eventually, she stopped crying altogether.
She had learned to swallow her loneliness and pain and just keep going.

She didn’t think of herself as unhappy.
There were many people who lived harder lives than she did.

Still… was it really okay to feel sad? To say it was hard?

“…Lilia, would you like to take a shower? It might help you feel better.”
“Thank you. …May I change clothes too? I feel too embarrassed like this.”
“Of course. You’ll be staying with me for a while, so feel free to use this place however you like.”
“Eh…?”
“Is something wrong?”
“N-no, um…”
“For now, just take a shower.”
“O-okay.”

Owen had clearly already decided.

Lilia had no place else to go. No money to get anywhere even if she wanted to.

She was grateful—but still unsure if this was really okay.
Without another word, she picked up her trunk and headed for the bathroom.

The surprise alone had pushed her tears away.