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Yes, twice!
"But do you remember what I told you before?" her husband asked quietly.
Oh.
"You remember then."
He had told her that she would never have to fear him for any reason.
"And I mean it, too. In every way."
He looked at her meaningfully, but...the meaning was lost on her, and when she saw his lips twitch—-
Did she really have an expressive face...or did he just not want anyone to realize he was telepathic?
"No, Summerine." Her husband's tone was very dry. "I am not telepathic."
B-But—-
"But I'll take it as a compliment that you think so, and speaking of compliments..."
The sudden change of subject had her frowning.
"I know that's another thing your parents haven't given you much of."
Oh.
"But I want you to know I'm not like them. I like the way you are very much, and I'd rather you don't change at all—-"
OH.
"Even if it means having you bump into things whenever you walk into me na—-"
"Please stop talking about that!"
It was only when she saw the gleam in Ryu's dark eyes that she realized she had actually interrupted him...without any fear of repercussion.
"That's how I'd like you to speak to me from now on. You don't have to choose your words with me. I neither expect nor need you to be perfect. You already know what I require from you, and you've performed excellently on that front."
B-But...
"What is it?"
Summerine bit her lip. "I..."
"You can tell meanything,Summerine. And I promise I won't get mad. So think it over. And if you're ready to talk to me, I'll always have time for you."
She gave him a nod, he gave her a smile, and that was when Summerine realized she no longer wanted to escape.
For better or for worse, she wanted to give their marriage her best shot.
And so from now on...
Mirror, Mirror
IT WAS HER THIRD WEEKas Mrs. Ryu Harcourt, and Summerine was humming contentedly while arranging her newly purchasedmangain her newly decoratedlibrary.
Embracing her role as Ryu Harcourt's wife was easily the best decision she had made.