He didn't say a word.
He simply stared at me, unblinking.
I sighed.
"You lied to me."
Alistair's expression softened with a trace of hurt.
I knew if I didn't explain myself now, he would spiral into all sorts of wrong assumptions.
"I'm just pretending with Robert."
"I didn't want you to know because I was worried it would put you in danger."
"Alistair, do you believe me?"
He bent down and pulled a pair of slippers from the shoe cabinet. They were fluffy, pink, and my favorite color.
They hadn't been there last night.
I stepped inside, ready to unstrap my shoes, but Alistair was already one step ahead of me.
The warmth inside the banquet hall had been enough to keep me comfortable, but now, standing in his house, I felt the cold air creeping in.
Alistair grasped my ankle gently, his fingertips warm against my skin.
I almost didn't want to move, savoring the moment.
"My father has secretly been investigating Robert. He found out that Robert's been using my name and my father's to carry out illegal investments. We didn't want to alert him by calling the police and risk everything falling apart, so my dad decided to play along and pretend not to know."
"We're still investigating Robert, but we have to be careful."
"I didn't want to tell you because I didn't want you to worry."
I thought about the last life, how he had gone to his death for me, avenging me.
"I didn't want you to... suffer even the slightest harm."
"Even if it's possible, it still can't happen."
The last sentence I whispered softly, unsure if he heard it.
"But today, I still want to tell you."
"Since I like you, I don't want to hide anything from you. I don't want you to worry or misunderstand. I just felt that this was a mess I made on my own, and you shouldn't have to carry the burden for me. That's why I didn't tell you."
"Alistair..."
Before I could finish speaking, he wrapped me in his arms, his hands gently rubbing my shoulder. I was a bit lost for words.
I had only kept this from him, but now I had explained everything. Even if he was upset or scolded me for lying, why was he suddenly hugging me like this?
"Kinley."
"I'm sorry."
Alistair's voice was soft.
"Why... are you apologizing?"
"It's my fault. I admit I lied to you..."
I was still trying to explain, but Alistair interrupted.
"I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me, that I couldn't help you with anything. I made you worry, made you face things on your own."
"I feel so useless."
"I didn't even notice these problems."
"I wasn't really loving you like I should."
"When we were young, I thought that when we grew up, I'd be able to protect you. But as I grew older, I didn't dare approach you. When I finally found the courage, Robert appeared. I thought I'd never have a chance. Until that day, when you knocked on my door."
"You don't know how happy I was in that moment."
"And now, after you've said all this, I realize... I really am useless." I pulled away from his embrace and covered his mouth. "I won't let you say that."
When I didn't even want to love myself, it was Alistair who stayed by my side. He loved me more than he loved himself.
A tear dropped onto my hand.
I finally noticed that Alistair had his head lowered.
He was crying.
My heart hurt, aching with the weight of it.
How could I be so cruel to make him cry again?
I stood on my tiptoes and kissed his tear.
Nose...
Corner of his mouth...
Chin...
Finally, I looked into his eyes and said, "Alistair, you are the one who loves me the most in this world." I felt his arms tighten around my waist.
He wasn't listening, still lost in guilt over what happened earlier. I stroked his neck and kissed him gently. But he wouldn't listen.
It seemed I had no choice but to take charge.
Let me see what it's like to be the one who takes the lead.
