Chapter 55 - - 55 : What must I destroy?
"I don't think this is the right way to go to Arvis."
Leyla was the first to break the silence upon noticing the car speeding through Carlsbar's main street instead of returning to Arvis. She clutched at her bag and coat, grip tightening until her knuckles turned white.
"Mr. Evers," She began, addressing the aide seated in the front. "This road-",
"Leyla, I believe I've told you." Matthias abruptly cut her off. "I will take responsibility."
Leyla raised her face, shooting Matthias an angry glare. 'Take responsibility?' His words replayed in her mind, and her hands clenched into fists with anger. She hadn't heard anything more nonsensical.
"I ruined your clothes on purpose. It is only natural that I should be held accountable for it.
"No. You don't have to. I..."
"Why? Are you insisting that I am not in the wrong?" Matthias repeated tenaciously, despite the presence of his aide and the driver, who were seated stiffly in the front of the car.
Leyla grabbed her skirt. She took a deep breath. No matter how hard she scrubbed, the red stains on her hands and clothes stayed stubbornly on, as if they were mocking her fury.
'That gift... I should immediately throw it away.'
Leyla bit her lip. Even if it was utterly foolish to believe that refusing the Duke's gift would sever the relationship between them, she couldn't help but think it.