CH 78

Chapter 78: Give Him A Present

“For real?”

Flora pursed her lips and muttered softly. “When I heard that Allan told you he likes you in jest… I was actually a little jealous.”

Come to think of it, when they talked about it, she showed an uncanny interest in it.

“I thought you were just fooling around, but you must really like him huh.”

“I wanted to think so too.” Flora sighed, her brows wrinkled in a frown. She didn’t expect she’d be pouring out her feelings like this.

“But how come? Is it the face?”

“I can’t deny it…” She felt dejected and hung her head low.

Fully understanding her plight, Nora nodded.

“It’s that face, isn’t it?”

“I finally understand what you kept saying… how handsome his face was…it’s uselessly handsome…”

She must have meant it as a compliment, but despite the tone of her voice or the expression on her face, Nora couldn’t help but smile bitterly.

“Speaking of the face, isn’t it practically the same as Elias’?”

“No, I have no interest in beautiful beasts.”

Nora pondered over what she meant, and she concluded that Flora wasn’t just enamored by the same face.

“As pragmatic as you are, I doubt you’d have surrendered to his looks alone, Flora.”

Flora might be fond of romantic fairy tales, but she was also someone who took consideration of her future as Baron Kocco’s successor. If looks were all she liked, she wouldn’t have felt conflicted for so long.

“Well, his background isn’t so bad. There aren’t a lot of excellent second sons who are also deeply involved in their estate management… But it’s still, you know, frustrating.”

“Oh, I think I know what you mean. Even I am frustrated at myself for being enchanted by that face.”

“Exactly!” Flora clenched her fists in exasperation. Then she let out a big sigh before slowly raising her face.

“Anyway, have you told him?”

“No.. I can’t. And that’s why it’s even more frustrating.” With a sulky look, Flora drank her glass of water in one gulp.

“But isn’t the competition high? With Sophia before, she had already laid claims on managing his household affairs.”

Allan had mentioned himself that he would not succeed the marquis, but it seemed like the decision wasn’t final, and a lot of ladies had been aiming for him. And even if he decided not to succeed and declared his intention as such, but as a handsome and prestigious son of the marquis, ladies would surely still flock towards him.

“I know.”

“Then what will you do?”

Before answering Nora’s question, Flora put down her cup on the table. “I’m not really sure. I have to consider other people’s feelings and circumstances. And I’m the family’s heir. I also just can’t take it easy as I’m already getting old. It’s not as simple as falling for his face and getting momentarily enchanted…”

Flora was rambling and making all sorts of excuses which was unlike her. Which meant that her feelings were serious.

“I wonder what kind of flowers you should give?”

“Huh?” Confused, Flora stared dumbfoundedly at Nora.

“I reckon he would be happy if a pretty lady like you gave him flowers. You can also use his birthday as an excuse. It’s fine if you bring me along to buy it. Give Allan a present.”

“But didn’t you say giving a man flowers wasn’t a good idea?”

“What I meant was, he’d surely feel different if he received it from someone he liked. I’m sure he’s not the type to throw away and trample on flowers he receives from women. Just give it to him comfortably.”

If it was the same Allan before, who rashly broke their engagement in public, that might happen, but that’s impossible now that he’s turned over a new leaf.

This time, he’d probably receive it with courtesy.

“But—”

“Otherwise, you’d just keep pining for him, wouldn’t you?”

Flora was usually brave, but she’s fond of romantic fairy tales just as any other girl.

Her eyes seemed to express her denial and how she found it troublesome.

“No, I wouldn’t—”

“Are you sure?”

“No…”

Nora smiled at Flora, who seemed at a loss for words.

“In that case, just give it to him. It’s better than giving up without doing anything. You’re a pretty and kind girl. I’m sure Allan could see it too. It’s better to regret doing it than regret not doing it, don’t you think?”

She squeezed Flora’s hand gently as encouragement while the latter stared at her blankly.

“You’re normally reserved, but you’re surprisingly outgoing at times like this, huh?”

“Am I?”

“Like when you suggested to be temporary lovers. Normally you would never have mustered the courage to do it, let alone suggest it. You’d be too worried about what would happen if the other person hates it.”

“If he hates it, then there’s nothing I can do.” Nora answered and Flora couldn’t help but wrinkle her brows.

“Hmm, how do I put it? I can’t really say you’re sweet… You’re strong but strange.”

“Perhaps it’s because years of being in constant debt and continuously working part-time honed me?”

“Perhaps.”

Flora sighed as she removed Nora’s hand and gently squeezed it back.

“All right. I shall give him flowers too. If he reacts negatively, I’ll just give up and opt for an arranged marriage.”

“So then, what kind of flowers will you give?”

The two of them exchanged meaningful glances and smiled at each other.