[TKOSINM] 110 - No One Can Hurt You

“You’re my daughter! We’re family!” Count Chase exclaimed. “Father said so out of disappointment, do you have to fault us? If you’re a family member, shouldn’t you at least try to understand?” he said disappointedly.

“Father, you speak from disappointment, which means you do not care an ounce about me at all. You are only trying to get me to compensate for your disappointment. If being family means a relationship where I am hurt easily, then I’m sorry. I don’t know if you’re apologetic, but I think I can be part of your family.”

Irene deeply bowed her head. When she raised her head again, she looked at him as if he were a stranger. She stared straight at the two. “Please go back.”

“Irene!”

“No matter what kind of count you are, this behaviour is unacceptable. If you don’t go, don’t blame me.” Noel interjected forcefully, as the count shouted and refused to budge. 

Count Chase glared at Noel indignantly and clenched his fists. Noel was serious. It seemed as if the two were battling with the tenseness of the atmosphere. The Count, defeated, took his wife and staggered away, because he refused to be dragged out. Walking a few steps up to Irene before he left, he gritted his teeth and spoke, “what a mistake you’ve made. You’ll find out later and regret it, Irene.” 

With that last warning, the duo turned away and walked out of the mansion.

“Irene.”

As Irene stared at the hallway where the two left, Noel called her name. She raised her head to look at him, then spoke apologetically.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have caused such a fuss.”

“Irene, don't be sorry. Let’s go back to the room first. Can you walk?”

“Yes, I’m fine.” she smiled softly.

The two entered Irene’s room which was nearby, and Noel ordered Louiselle to make sure the two had left before he sat her down and prepared a light tea.

“It will soothe your stomach.”

“...thank you.”

Irene sipped the tea Noel had brewed, and as he said, the warmth passed down her pipe to her stomach, calming her. In fact, she was calmer than she expected. Noel sat across from her and looked at her gently. No words were exchanged. She rolled her tongue over the warm, slightly sweet, fragrant water, and gathered her thoughts. She wanted to savour this stillness for a moment. After a while, Louiselle still had yet to return. Perhaps she was far away, quietly guarding Irene. 

The bottom of the teacup was exposed but Irene still held the cup. She exhaled hot breath.

“Do I have to accept them and be hurt, just because I am family?” she was genuinely wondering.

Could it be that she was a special exemption? Everyone else accepted it, but was she the only one who could not be a bystander to the abuse? Rather than a question to Noel, Irene was more asking herself.

“Well, neither do I know.” Noel said, taking the cup from her hands and refilling it. Her hands, which were cooled from the empty teacup, began to warm again.

“But if I were Irene’s family, I would never hurt you. I wouldn’t let you get hurt either.”

Hearing his heart-warming and caring words, Irene laughed softly.

As he spoke, she raised her head.

“Stop…”

But she was cut short. Because Noel reached out and gently stroked her hair. It was a very careful, small gesture. As if he were caressing a child. But the intimacy was clear -- he cared for her.

“Don’t be hurt anymore.”

“...”

“I’m not saying be strong. Just don’t be hurt by what others say. Because you are the greatest, most wonderful person I have met. There isn’t a soul in this world who is allowed to hurt you.”

“...”

“But if it’s really hard, come to me then. I’ll tell you how amazing of a person you are and wash away your hurt.” Noel spoke sincerely, his expression serious.

Bathump. Bathump.

Face to face, Irene felt like her heart would explode. Could he hear it? Was it too loud? The heartbeat in her neck was like drums in her ear. She trembled and strands of her hair fell down her shoulder. She did not realise until today, for the first time being in his presence could be so nerve-wracking. Every part his fingers caressed, tickled, and doubled in sensitivity. She hesitated, not knowing what to say, dry lips barely agape.

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