[TIDK] 79 – Anxiety Attack

Scarlett’s body trembled violently. Her breathing and heart rate accelerated, as she struggled to calm down. A lump lodged in her throat and she had difficulty stopping the tears from swelling.

Viktor pulled her closer, as her shoulders shook. He rubbed them, and for once, his expressionless face cracked a bit.

He circled her wrist and brought her watch close to Scarlett’s face. “Tell me. What time is it?”

Then Scarlett looked at the watch. Her gaze followed the slow movement of the second hand. 

It rotated, ever so constant.

Viktor, who turned her attention to the watch, continued.

“Think about the steps in watch making.” He spoke slowly, circling his thumb over her hand.

“The steps...” Scarlett muttered, absentmindedly. 

There was silence.

Soon the doctor came running, but Viktor gestured to him to leave.

Once again, the two of them remained in the bedroom. Scarlett looked at her watch. She blinked and began to recount the steps in the crafting process.

“To start with, I’ll have to buy silver and...” her voice faded.

“Silver, oh? Hm, from where?” Viktor chuckled.

His humour helped Scarlett’s shivering subdue.

“I’ll order the main plates from the factory,” she muttered.

Viktor looked at her quietly, and Scarlett continued, her voice still somewhat unstable.

“And the mainspring barrel goes in... Oh, before that, I need to purchase jewellery. But it’s difficult to negotiate. Mrs Paradis’ store is associated with a risky* organisation.”

*can also be translated as dangerous

“If it’s Mrs Paradis, I suppose so,” Viktor agreed.

“Is that so?”

As if she had heard something dangerous, Scarlett opened her eyes wide and looked up. Viktor, making eye contact, bowed his head a little and spoke softly.

“I guess you’re feeling better now,” he smiled.

“...Ah.”

Scarlett nodded, feeling it easier to breathe.

Moments prior, anxiety had constricted her. Her chest felt heavy and she couldn’t breathe. But the distraction provided by concentrating on something else, eased the suffocating feeling from her.

“I’ll send the guests back, so stay here,” Viktor said. 

“I'll come with you,” Scarlett said, trying to rise. She attempted to lift herself when she found her dress was torn; she wrapped herself in a blanket.

Viktor took off his jacket and covered her. “You don’t have to.”

“No, it’s weird. I’ve never seen him before.” 

“...”

Viktor seemed uncomfortable, but he could not stop her. 

“Alright, but take your time,” he finally said.

“Thank you.”

At her smile, Viktor turned around and left the bedroom without answering.

After he left, Scarlett changed her dress first. Then she sat in bed for a while and thought.

She couldn’t understand his actions and his thought process at all. The frustration rather made her want to go to the drawing room again.

No one in the world believed her, but Scarlett really couldn’t remember when she was questioned at the Royal Police. She wanted to know what happened in the meantime. And perhaps this man was there that day.

-In the week she betrayed Viktor Dumfelt.

♔♔♔

Nina, who was left in the drawing room, complained.

“If she wanted to get her husband’s attention, it was a success. Don’t you think so?”

When she said that, Hughan frowned.

Nina became serious, noticing his expression.

“What’s your relationship with her?” 

“What are you talking about? I have nothing to do with it.”

“You have no relation to her, yet you’re suddenly freaking out? It doesn’t make sense.”

“I’m telling you, I have no idea why,” Hughan replied nonchalantly. “Must be my mistress in my past life then.” 

Nina shook her head bored by his reply.

After a while, Viktor returned to where the siblings waited.

“How’s Miss Scarlett?” Hughan said, standing.

“She’s fine.”

Viktor replied and sat down again. Then he crossed his legs and took a sip of tea and continued.

“She said she’d be back soon.”

At that, Hughan said with a grin.

“If there’s a misunderstanding, I’d really like to resolve it. It’s really my first time seeing Miss Scarlett.”

“It’s none of your business. Scarlett said the same thing.” 

“Oh, I see.”

Hughan smiled again as if he was relieved. Nina said, staring at Viktor’s face.

“It’s fascinating. You’re getting along well even after your divorce.” 

“I can’t let a woman fall all of a sudden.”

As he spoke, Scarlett, who had changed her dress, soon returned. This time, she looked much more comfortable than before. But Scarlett’s pallor remained and her hands still shook.

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