My New Love That Isn’t Fated - Episode 37

As evening fell, Josephine and the other staff began heading home.

“Good work today, Lilia. Hm? Did something change? Ah, makeup. Youth really is dazzling. It looks great on you.”

Christopher greeted Lilia warmly.
Lilia thanked him, and he smiled, then added, “Though I suppose hearing that from an old guy like me isn’t exactly helpful.”

“Not at all. I’m happy you said it.”
“Glad to hear it. Oh, right—your paycheck for the month. Keep up the good work, okay?”

He handed her a thick envelope, filled with paper bills—250,000 Fabrice.
Lilia gave a deep bow of thanks.
“No need to thank me. Everyone’s salary comes from the national budget—it’s not coming out of my own pocket.”
“Even so, I’m grateful to be working here, thanks to you, Mr. Christopher.”
“Is that so? Then a simple ‘Thanks, Uncle Chris!’ would be enough.”
“I’ll make sure to say it next time.”

Watching Lilia nod so seriously made Christopher chuckle softly.
After everyone had gone home, Lilia began inspecting the library.

She stretched her legs, stepped lightly, and twirled, her skirt fluttering as she danced. It had only been a few days since Owen had seen her dancing like this.
Since then, everything had changed so quickly.

Lilia used to believe she wasn’t the main character of any story—not even her own.
But not anymore. Now, she was living as the protagonist of her own life.
It finally felt like she had truly begun to live.

Suddenly, the sound of clapping echoed through the quiet. Lilia froze mid-step.

“Keep dancing. I want to see more.”
“Lord Owen!”

Footsteps echoed in the stillness as Owen approached. He was dressed more elegantly than usual, his clothes refined and stylish.
Embarrassed, Lilia bowed to him.

“I must’ve looked so silly… I’m sorry you had to see that.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of. The first time we spoke, I’d already seen you. You were so graceful… I couldn’t look away.”
“Y-You saw me back then? That’s so embarrassing…”

As Lilia flushed, Owen gently stroked her hair. The space between them naturally shrank, and her cheeks turned even redder.
She remembered Josephine’s words: It’s okay to fall in love.
And maybe that was why she became so keenly aware of the warmth of his fingertips.

“Lilia, you’re wearing makeup?”
“Yes. Can you tell? Senior Josephine helped me apply it to cover up the bruise.”
“I see. You’re always beautiful, but you look especially lovely today.”

The evening sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows, painting Owen’s skin in soft orange light.
To Lilia, he looked far more beautiful than she ever could. She gazed at his well-defined face, feeling a bit shy.

His quiet praise stirred something deep inside her chest—something tender and aching.
But still, a part of her trembled. Somewhere inside her, the abandoned girl she once was whispered, It might happen again.

“I had Elad sign the divorce papers.”
“Th-Thank you! Did he agree to it?”
“He wasn’t happy about it, but I got help from my brother. A direct order from the king is not something even Elad can defy. It’s official now. Let’s submit the papers on our way home.”
“Thank you… really.”

It had seemed like such a difficult thing, and yet now her freedom had come so easily.
It felt as though wings had sprouted on her back, like she could take flight at any moment.
There was no longer any reason to be connected to Elad.
The bond they once shared had been severed—they were strangers now.

The pain and suffering were beginning to feel like part of a distant past.
Like loosening a suffocating corset, she could finally breathe deeply again.

“I’m so glad I met you, Lord Owen. I don’t think I could’ve done this on my own.”

If Elad had refused to sign, Lilia’s only option would’ve been to disappear.
And even then, he might’ve dragged her back.
Her father had searched for her mother for years after she vanished—but only for appearances’ sake.
That’s likely why her mother had no choice but to disappear.

“I’m happy you feel that way… I’ve been wondering whether my presence is just a burden to you.”
“You said that yesterday too, but no, I don’t feel that way at all. You’ve helped me so much.”
“Then I’m relieved. Lilia, you look beautiful. Let’s go have dinner together—to celebrate your freedom.”
“Well then, Lord Owen, I just got paid today. Let me treat you. As thanks for everything.”
“You should spend that money on yourself. Save it. I might not look it, but I’m not hurting for money. I’m quite well-off, actually.”
“I’d never think a prince was poor.”

Lilia laughed, and Owen reached out his hand to her.
Then, gently, he pulled her into an embrace.
Surprised, Lilia’s body tensed as she found herself in his arms.

“I know I caused you pain. That pain… part of it is because of me. But even so, you still smile at me. You’re the one saving me, Lilia.”
“Lord Owen… what do you mean by that…?”
“I told you—I had selfish motives. That day I asked you to stay. That was how I truly felt.”
“You said you weren’t good with words…”
“Yes. I tend to say exactly what I feel. I want you. I desire you. I love you.”

His voice vibrated through the warmth of their closeness.
His arms tightened around her, and Lilia felt her chest ache sweetly.

Could something like this really happen?
She had only just realized her feelings for him.
For Owen to feel the same—it seemed too good to be true.

“Lord Owen… I know I shouldn’t feel this way, and yet… I…”
“You’re free now. There’s nothing wrong with it.”
“…I…”
“No need to rush. But if even a part of you feels the same, then I want you by my side. When I heard you got paid, I panicked. I was afraid you might leave.”

Lilia wrapped her arms around his back.
She didn’t need words.
She held him tightly instead—and heard the sharp breath he drew in surprise.