Chapter 37

"I'll bring you some sweets, Camellia."

Did he just call me Camellia?

Lia couldn't believe her ears. Claude leaned down, his lips brushing against the side of her face. To any passersby, he was a gentleman giving his lady a peck on the cheek.

"It's just a name I made up," he whispered. "Wait here. They'll come to you. Please… be careful."

Her cheeks flushed as she tried with all her might to keep her eyes focused on the corner of a bench next to her. Claude straightened himself and looked down at Lia, who sat frozen with her trembling hands clutching her parasol.

Is it mere courtesy for noblemen to be cordial even to those they hate? Or is he testing me, to see if I'm actually a woman? Just what exactly is he trying to confirm?

Claude walked across the park at a leisurely pace and stepped into the colorful dessert shop, startling the other customers. Lia could see him standing in front of the counter, carefully selecting cookies and caramels.