Furrowing his brows, he quipped, "I don't know what you're talking about."

I looked up at him to realize the corners of his mouth were slightly raised. He was definitely trying to get revenge for what happened earlier.

He then continued, admitting his jealousy. "Indeed, I was furious. I couldn't stand to see you with someone else."

Finally, I was able to accept my envy as well. Frankly, there was no reason why I wouldn't know what it felt like. The only explanation I was afraid to admit was because of what had happened with Mikhail—I didn't want to repeat the same mistakes, and such was why I wanted to wait until the death flag was taken off of me to give him an answer.

With such thoughts, I looked at Max. His gaze was directed toward me as well. We stood in silence, appreciating each other's presence for a moment.

"Jubelian," he eventually broke the stillness.

"Yes?"

"I want to get you a present."

'What is he talking about all of a sudden?' I wondered for a moment then realized why all of this had happened in the first place.

"It's a gift… I want to get something better and more expensive," I had heard him say. I didn't know why he was suddenly trying to give something, but I didn't dislike it. After all, no one had shown me such a gesture. Still, was it right to accept a present from him? I had yet to accept his confession. I glanced at him with these worries, to which he met my eyes. Realizing his patience was growing thin, I answered, "There was something I've been eyeing…"

"What is it?"

"A hairpin."

He reached out his hand toward me as soon as I finished speaking. "Let's go then."

Laughter bubbled up from inside me the moment I heard his words. There wasn't even a hint of hesitation in them. It was the complete opposite of when I had dated Mikhail—he had never chosen or cared for my gifts. Between us were only formal gifts picked out by our maids or servants.

Perhaps this was how it felt to be appreciated by someone. Enveloped in an unfamiliar feeling, I grabbed his hand. That was when he reminded me, "Anywhere is fine—just not Fyodor's workshop." I realized he must still be thinking that I had violated the contract. There was no reason why, but I wanted to resolve the misunderstanding.

"Ian Fyodor is just my business partner," I explained in haste.

"Business partner?" He narrowed his eyes.

"Yes. Once I come up with an idea for a product, he makes it into a sellable product. We have been collaborating for a while. My visit today was for this reason as well," I clarified. It sounded like I was making an excuse, but he nodded.

"I see," he affirmed, his expression rather sullen.

I was a little offended by his reaction, but I continued, "So, I was thinking we could…" I began, wishing to persuade him to shop at the workshop as I could get a discount.

"No," he cut me off adamantly. Perhaps I was too late.

In the end, my opinion was ignored, and I was forced to shop at another store.

* * *

I was feeling sorry for Ian for causing such a scene, but the guilty feelings had only lasted for a moment.

'Wow, these are beautiful,' I exclaimed inwardly at the delicate ornaments on display.

"You may try on the decorations," the clerk reminded me, to which I tried on the blue pin I had been looking at.

"How do I look?" I asked Max, but it was the clerk who answered.

"It looks lovely on you, ma'am!"