“Become indifferent to a woman?”

“Exactly. A woman cannot fathom the heart of a man she thought was hers. She becomes desperate to turn his heart back to her. In that process, she feels the thrill of becoming a slave to love. She grows addicted to the sweet pain of longing caused by the man.”

Ian Dalton felt a sense of déjà vu. He was sure he had heard something like this before, from someone…

Soon, he recalled a person. It was Mrs. Fairfax of Dunville Park. Before their marriage, after Ian’s first proposal was rejected, hadn’t she advised him to act indifferent and treat another woman as a friend?

He had followed that advice, only to spark rumors that led to Laura Pendleton rejecting him a second time, nearly ending their relationship for good.

Ian’s interest in Noel’s story rapidly waned.

“I respect your life, but this won’t help my relationship with Mrs. Dalton. We’re already both slave and sovereign to each other. As much as I worship her, she loves me deeply.”

“Oh, absolutely. My lady’s love is beyond question.”

Noel, seemingly tireless, cut another large slice of tart and placed it on his plate.

“But in my experience, women—nay, people—eventually tire of someone who only gives endless love. A self-proclaimed slave cannot exude the overwhelming charm of a king.”

“…Is that so?”

“Indeed. Every woman, without exception, has been like this. Honestly, if I were a woman, I’d feel the same. What’s interesting about a man who only gazes at me, singing ‘I love you, I love you’? It’s obvious his heart is filled with me just by looking at him.”

At this, Ian felt a slight pang.

‘Come to think of it, before and after marriage, I’ve always chased after Laura. Singing ‘I love you, I love you, please love me back.’ Even after hearing her say she loves me, I didn’t stop. How much do you love me? This much? This much? If I were Laura, I might’ve found it a bit exhausting.’

Of course, Laura loved him deeply. That love was unquestionable.

‘But if I don’t restrain myself, she might one day grow tired of me.’

A chill ran down Ian’s spine. It was a terrifying thought.

‘I can’t live without Laura.’

Noticing his employer’s troubled expression, Noel quickly added, “Of course, this is just a technique for courtship games. The highest virtue in marriage is mutual trust and devotion. In that sense, you and your lady have an ideal marriage. I’m always in awe.”

Ian shook his head.

“I don’t think marriage is so different, Noel. It’s still a relationship between a man and a woman. I pour out my love to my wife every day, laying bare my heart. Do you know how overwhelming that can be for her? Just a week ago, that refined woman hit me with her parasol.”

Noel’s eyes widened. The elegant lady he knew had struck her husband?

“She’s young and patient, so she puts up with it for now. But everyone has limits. If she tires of my affection, regret won’t fix it.”

Ian leaned his elbow on the sofa armrest, resting his chin in his hand. He let out a sigh.

“You’re right. I need to tone down my expressions of affection. Maybe even act a bit indifferent. That’ll give Laura some breathing room, and she’ll be less likely to tire of me, don’t you think?”

Noel didn’t respond. Agreeing too eagerly might make him a scapegoat if their marriage hit a rough patch later.

Just then, the distant sound of hoofbeats came through the open window. Ian instinctively stood and walked to the window.

Outside, he saw the carriage Laura had taken returning to the manor. He pulled out his pocket watch to check the time.

‘Five hours and fifty-four minutes since she left.’

His heart pounded. He wanted to rush out, lower the carriage step, help her down, embrace her waist, and grumble about how long she’d been gone and how much he’d missed her.

‘Damn it, I’m not a five-year-old waiting for his mother to return from the market.’

Gritting his teeth, he suppressed his pathetic urges.

The carriage stopped at the entrance. The coachman quickly dismounted, opened the door, and lowered the step. Laura took his hand and stepped down gracefully. Her reddish-blonde hair shimmered in the afternoon sunlight like rippling water.

Her pearl-like features, her alabaster neck, her slender, elegant figure—everything about her captivated him.

Laura stood by the carriage, watching the servants unload her packages. Soon, she began giving them instructions.

The servants nodded eagerly. To them, she was like a queen. Her demeanor was gentle, her judgments fair, but her presence carried an undeniable authority. She had mastered the art of earning the servants’ respect without fuss, honed during her time managing the townhouse.

‘So beautiful and intelligent.’

Pride swelled in his chest. Every time he saw how perfect his wife was, he felt as if he’d conquered the world.

Laura had a red box brought from the carriage. She seemed to study it thoughtfully before looking up at the upper floor.

Their eyes met.

Laura smiled brightly and waved at Ian.

He raised his hand lightly, careful not to seem overly eager.

‘Restraint. Restraint.’

He quickly lowered his hand and turned away from Laura, who was still looking up at him warmly, retreating into the study.

Noel had already returned to the desk, opening an unread tenant’s letter. Ian sat back down and unfolded the newspaper he’d been reading.

Oddly, the words wouldn’t register.

‘What did Laura buy? Books? Hairpins? Satin? Or gifts for the neighbors?’

It was rare for Laura to go out alone for so long. If her purpose was shopping, that was even more unusual. She preferred staying at the manor, immersed in her work, and usually asked others to run errands for her.

He forced himself to finish the unreadable newspaper. Folding it, he checked the time—thirty minutes had passed since Laura’s return.

‘I’ve been patient enough.’

Ian stood abruptly.

“Where are you going?” Noel asked.

He adjusted his tie.

“To see Remwick.”

Buttoning his suit jacket, Ian left the study.

As he walked down the corridor, he thought to himself: with the mistress bringing back a mountain of purchases, Remwick would surely be helping organize them. He could ask Remwick what Laura bought and whether she was satisfied.

‘I hope it was a pleasant shopping trip.’

Ian quickened his pace toward the staircase.

But then—

He ran straight into Laura at the corner.

Startled, Ian looked down at her. She wore a lovely apricot-colored indoor dress and held a small box in her arms.

“Oh, darling,” Laura said, beaming up at him.

Ian’s face flushed. Her warm, welcoming expression overwhelmed him.

As always, her radiant smile was almost too beautiful.

Clearing his throat, he tried to maintain a stoic expression.

“So, was your outing enjoyable?”

“Yes, it was wonderful.”

“Hm, good.”

He replied curtly and moved to pass her, as if he had no further business with her. But Laura grabbed his arm.

“Darling, wait.”

He turned slowly.

“What is it?”

Blushing, she held out the box.

“…What’s this?”

“A gift, darling.”

He took the box, slightly dazed. It was a small package wrapped in red, the same one she’d been studying outside.

“I was on my way to your study. I thought about giving it to you later since you’re working, but then I figured you’d most want a cigar when you’re working…”

Her words were a bit unclear, but Ian was too distracted to care.

‘Laura got me… a gift…’

He’d rarely received gifts from her outside of birthdays.

“It’ll be useful for you. See you at dinner in the dining room.”

Laura spoke kindly, then stepped closer. Standing on tiptoe, she kissed his cheek.

“I love you, darling.”

Embarrassed by her own boldness, she avoided his gaze and hurried down the stairs.

Ian stumbled, leaning against the staircase wall. His face—and ears—were burning.

“Calm down, Ian Dalton. Calm down…”

Muttering to himself, he shakily unwrapped the box.

Inside was a small candy case. Opening it revealed colorful fruit candies sparkling like jewels on velvet.

‘You’d most want a cigar when you’re working…’

Now he understood her meaning.

“…Quitting smoking.”

She was suggesting he eat candy to cope with the urge.

He carefully closed the case and hugged it tightly, wondering if he could ever bring himself to eat them.

“Really, Laura, you…”

He groaned.

“You’re a woman I can’t help but love.”