My Unrequited Love Is an Absolute Secret - Chapter 112

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Side Story Episode 7

The Huntington Couple could be excused, but I couldn’t fathom why Albert introduced her with such pride.
In any case, people’s attention was primarily focused on Albert.
It was only natural that attention gravitated toward him, still single, rather than toward Aemerus, who already had a fiancée.
“Now if Albert could just meet a good person. You said he just finished his military service, right?”
“Yes. But my body carries the aftermath of my injuries. I’m not sure who would accept someone like me.”
Whenever Albert gestured to his injured shoulder with a rueful expression, people couldn’t help but feel sympathetic.
Thanks to this, Aemerus, who had stepped back from the center of attention, clicked his tongue softly.
“My brother really does have a talent for handling people.”
“I heard he’s interested in politics?”
“Only if my brother could settle down somewhere.”
Harry nodded in agreement with his words.
Though she hadn’t known Albert for long, she had clearly grasped that his temperament was the complete opposite of Aemerus’s.
The way he was currently enjoying people’s attention made that abundantly clear.
“By the way, you two really do make a great couple. How did you two meet?”
Harry, asked the question, looked up at Aemerus standing beside her and smiled softly.
“We met at school. We graduated from the same High School.”
“I fell for her at first sight.”
“My goodness.”
The attention that had been focused on Albert dispersed toward them.
It seemed that love stories had a way of capturing people’s interest.
“I wish Aemerus had shown his affection for me a bit earlier.”
“If he had, you would have run far away from me.”
“That’s something we’ll never know.”
Harry laughed, scrunching her nose slightly.
Aemerus, his arm wrapped around her waist, laughed along with her.
Someone watching the youthful couple with warmth asked an additional question.
“Are you two going to the same university?”
“No, unfortunately not.”
At Harry’s answer, everyone sighed softly.
Most of those present had experienced breaking up with their high school sweethearts once they became university students.
‘They must think the Huntington Couple were too hasty.’
To be honest, Harry somewhat agreed, but she didn’t let it show.
“I’m trying to think positively about it. I actually spent some time living in Korea before, and long-distance dating between Korea and the United States is much harder than staying in the same country. At least we’re both in the United States.”
“That’s true.”
“She’s got a point.”
As people expressed agreement with Harry’s words, Aemerus drove home the final point.
“I heard Mr. and Mrs. Price met in high school and married. We’d be thrilled if we could become like them.”
Mr. and Mrs. Price were the perfect example of high school sweethearts.
The moment the name of this beautiful mansion’s owner was mentioned, everyone’s faces lit up in agreement.
“If you’re certain about each other, it’s far better than testing the waters with this person and that person.”
At someone’s remark, Albert made a playful grimace.
“I didn’t say anything, so why are you attacking me?”
“Why? Does it sting?”
“Learn from your younger brother instead.”
The crowd burst into laughter.
While attention shifted back to Albert, Harry whispered to Aemerus.
“Did you prepare that line in advance?”
At her question, Aemerus shrugged.
“I need ammunition ready for when you try to break up with me later.”
“What?”
Harry was shaking her head with an exasperated expression when—
“Mr. Williams!”
James called out with genuine delight.
It seemed the renowned Williams had been invited to this gathering as well.
“No wonder he firmly turned away the Morgan Couple.”
“Huh?”
“Williams and the Morgans are at odds with each other.”
“What? How did that even happen…?”
Was Williams also a donor to the Morgan Foundation?
Aemerus was about to explain to the bewildered Harry, but James gestured to them first.
“You’ve met my son Aemerus before, haven’t you? This is my eldest son.”
“Ah, the one who was discharged recently…?”
“Albert Huntington.”
Mr. Williams shook hands with Albert.
Next came the turn to introduce Harry.
“And this young lady is Aemerus’s fiancée, Harry.”
“What a beautiful young lady. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The pleasure is mine.”
Even after shaking hands with Harry, Mr. Williams continued to regard her.
“You appear to be around the same age as my youngest nephew. I wish I’d brought him along—he could have made a good friend.”
“Are you referring to Blake?”
“Yes. That fellow is fortunately traveling through Europe with his girlfriend at the moment.”
Yet Mr. Williams’s expression held no reproach toward his nephew.
“Perhaps he’s missed the chance to make a wonderful friend today. What a shame.”
“We could arrange another gathering sometime.”
“That would be splendid.”
Even as an adult, I never expected that grown-ups would arrange playmates for me.
‘Is this going well?’
Judging by the reactions around me, it seemed to be.
“My son plays ice hockey as well. If it’s not too much trouble, would it be possible to ask Aemerus for some advice? I think it would be a valuable lesson for him.”
“Please don’t feel burdened—come have a meal with your fiancée sometime.”
After Williams, others began extending invitations to us as well.
‘I’m not sure if I made a good impression on the Price couple, but at least Mr. Williams seems to view me favorably.’
It was while Harry was quietly feeling pleased about this.
“The presentation will begin shortly, so we ask all our distinguished guests to please take your seats.”
The emcee’s voice echoed through the microphone.
“We can continue our conversation later.”
“Of course.”
Everyone found their seats, promising to resume their conversations afterward.
“Shall we take our seats as well?”
“Yes.”
Harry sat down at the round table with the Huntington Family.
As the hall settled, uniformed staff began serving beverages.
‘I was thirsty—this is perfect.’
I hadn’t spoken much, yet my throat had grown dry.
As I took a light sip of non-alcoholic mojito, Mr. and Mrs. Price and their children appeared.
After receiving a kiss on the cheek from her husband, Mrs. Price stood alone before the microphone.
Since the welfare foundation operated entirely under Mrs. Price’s name, her husband remained seated with their children to show his support.
“I extend my gratitude to all of you for taking precious time to attend.”
The formal presentation began.
Harry, who had been sitting with her back straight and focusing intently on Mrs. Price’s words, relaxed when she noticed Albert enjoying refreshments beside her.
Glancing around, everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves comfortably, so Harry quietly joined in as well.
“…!”
Harry’s eyes widened as she took a bite of the financier.
Wasn’t the financier the simplest of the desserts?
Yet the flavor was shockingly exquisite, completely defying her expectations.
Harry quietly tugged at Aemerus’s sleeve.
“Aemerus.”
“Hmm?”
“Thank you so much for inviting me here.”
Aemerus tilted his head in confusion, then smiled when he noticed a small crumb of pastry at the corner of Harry’s mouth.
“The meal later will be even more delicious.”
The tenderness in his words as he gently brushed away the crumb made my heart flutter.
Harry’s eyes sparkled as she turned her attention back to Mrs. Price’s presentation.
She was briefly outlining how much the foundation’s donations had increased compared to last year and where those funds had been allocated.
It appeared the funds were primarily used for children and young people.
“This year marks a special milestone—thirty years since this generous donor began supporting our foundation.”
Harry gazed at the honoree receiving the merit award from Mrs. Price, filled with admiration.
Thirty years—far longer than the entire span of my own life.
The recipient took the microphone from Mrs. Price and shared their remarks.
“Hello, I’m Adele Robinson. It’s been thirty years since I lost my son.”
The scattered applause that had been offered out of habit ceased entirely, and silence fell over the room.
“After losing my young son to a brain tumor, I lived as though I were already dead. Then one day, I happened to hear Mrs. Price on the radio.”
“She was my mother-in-law.”
Mrs. Price interjected to clarify the confusion for the audience.
Adele nodded in confirmation and continued with her remarks.
“Mrs. Price spoke about accepting donations for sick children who couldn’t afford treatment. That’s when it struck me—though my son was gone, perhaps I could help save another child’s life.”
Adele gazed down at the merit award cradled in her arms, a sad smile crossing her face.
“I was grateful to discover that I still had a purpose in this world. Thanks to receiving this award today, I’ll have something to be proud of when I see my son again. Thank you.”
Adele’s heartfelt words touched Harry far more deeply than the staggering donation figures mentioned earlier.
As applause erupted, Adele embraced Mrs. Price and exited the stage.
Mrs. Price took the microphone again to conclude the ceremony.
“Perhaps helping others is, in truth, a way of helping ourselves. The Price Welfare Foundation will continue to earnestly contemplate what charity truly means and seek answers to that question.”
Following the merit award presentation, the performance began.
As music filled the hall, Aemerus rose from his seat and extended his hand to Harry.
“Harry, it’s time to dance.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————