Standard Contract Guidelines for a Fraudulent Marriage - Chapter 65

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 65

Adelia’s fingers drifted across the spot where his lips had touched her, her thoughts spiraling deeper with each passing second.

‘No one’s watching here, but if he keeps doing this kind of skinship…’

I might become frivolous.

I might start wanting it every day.

‘I can’t become someone so shameless.’

Her cheeks burning, Adelia tried to ease away from Loerston.

But sensing her retreat, Loerston caught her hand firmly.

“Where are you going? I’m sorry—did you not like it?”
“N-no, it’s not that I disliked it.”
“Then what?”

What could she possibly say? Adelia’s head was spinning.

If you keep doing this, I’ll become a frivolous woman. Please stop.

‘No… that’s not it. What would he think of me then? This is all part of the contract. If he’s just trying to help me get accustomed to it…’

The thought of his confusion made her want to crawl into a mouse hole on the spot.

After hemming and hawing, Adelia carefully withdrew her hand and spoke.

“W-we had that clause in our contract, remember? The one about…”
“Inappropriate physical contact is forbidden?”
“Y-yes. That one.”

Had the wording really been that absolute? Adelia tried to recall the exact terms, but her mind wouldn’t cooperate.

As she fumbled for words, Loerston’s expression dimmed slightly. His long lashes lowered, casting a melancholy shadow across his face.

The thought that perhaps Adelia might feel the same way too—he realized now that it had been nothing but his own delusion.

Or rather, he didn’t want to accept it.

‘But I hate that Adelia finds me uncomfortable. I’ve only just opened my heart fully to her. I can’t go backward now.’

Loerston reflected on this.

He studied her carefully, then smiled softly and spoke.

“Understood. Then what if we skip the skinship when we’re alone?”
“Huh? Oh, um…”

Adelia’s eyes wavered slightly.

Watching her hesitate, a small spark of hope ignited in Loerston’s chest once more.

He knew full well that if she truly disliked it, she would have answered “yes” without a moment’s delay—such was her nature.

‘It’s yours to decide, Adelia.’

In his mind, Loerston slowly opened his hand, then closed it again. Adelia was halfway inside his grasp.

‘Come in a little more. Come deeper.’

Suppressing the tremor that threatened to betray him, Loerston waited calmly for her answer.

He’d never been more grateful that thoughts could be hidden.

Finally, after much deliberation, Adelia spoke hesitantly.

“If we don’t do it at all… well, um. I’m worried that later, when we might need to, it’ll feel awkward again…”

The Loerston in his mind smiled with triumph, then retreated back into shadow.

Not yet. He hadn’t fully claimed her heart.

The silence that followed left Adelia in turmoil.

Lost in confusion that made her head spin, she felt Loerston gently take her fluttering hand.

“Just be honest with me. Contract or not, we’re husband and wife until it ends, aren’t we?”
“I, I suppose so? It does seem that way…”

This time, Adelia didn’t pull her hand away. Loerston considered that half a victory already.

Chewing her lip, Adelia spoke.

“Then, um, what if we… ask permission first when we practice? Would that work?”
“You mean I should ask if I can kiss you?”

Both of Adelia’s cheeks flushed like apples. Was that really what she wanted? Just a warning beforehand?

‘Then wouldn’t that be the same as right now? Ugh, I don’t know!’

The thought of losing skinship with Loerston entirely made her recoil. If she had to sit beside him without being able to touch him, her chest felt suffocated just thinking about it.

So wasn’t this the only option left?

“So… y-yes, that’s right.”

Adelia nodded.

Loerston gave a low chuckle and pulled her close. Her small, light frame felt as fragile as a feather.

“Then can I kiss you now?”
“Eh? R-right now? So suddenly?”
“We’re not scheduling practice sessions. What’s the difference?”
“I, I suppose that’s true.”
“So I can do it now, can’t I?”

Adelia’s eyes rolled with confusion before she cautiously closed them.

That small gesture felt like permission. Loerston felt an urge he could barely contain.

He drew her shoulders close and softly pressed his lips against hers.

By now she’d grown accustomed enough that when he gently nipped her lower lip, she didn’t flinch or jump.

Two lips, faintly moist, met and parted repeatedly with a soft, wet sound.

Then, as Adelia’s lips parted slightly, Loerston’s smooth tongue brushed against her teeth.

‘…?!’

Startled, Adelia’s eyes flew open before snapping shut again.

The embarrassment of seeing his face so close was unbearable.

She was grateful his eyes were closed. If he’d been watching, she couldn’t have endured it.

“Mm…”

Loerston soothed her tense lips with a tender touch.

Then, when their soft tongue tips finally met, Adelia felt a thrilling sensation ripple through her entire body.

But before she could understand what it was, Loerston pulled back and released her lips.

Adelia nearly let out a small, disappointed sound, but she pressed her lips firmly closed instead.

Good heavens, what was I about to do?!

“How was it?”
“W-what…?”

Loerston kept his gaze on Adelia’s still-moist lips as he spoke.

“Did you dislike it?”
“Oh, n-no. I didn’t dislike it… I was just startled.”
“I see.”

He smiled warmly and stroked her hair. Then he leaned in and placed another gentle kiss on her flushed cheek.

“I wanted to show you there are different kinds of kisses.”
“Oh… I see. So that’s what you were doing…”

Innocent thing. Loerston had to fight back a laugh that threatened to burst out.

She’s adorable. How much more would he need to claim this lovely woman entirely?

Money? No. Adelia wasn’t the type to fall for such things.

A research laboratory? That wasn’t it either. No material offering could win Adelia’s heart. Of course not.

‘Then there’s nothing for it but to do this slowly… gradually make her grow accustomed to me.’

It would be a long journey, Loerston thought.

Though kisses alone wouldn’t be enough for that.

“S-senior, what are you thinking about?”
“Hmm? Oh, there’s a night market around here. I was wondering if you might enjoy the sorts of things you’d find there.”
“I d-do like that sort of thing! I like it a lot!”

Adelia perked up with genuine delight.

Though he’d already guessed as much from her nature, Loerston played along smoothly.

“Really? Then we’re in luck. Shall we go to the night market later? Actually, why don’t we have dinner there too? There should be some outdoor seating. Have you ever eaten at a place like that before?”
“Never! Not even once. You’re really promising, right?”
“Of course I promise.”

Adelia’s shoulders bounced with excitement. The sight was devastatingly endearing.

Loerston’s heart stirred and his body tensed, but he maintained his composure and exercised restraint.

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