Chapter 2076
Hearing the name Leopold made Thalassa's steps falter, her body tensing almost imperceptibly.
After a brief pause, she managed to compose herself, turned back to Lysander with a smile, and said, "The movie today was really good, wasn't it?" As she spoke, she unconsciously tightened her grip on Lysander's hand.
Her attempt to change the subject didn't go unnoticed by Lysander. Her lips, still flushed from their recent passionate kiss, and her eyes, shimmering like the crisp autumn lakes, refused to meet his gaze, darting around instead.
Lysander affectionately tousled her hair, saying in a soothing tone, "Don't be so nervous, I was just asking; no hidden meanings."
Indeed, Thalassa was nervous because the name Leopold was a taboo between them.
From past experience, mentioning it always seemed to stir up a storm.
So, when Lysander had brought up Leopold's name, Thalassa's heart had instinctively clenched.
Yet, Lysander's calming words allowed her heart to relax slightly.
Looking into Lysander's eyes, Thalassa opened her mouth, intending to bring up Leopold, but Lysander's gaze was so intense, so focused, it felt overwhelmingly oppressive.
The words she had wanted to say were swallowed back down, crushed by the weight of Lysander's presence.
But Lysander's prating, intense stare remained fixed on her.
Thalassa knew that once this conversation had started, Lysander wouldn't allow it to end ambiguously.
He was waiting for her to speak.
Taking a deep breath and summoning all her courage, Thalassa finally spoke under Lysander's expectant gaze, "Yes, I once watched a movie with Leopold, and we even stayed till the theater closed. But don't worry, nothing happened between us."
No sooner had she finished
speaking than Thalassa hurried to clarify, anxious that Lysander might misunderstand. She insisted that her relationship with Leopold was purely platonic; nothing physical had ever occurred. S
Her explanation was so rushed and nervous it actually made Lysander laugh. He smiled, gently placing his hand on her head, his thumb softly brushing her hair.
"I believe you," Lysander said.
Thalassa's heart skipped a beat. His simple statement of trust filled her with confidence and self-assurance.
Her gaze towards him softened, becoming more affectionate.
Lysander's unconditional trust meant more to her than any sweet nothings.
"The day before yesterday, I visited Leopold's grave," she confessed, bolstered by Lysander's trust. She had previously lacked the courage to tell Lysander about her solitary visit to the grave.
She had always thought of Leopold as a minefield between them, one wrong step away from explosion.
She had neither the courage nor the audacity to tell Lysander she had visited Leopold alone.
But now, she had found her bravery.This content © Nôv/elDr(a)m/a.Org.
"Did you go to tell him about our wedding?" Lysander asked, removing his hand from her head to intertwine their fingers, walking side by side with her.
He didn't question why Thalassa had kept her visit a secret; instead, he gently inquired about her reasons for seeing him.
This understanding and gentle version of Lysander made Thalassa feel at ease.
Ever since Lysander had recovered from his coma, ever since he had learned the whole truth, he had never again resorted to harsh or extreme measures with her.
Before, any mention of Leopold would inevitably lead to Lysander's anger, a cold, frostbitten rage awaiting her.