Cry, Or Better Yet Beg
chapter 55. What Should I Destroy

“I don't think this is the right way to go to Arvis.”

Leyla was the first person to break the silence when she saw the car speed through Carlsbar's main road instead of returning to Arvis. He gripped his bag and coat, his grip getting tighter and tighter until his knuckles turned white.

"Trs. Evers,” He started, speaking to the aide sitting in front. "This street",

“Leyla, I'm sure I told you.” Matthias suddenly cut him off. “I will be in charge.”

Leyla raised her face, looking at Matthias with an angry look. 'Taking responsibility?' His words repeated again in his mind, and his hands clenched in anger. He had never heard of anything more absurd.

“I accidentally ruined your clothes. It's only natural that I have to take responsibility for it.

"NO. You don't have to do it. I'M…"

"Why? Do you insist that I'm not wrong?” Matthias repeated tenaciously, despite his aide and driver sitting stiffly in front of the car.

Leyla grabbed her skirt. He took a deep breath. No matter how hard he rubbed, the red stains on his hands and clothes remained stubborn, as if mocking his anger.

'The gift. I should throw it away immediately.'

Leyla bit her lip. Even if it was foolish to believe that refusing the Duke's gift would sever the relationship between them, he couldn't help but think about it.

Unable to deny how lost she felt at this moment, Leyla wanted to cry out in shame.

'How-to'

Hoping hopeless for an answer, he glanced at the Duke. The gaze he gave her reflected the gloomy, cold and filled with a hint of frustration. Hope was dashed, he threw his face away, turning his gaze away.

As the hesitant sun peered through the thick layer of clouds, the car stopped on a street filled with high-end shops and upscale boutiques.

The driver and his aide got out of the car without saying anything, leaving only a mismatched couple. As soon as they leave the car, the air inside the car becomes heavier, the temperature drops by several degrees. Leyla immediately pressed her shoulders.

“I-I'll go now.”

Grabbing her umbrella, Leyla hurriedly turned to the side. Before his hand reached the car door, Matthias forcefully grabbed his wrist.

"Where are you going?"

"Home. I don't need any clothes. I'm going home!"

Matthias remained holding onto her wrist without much effort as Leyla instinctively tried to pull her hand.

“Don't be selfish, Leyla.” He said harshly. “Why don't you consider Bill Remmer?” Matthias snorted, loosening his grip on his wrist.

“A-what? Whatchu mean?"

The mention of his uncle was enough to stop his struggle.

“How sad would Mr Remmer be if he saw you like this?”

“I was surprised that Duke Herhardt's nobleman worried about my uncle after he did this to me.”

“Well, Mr. Remmer has been working as a gardener in our home for decades. It's only natural that I worry about it.”

The grip on her wrist tightened once more, Matthias pulled her closer, so close that she could feel the woman's breath on her face.

“Are you sure you can give a good reason when Mr Remmer asks about what happened to you, after seeing this miserable appearance?”

“O-of course.” Leyla stutters. Matthias' hand quickly clasped his cheek as he tried to break away from her, leaning near her small ear.

“Unfortunately, Leyla, I take full responsibility for you.” He whispered. “After all, all your misfortune was caused by me.”

Matthias' gaze was sharp, filled with an obsession he knew Matthias had towards him. Leyla desperately tried to shift her gaze, but to no avail.

“It is my responsibility to return you to Mr. Remmer in perfect condition. Even a single stain on your clothes will not be tolerated.”

“T- No need! You don't have to do it! Let me go! I'M…"

“Think, Leyla. There is no harm in accepting my apology and receiving valid compensation. Don't you think your disobedience and stubbornness will look very strange?”

Matthias' serious gaze turned to the window. The driver and his aide were standing outside, unaware of the quarrel that had taken place inside the car. “They may think you are a grumpy mistress.”

Deeply offended by her vulgar jokes, Leyla frowned.

Releasing his hand, Matthias grinned, reaching out to knock on the window. Mark Evers nimbly turned around, opening the back door. Leyla quickly jumped out of the door like a bird freed from its cage, unwilling to waste her new opportunity to gain freedom.

Matthias glanced at his broken bag and coat. Signalling to Mark Evers, Matthias gave a brief instruction to his aide, closing the door after he was done.

He continued his gaze out the window. His blue eyes narrowed as Evers tried to cover the cold Leyla with his coat. Before Evers could make a move, a slow tap on the window interrupted him. While putting his coat back on, he quickly reopened the back door.

Matthias took off his coat and handed it to Evers, who obediently took the coat without asking.

The door slammed shut once again and the only sound in the car was just raindrops hitting the windows.

Matthias' steady gaze never escaped Leyla, watching as her aide wrapped her, who was too absent-minded to realize who the coat belonged to, with her coat.

Shortly after, the driver returned and started the engine. Leyla followed Mark Evers to the boutique fitting room, her hands tightly gripping Matthias' coat.

Matthias' gaze was fixed on him for a long time.

“Why do we get in there?”

Leyla stopped when she caught a glimpse of the luxury hotel she had been given the privilege to attend last summer, when she had tea with Claudine and Matthias.

“T-no, it's okay. This outfit is more than enough for an apology.”

“Nona Lewellin, bukan saya yang memutuskan.”

"But-"

“Nona Lewellin, I just followed Duke.”'s orders Mark Evers said, a little confused by Leyla's attitude. “Please do not make it difficult for me to complete that command.”

Running out of excuses to show stubbornness, Leyla followed him with heavy strides.

“Have you that Duke is currently raising birds like you, Miss Lewellin?” Mark Evers exclaimed as they entered the hotel lobby. “A pretty little yellow bird.”

"Birds? Duke?” Leyla frowned in disbelief.

'The psychotic bird killer kept a bird?'

It was the strangest thing he had ever heard, and even more unbelievable.

“Did he raise her to hunt her?”

The question filled with paranoia left Mark Evers dumbfounded. Before he could clarify the misunderstanding representing his master, they had already reached the entrance of the teahouse.

Mark Evers escorted Leyla to Matthias, who was sitting by the window facing the raining terrace, leaving the room as soon as his work was done.

Seeing Leyla standing blankly without moving an inch in front of him, her firm voice sounded.

"Sit down."

Reluctantly, Leyla sat on the chair opposite her. She took off her coat, revealing a newly purchased turquoise blue velvet dress with sparkling pearl buttons adorning her front, and a wide lace collar that was as white as snow. It was clear that everything she was wearing was new, from shoes to stockings that reached mid-calf in length. Her hair is also styled in an elegant style but looks natural. Compared to her usual nun-like clothes, Matthias was happy to see her wearing a more elegant dress.

They were treated to tea and a wide variety of delicious desserts shortly afterwards.

"Eat." Matthias orders while holding his teacup.

Leyla did not move, instead giving him an expression of disdain.

Matthias returned his gaze directly, as if it was no threat to him. “Should I feed you?” He asked arrogantly. “I am also very willing to take responsibility for it.”

Hearing Matthias' statement, Leyla hurriedly grabbed her fork. He hesitated for a moment before choosing a pink cream cake.

Satisfied with his obedience, Matthias straightened his posture and continued to observe him.

“What delicious food do you like?”

Matthias asked curiously, noticing her secretly enjoying the cake. She seems to be a fan of desserts, a fact that seems trivial yet still piques her interest in him.

“Except the food I have to eat in front of you, everything suits my liking.” Leyla replied coldly while playing the fork handle. Although he was trying to sound confident, his voice trembled.

Matthias chuckled, the sound of tiny, pearl-like bubbles being immediately muffled by the sound of raindrops splattering on the window glass. “Do you know that pride is what interests me?” He leaned towards the table, saying, “My tricks on you grew up when you were arrogant like this, believe it or not.”

“If you decide to continue behaving as you do now, then I don't think it will be long for me to be addicted to you,” taunted Matthias, his voice soft as a bird whistle.

Frightened by her words, Leyla found herself leaning back instinctively as the man leaned closer towards her.

“Isn't it better if you're being innocent and obedient?” Matthias said while grinning, “That way, I might get tired of you.”

Matthias leaned back in his chair, as if he was sure Leyla would fall out of her chair out of fear if she approached.

After a long thought, Leyla put down her fork. Her cheeks were reddened, she immediately wiped her lips with a napkin.

“So, what do you like?”, Matthias asked once again.

“...I am not a picky person of food.” Leyla answered calmly.

What an incredible sight for Matthias to witness, seeing Leyla trying hard to hide her identity.

"really? A good boy."

Hearing her words, Leyla immediately muffled her anger, though her eyes sparkled with rage, revealing her true emotions.

'Let's see how long you can act like this.'

Matthias devoured the words he wanted to say while sipping coffee. Leyla glared insolently at a glance despite trembling in despair making her go crazy. Matthias could not bear to imagine others seeing his expression that it gave him a strange feeling of superiority, thinking that he was the only person who knew Leyla Lewellin's other personality.

Leyla was a quiet and stoic person, obediently answering every question she asked while finishing her meal without causing any commotion— was not at all like the usual Matthias knew. The only time his facade was damaged was the dissatisfied look he occasionally sent the man, and the red hue that appeared once or twice as he bit his cream-stained lips.

The time they spent together was fun, though limited, but could only be obtained in an evil way, like pouring ink into Leyla's coat with a naughty joke. When she realized it, Matthias laughed out loud, but the fun faded as she realized—she could only give Leyla something by destroying her first.

'So, just by hurting you so much you will be mine…..How ridiculous.'

He looked at Leyla possessively, his eyes shining with a strange light as a smile re-emerged on his face. She found it interesting how her obedience, instead of taking away her attraction to him, was driving her even crazier.

'Leyla…. What do I have to destroy to have you?'

Matthias tilted his head, getting more and more immersed in contemplation.

The sky outside the window started to darken. Leyla finally turned her head, looking at the man. His eyes looked like they were softly woven with a fine green thread, large and beautiful like emeralds.

Enchanted by their beauty, she could do nothing but admire her beautiful eyes