I Don’t Want to Be Loved (Web Novel)
chapter-72

Chapter 72: Women Love Flowers

It was like he dreamt of her, of her silhouette, of her illusion – that she was there physically present only to awake in an empty bed. He had lost her once, the girl, who, without notice, became his universe. It hit him. He thought he had forever to amend his mistakes, but the truth was, he did not… they had met during a time when everything was an intricate mess and had much to figure out. How could he have known how crucial every word said, every action made, or losing her would become something of a bitter regret?

He had lost her once and he did not want to repeat the same mistakes. Igor looked down at her everlasting beauty and hoped this moment would last… forever. Though he may never touch her closed heart once more, he’ll always be there. Whether it be late at night or early in the morning, she’ll always have him. He would spend the rest of his lifetime atoning for his sin.

Igor raised his fingers stiffly and touched strands of her hair. His heart palpitated.

His hand stopped. Dimi… that was her cousin’s name, a man special to her, a man she had gone through lengths to save.

Was his heart aching?

‘…..Stop it… you don’t deserve to be…’

He pressed his palm on his heart and turned his head to the side. 

Meanwhile, she awakened slowly and blinked. Soon as she saw his silhouette, a faint surprise crossed her lips and she quickly rose up. The warmth of her body faded away and Igor was back to reality. He cleared his throat and informed her that they had made a detour to her estate.

She looked thankful and glad. While spending time with her people and exploring the estate’s current condition, Igor paced back and forth in the garden alone. He recalled Dimi, the person she called out to in her dreams. He was a special existence, even now and even then. The obvious expression on her face showed that she cared and held deep affection for him. She had cried in tears when she saw him, the cousin she had not seen for years in the past. 

“Your Majesty, are you still thinking about that? Just be honest with her.”

Igor intended to take a quiet walk alone, but as always, Basil popped in like an unwanted insect. 

Igor’s face darkened as he looked at Basil.

“Don’t give me that face. I have a new piece of information. Surely you want it, Your Majesty? But first, be nice to your loyal servant.”

Igor ignored his last comment and asked, “Information?”

“I heard from the servants that the count was buried here.”

He looked at Basil. “The Count’s tomb is here?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Speaking of which, did he not bring in an illegitimate child into the estate only to have Lady Rihannan kick his father and his daughter out before journeying to Chrichton? In any case, the Count was buried next to his wife after death. It was what Lady Rihannan agreed to. She might have grown soft to him after his death.”

In the past, Rihannan could not let go of her family unaware of her father and half-sister’s lack of love… even going as far as to grant them all their selfish requests.

But what about now when she had realized all this? Why had she allowed him to be buried next to her mother? Was it pity or forgiveness?

We’re it him, he’d never forgive them in the past nor the present. Igor, too, unknowingly, and so many others, had caused her pain and anguish.

Igor shut his eyes tightly. He would never forget the demon inside him that was unleashed. The blood that soaked his hand… the sensation of bones breaking and flesh grinding… the shrill scream. He remembered those unforgettable days vividly. It was something no human should go through. Man should be righteous, but at that time, it was as if evil that had never existed awoke inside of him and controlled both his body and spirit.

And he had since lived a life of destruction and hatred till time turned back. Even he did not want her to know the evil that ran amok inside him after she passed away. Even he was ashamed, and now too… ashamed that he was deceiving her.

“I know you have a lot of thoughts going on, Your Majesty, but why don’t you see her? It might be more comforting to have someone by her side than to be alone.”

Igor turned his head at Basil’s remark.

“You should resolve the misunderstanding from the ship, Your Majesty. It might be awkward, but you should go. And take a flower with you. Women love flowers.”

“…..Does her mother like flowers?”