How a Villain Defies Destiny Chapter 123

From the moment I woke up, the first thing I did was check my physical condition.

 

‘Then, I asked Yves how long I had been unconscious and where we were.’

 

Though I was slightly surprised to learn I had been asleep for a week—something completely unexpected—all things considered, it wasn’t too bad given the time distortion of traveling between spaces.

 

If things had gone wrong, a whole year or even a decade could have slipped by.

 

‘I did feel uneasy when I first opened my eyes in an unfamiliar room, but realizing Yves was beside me quickly put me at ease.’

 

After thoroughly assessing the situation in my mind and confirming there were no immediate issues, I moved on to the next question.

 

“So, in other words, from my perspective, I absolutely wasn’t prioritizing others over myself.”

 

I had earnestly laid out my stance and reasoning, but the frown on Yves’ brow showed no sign of easing.

 

“Just now, you couldn’t even keep your balance and nearly collapsed.”

 

“Wasn’t that just because you hadn’t moved for a week and suddenly tried to?”

 

“That’s possible. But it’s also possible that wasn’t the case. Even if you feel fine now, something could go wrong suddenly.”

 

From Yves’ perspective, it must have seemed like I—still groggy and barely conscious—had carelessly declared myself fine without properly checking.

 

Of course, I truly was fine, so I immediately wanted to argue otherwise.

 

“I’m…”

 

But a sudden thought stopped me from finishing.

 

If our positions were reversed, I probably would have reacted the same way Yves did.

 

‘Well, if it were me, I’d have desperately tried to stop Yves too if he—after being unconscious for a week—insisted he was fine and tried to get up.’

 

Until I could be examined by a specialist, I probably wouldn’t be completely at ease.

 

Once my thoughts reached that point, I decided not to be stubborn any longer. If Huluppu’s divine power had fully returned, there wouldn’t be any immediate emergencies, so I judged it wouldn’t be too late to check on the situation after reassuring Yves properly.

 

“Alright. For now, I think everything seems fine, but I’ll still get examined by a doctor.”

 

I thought Yves would be pleased if I yielded, but instead, his expression darkened further.

 

Then, as if he had something to say, his lips twitched before he abruptly lowered his head. It was a reaction I couldn’t quite decipher.

 

‘Why is he acting like this again?’

 

I subtly propped myself up while watching his demeanor.

 

Earlier, it had been difficult because I’d suddenly tried to move after lying down for so long, but this time, I managed to sit up easily.

 

Still, having gone a week without eating, I had no strength, so I leaned against the headboard—but at least it made talking to Yves more comfortable.

 

With a soft sigh, I carefully spoke to Yves, who was still avoiding my gaze.

 

“Did I… perhaps upset you?”

 

Pursing his lips, he only shook his head in response instead of answering.

 

“Or is there something you’re dissatisfied with about me?”

 

“…”

 

Unexpectedly, this time, he gave no reaction at all.

 

As if silently agreeing. I hadn’t anticipated that Yves, who had been genuinely worried about me just moments ago, would suddenly express dissatisfaction, so I was a little taken aback. , 

 

Still, I decided to ask for his thoughts first.

 

“Well… um, if something’s been bothering you, don’t hold back—just tell me openly.”

 

Whatever grievances Yves had toward me, I thought it’s best to resolve them quickly before they grew into a bigger misunderstanding.

 

After hesitating for a long while, he finally spoke slowly, “…I dislike how you always say you’re fine, even though you don’t understand my feelings.”

 

I never expected the word ‘dislike’ to come from Yves’ mouth, and in my shock, I choked.

 

“Oh dear, I’ll call a doctor right away.”

 

“Cough… no, no. Just—just give me a moment.”

 

I hastily grabbed Yves’ sleeve, as if he might bolt away any second, and said, “It’s just that I breathed wrong.”

 

“Are you sure?”

 

Under his worried gaze, I felt pressured and averted my eyes unnaturally before replying.

 

“Yes. I’m really not hurt or anything… I was just surprised because you said you disliked me.”

 

Belatedly realizing how his words could be misinterpreted, Yves began to ramble in a fluster.

 

“That’s wrong! I didn’t mean I dislike you at all. It’s just that—it’s frustrating when you don’t recognize how much I worry about you…”

 

But his desperate defense didn’t register in my ears at all. It was because the sight of Yves, frantically denying and fidgeting as if about to jump out of his skin, was too endearing.

 

Without thinking, I nearly blurted out, “You’re cute,” but I forced the words back down my throat.

 

Right now, comforting Yves, who was watching me with a grave expression, came first.

 

“I didn’t misunderstand. You were just upset and disappointed because I act like nothing’s wrong even when I’m struggling, right?”

 

To prove I hadn’t twisted his words, I first interpreted the meaning behind his complaint.

 

At that, Yves—who had been stumbling over his excuses with an extremely troubled expression just moments ago—answered in a calmer tone.

 

“It’s a little different.”

 

“How so?”

 

I asked again with a soft smile, ready to listen to any of his grievances, but Yves fell silent once more.

 

“…”

 

Now that the tangled emotions in my heart had settled, it felt awkward to bring up complaints again.

 

That said, I had no intention of letting things stay vague.

 

“I hope misunderstandings or conflicts don’t arise between us if possible.”

 

“I feel the same way.”

 

“I’m glad we’re on the same page. So, Yves Leblanc, tell me what’s really on your mind. If you don’t say it, I won’t be able to understand anything.”

 

Perhaps the persuasion worked—after a brief hesitation, Yves began to share what had been weighing on him.

 

“I’m afraid of you losing consciousness.”

 

It was unexpected.

 

I had assumed he would criticize me for lacking caution or express disappointment that I didn’t rely on him more.

 

“But it’s less like losing consciousness and more like simply falling asleep. My eyes are closed, but I’m still breathing, and my heart is still beating.” I said it to reassure him, but Yves’ face remained pale.

 

“I know you’re alive, but when you wake up…”

 

His voice trailed off, and I couldn’t bring myself to press him further. His eyes were slowly reddening, as if overwhelmed by emotion, leaving me unable to say anything.

 

So I stayed silent, waiting for him to continue—until he spoke words I never anticipated.

 

“…I’m scared that you might revert to the former Laura Laurus.”

 

For a moment, I doubted my ears.

 

The statement was far too loaded to dismiss lightly.

 

Meanwhile, Yves, oblivious to my stunned expression, continued, “That I might never see you again… That’s what terrifies me.”

 

There was an underlying nuance, as if he saw the original Laura and me as separate.

 

“What do you mean—”

 

Startled, I wanted to ask, but the question died in my throat.

 

A teardrop, lingering at the corner of Yves’ eye, had finally fallen.

 

💫

 

“I once thought about making Yves cry, but that didn’t mean I actually wanted to sadden him.”

 

Setting aside all my doubts, I started by apologizing.

 

“I’m sorry.”

 

Pressing the sleeve against the corners of his eyes to wipe away the lingering moisture that hadn’t yet fallen.

 

“…”

 

Yves simply stared down at me, wordless.

 

Normally, such a gaze would have felt burdensome, but something told me I shouldn’t look away. So I met his silver eyes calmly and wiped the remaining wetness from his cheeks.

 

“I…”

 

I opened my mouth to say something to comfort him, but closed it again.

 

Facing Yves’ unwavering, direct gaze made my chest tighten strangely.

 

‘This is weird.’

 

I felt odd. I already liked Yves—that much was certain. But for some reason, an indescribable sensation was swelling uncontrollably from deep inside my chest.

 

‘Is this what it feels like for emotions to deepen?’

 

I’d been fond of him from the start.

 

A stunning beauty, one-of-a-kind enough to make anyone’s eyes widen, and the personality described in the game—along with the real Yves I’d come to know—was incredibly captivating.

 

That’s why I’d been the one to confess first.

 

‘But now, it’s like…’

 

They say that love, like soaking in a drizzle, often happens without you even realizing when you started falling for someone. But for me, it was the opposite.

 

Right now, in this very moment, I was falling for Yves all over again.

 

‘No—not just falling. It’s closer to… the moment you decide you want to marry someone.’