Forgotten Juliet

Chapter 104:

Lennox was led out of the hall by the hand of a woman much smaller than him.

All the way down the corridor, Juliet didnt even make eye contact with him.

However, he couldnt take his eyes off the hand that grasped his wrist and the back of the woman walking ahead.

Juliet took him to a secluded terrace a short distance away.

Thump.

As Juliet let go of his hand to close the terrace door, Lennox felt a pang of longing.

His wrist, still warm, felt strangely tingling.

Even for the south, the evening air was quite chilly. Lennox wanted to offer her a coat, but he didnt think Juliet would accept it.

Only after making sure no one was around did Juliet turn to face him.

I didnt need your help.

Is that what you say to someone who helped you?

A sarcastic question came first.

But Lennox probably knew best.

Juliet didnt need his help. He just couldnt contain her anger at the moment and jumped in.

Looking back, it was always like this. I wont bother you meant not to meddle in ones own affairs.

I can solve my problems.

So, dont interfere

Thats what he didnt like.

Lennox couldnt bring himself to say it out loud.

Now he was the one clinging.

Juliet looked at him for a moment and then asked directly. She wasnt one to beat around the bush.

So, did you buy the villa too?

Youre not surprised.

I thought you would.

The curtains, furniture, even the fruit served on a silver plate, everything was tailored to Juliets taste. And it resembled the summer villa they spent time in every year.

You must have thought I wouldnt notice.

Lennox didnt answer.

Somehow, when she spotted him in the hall, Juliet wasnt shaken at all.

She asked sincerely.

What do you want from me?

She was curious about why he went through the trouble of decorating the villa, sending an invitation through Ilena, and inviting her to the south. But instead of answering, Lennox handed her something.

What is this?

Youll know when you see it.

Instead of explaining, Lennox replied curtly.

He didnt want to bring it up in this situation. But he had a feeling that if not now, the opportunity would never come.

He wasnt sure hed ever see her again.

Taking what he offered with a puzzled look, Juliet soon became even more baffled.

Why is this

It was something Juliet recognized.

It was the contract she asked him to write 7 years ago.

You ended it unilaterally. So, its only fair to give me a chance to correct it, right?

Juliet looked up at him with a puzzled face.

I dont understand.

Lets do that contract you like again. From the beginning.

Juliet remembered what Lennox had said a while ago when he asked her to dance.

Contract extension.

Your Highness, are you okay?

With a shocked face, Juliet indirectly asked if he was in his right mind.

Our contract ended. We agreed on that.

It wasnt a mutual agreement. I dont remember agreeing.

Hes not a child.

Juliet frowned at his absurdity.

Thats

It sounded like an excuse, but she had no choice.

Like what happened in the hall just before. Who knows what those bugs might do out of his sight.

For now, the priority was to keep Juliet by his side.

This was the best he could do.

So, dont do this again.

After that incident in the banquet hall, he realized.

No matter how he tried to atone for the past, Juliet would never forgive him.

From the start, she didnt understand why he wanted to make amends.

Then, a familiar approach was better. Soft and moderate ways like forgiveness and atonement never suited them.

Intimidation and contracts are much faster.

Lennox tried to think of ways to keep her by his side, using any means necessary.

He tried his best to understand Juliets way of thinking.

The Juliet he knew was surprisingly old-fashioned. She would do surprisingly shocking things without a second thought but valued contracts and promises.

He was the opposite.

And he was right. Although Juliet seemed reluctant, she didnt completely ignore his nonsense.

I dont want to waste several more years, Your Highness.

It wont take that long.

Lennox said calmly.

He didnt think he could keep Juliet forever.

But he estimated that she wouldnt push him away for about six months.

Who knows if hell be alive in a few months.

Lennox remembered the warning from his doctor. Even if hes fine now, theres no guarantee there wont be side effects. He said to wait at least six months.

Six months.

In six months, Ill completely disappear from your sight.

Six months.

At the mention of that, Juliets face turned slightly pale. However, due to his heightened tension, Lennox failed to notice it.

It wont be a loss for you either.

Lennox spoke to Juliet as if soothing a child.

Just like before. Just give it six months.

Ill give you anything be it the mansion, my wealth, anything. He clung to her desperately.

In fact, the southern mansion had nothing to do with this.

He had planned to forcibly hand it over to Juliet, even if through Madam Ilena. But since Juliet had caught onto his tricks, it was clear that she wouldnt accept it unless conditions like these were attached.

What if I refuse?

You wont.

Lennox said softly.

Because you wouldnt want to lose the things dear to you.

Lennox watched quietly as her eyes filled with shock and disdain, then clenched her thin wrist.

Just half a year. After that, Ill tell you everything youve wanted to know.

What do I want to know?

Snowdrop.

At that word, Juliet flinched.

Why do you know that name?

Youve always wanted to know about your butterflies.

Suspicion flashed across Juliets face.

But Lennox waited patiently without hurrying, trying hard to hide his anxiety.

If Juliet had a weakness for contracts, Lennoxs forte was threats and persuasion.

A woman who neither wanted to marry nor cared for his manor.

The only miserable way he had conceived to keep a woman who rejected everything he could offer and always tried to run away was this.

But why?

Juliet genuinely asked.

Do I still have value to Your Highness?

To that, even Lennox couldnt reply.

I have nothing to offer. I dont know what you expect from me

Well

It might sound indifferent, but Lennox truly had nothing else to say.

He had been pondering the same question himself for the past few months.

It seems like youve become fond.

All he wanted was to keep Juliet by his side.

He didnt know anything more than that, nor the reason behind it.

Your Highness.

Juliet, who had been looking at him with a strange expression, took a step closer.

I want to confirm something.

Speak.

But instead of speaking, Juliet reached out to him.

Instinctively lowering his stance, Lennox didnt even get to ask what she was doing. Before he could, Juliet clumsily pressed her lips to his.

It was too awkward to even call it a kiss.

She merely brushed her lips against his as if testing the waters. However, it was enough to send his rationality flying.

Damn it.

Moments later, even if Juliet hadnt pushed him away, it was clear he wouldnt have come back to his senses.

Regaining his senses, Lennox glared at her with a lustful look.

What was that for?

Catching her breath, Juliet tilted her head.

I thought thats what you wanted. Wasnt it?

Of course not.

His argument lacked conviction.

With an annoyed face, Lennox let go of Juliets shoulders, wishing he could kill his past self.

If you dont like it, dont do it.

As if shed believe that.

Understand? Its not because of just this!

His words were getting increasingly jumbled.

He hadnt meant to lash out like this. The one who should be pleading was him. But he couldnt read Juliets face, and his anxiety grew.

So what Im saying is

I understand.

What?

Juliet sighed lightly and took his hand off her shoulder.

I dont know what you want, but at least its not a losing deal.

Lennox couldnt believe his ears.

Was that an acceptance?

But promise me.

What?

Juliet spoke firmly.

In six months, threatening me with that contract will be of no use.

Alright. I promise.

Lennox reluctantly nodded. But Juliets conditions didnt end there.

And dont threaten to rip someone apart or slit their throat in front of others.

Lennox felt slightly irritated.

It seemed she was referring to the incident in the hall. That wasnt a threat.

Why?

Because murder is wrong.

Juliet spoke sternly without a smile.

But Lennox wanted to protest. The ruffian from earlier was not human by his standards.

So its okay if theyre not human?

Your Highness.

Fine. Got it.

Grudgingly replying, Lennox pulled Juliet by the wrist.

He was worried about the chilly weather. He thought Juliet might resist, but still pulled her hand. Surprisingly, Juliet followed him inside.

The familiar warmth in his hand was satisfying. Lennox smiled, unseen by Juliet.

Juliet had clearly said, in front of others.