Chapter [NaN] |
Side Story Episode 6: Whose Dreams?
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The intersection of seasons where the days have begun to get shorter. Alan returned to the mansion before the sun completely set. The sunset, first golden and then slowly burning red like a flame, feels like a carpet across Flynn’s garden.
Just after Alan took a light shower, he entered the dining hall. His flawless skin and jet-black hair were slightly moist. He gave her a bouquet of fresh white roses that he had bought on his way home from work and gently kissed her cheek. He had a refreshing rose scent.
A small dining table for two that does not match the grand dining hall. Flowers were placed in a milky white vase placed on top.
When the two of them finally sat down in front of the simple dinner table that Melissa had prepared with her own hands, she parted her lips.
“I have something to tell you, Alan.”
“Ah, I heard a nice guest came by.”
Is that it? Alan added softly, holding the knife. The shimmering light of the candle scattered brilliant gold dust on his forehead, eyelashes, and his long, graceful fingers.
“Why don’t she stay when there are so many vacancies?”
“That’s what I’m saying…….”
He asked, slicing the turkey meat into bite-size pieces with skillful hands.
“What did you talk about?”
“Well, just a story of life and…… Our childhood story.”
Melissa’s cheeks, which seemed to be happy just thinking about the day’s events, glowed as freshly as apples in golden glow.
“Really? What’s next?”
Alan, who smiled happily at her face, exchanged his plate with her and asked back.
“Was it about husbands?”
“Oh, of course.”
Melissa smiled sheepishly, her eyes narrowing. Alan watched her, his chin resting on his hand at an angle, as if he were gazing at an exquisite piece of art.
“I hope you weren’t so caught up in gossiping that you lost track of time, dear.”
“Gossip? I was only bragging…! Well, actually, we talked more about the kids than our husbands. Do you remember Marty and Emma?”
“Yes, little ones.”
Then Melissa put her hands together.
“There’s Emma, she cries all night without Viola. That little baby has such a nice voice! Mr. Brickhouse is going to have a hard time. Oh, and the first one, Marty, made me…”
The moment she turned her gaze back to Alan, who had been talking a lot while rolling her eyes here and there, their gazes locked tightly.
This wasn’t what she wanted to talk about here today, but if it’s something she needs to talk about someday, she can’t do it now….
“Alan, we…..”
“Say it, Melissa.”
Deep, still eyes contained only her. Repeatedly turning to ice-cold colors, sun-like gold, and pale blue-grey.
Alan and she are a couple, so there’s no reason why they can’t talk about the story of their child. Melissa moved her lips with that thought.
“Alan, by any chance you want to have a child…….”
“…….”
In that era, it was common to start preparing for pregnancy immediately after marriage. It was rare for couples to deliberately extend their honeymoon phase, and society didn’t view that as romantic. Unless it was an excuse for couples who couldn’t conceive as planned.
“……Ah.”
Suddenly Melissa closed her lips.
Why hadn’t I thought of that? My own mother had gone through a very difficult and lengthy process before conceiving me.
The fact that the Collinses didn’t have a second child was never by their own choice.
‘Are you intentionally not having it?’
‘I found out too late that I had a child.’
Why do Viola’s calm words only make her feel dizzy now?
As her slender fingers trembled slightly, a faint shadow drifted across her pure white neck. The fearful thought that perhaps it was because of her that she was not having children enveloped her like a thick fog.
“What fairytale-like imagination have you fallen into again?”
At that time, Alan’s large hand came across the table. Melissa, with her sparkling eyes, placed her trembling hand on the palm held out to her, and the back of her small hand was immediately wrapped around it. It was the most cozy warmth
“Do you want to have a child?”
“I…… I was curious about what Alan was thinking, but more than that…”
“More than that?”
“Are we not going to have children?”
At those words, Alan gave a little strength to their joined hands.
“Were you worried about that?”
“Mom said it took years to have me…Maybe I’m just like my mother?”
It’s okay if the child comes a little late. But what if the child doesn’t come when he and she decide to have a child?
If she thought about it, the child could have come to her at least once as if it were a mistake or as a miracle. As she thought about the countless nights she spent with him, her anxiety deepened.
“I heard that last time too. You came to this world with difficulty…..You were a precious baby.”
“Alan, but we…..”
“I was careful.”
Melissa stopped breathing at those soft words. The transparent brown eyes were still rippling like waves.
“There are days when I can’t do that, but most of the time, that is, on days when I’m sane…”
It’s hard to feel sane while holding you, though. Alan laughed like the wind.
“Are you worried about having children? Are you saying you avoided it on purpose?”
“Yes.”
That concise answer filled her heart with inexplicable comfort.
Of course, his words do not provide an absolute answer. She had already shared countless nights with him making love to her. Like distant stars.
But more than that, she was very concerned about Alan, who strangely seemed to not want children.
“Why…?”
“Because I didn’t need a child.”
The answer that came back was concise. Alan whispered in a languid tone to his wife, who pursed her lips with her puzzled eyes.
“I told you, all I need in my life is you. It’s already perfect, so there’s no need to add anything more.”
“….”
“I want to see you as a mother, but I hate the pain you have to go through. You are so small…Because you are so soft.”
His smooth eyebrows furrowed slightly. The bright light created a thin shadow below. It looked so wonderful that she forgot what she said.
“To be more honest, I hate having to share your interests.”
“…”
“I’m sorry if you’re disappointed because of this, but you don’t have to have children. Of course, a child who looks like you would have everything, even my world…shit.”
“I’m sorry,” Alan added softly, took a sip of water, and continued.
“I never thought about children. But if you say you want—”
“……No, no, not right now. I’m a little scared to be a mother…….”
His friendly eyes remained unshakable throughout the rambling conversations on the table. So Melissa decided to be a little more honest.
“But I want to have your child……. I mean it.”
“…….”
“I’m afraid I won’t be able to…….”
“Then from now on…… Let’s try a little harder, my dear.”
Little harder. Those simple words cannot make this solid anxiety disappear like the melting snow. It’s not like they haven’t tried to make a child.
“Even if it’s a little late, you can think of it as time to prepare for our baby.”
“…….”
“Huh? Melissa.”
Still, she decided it was enough. Because he was a bit of a dull man, the sincere words and consolations he gave hee felt like a miracle that would never happen again in her life.
“Yes.”
Melissa closed her eyes and smiled because she didn’t want to cry. A faint ray of light fell silently at the corner of her beautiful eyes.
“Then shall we finish eating?”
“….”
“It’s cold, I worked hard to prepare it.”
The words “I love you” came to her throat in that sweet voice. Even though she confessed her love countless times every night, there was still a long time left. Her love for him is a fountain that will never dry up.
But if she said that now, she felt like she would burst into tears as well, so Melissa just lowered her head instead of answering.
Unfortunately, the dinner that started again did not last long. It was because Melissa, who had been diligently munching on a small piece of shepherd’s pie, quickly got to the point.
Alan put down the dishes and asked, wiping his mouth.
“…At the National Theatre?”
“Yes. I want to put my novel on stage.”
Even though she was speaking with her own mouth, she smiled half-heartedly, as if she was confused, and hastily added her explanation. Even though there is only one novel by Melissa Flynn.
“The story of Melita and Troy, Alan.”
However, Alan, who was supposed to be happy, looked serious. Melissa, who was awkward for no reason, opened her mouth again.
“First of all, they want to meet and talk. I still can’t believe it. You know how honorable the Lunoa National Theater is…….”
Her trembling lips fell again only after she quenched her throat with a sip of cold water.
“Of course it’s thanks to you. This book is not just about me.”
“…….”
“That’s why I’m going to get permission……. Of course I want to do it. It’s heart-wrenching.”
Actually, she didn’t think in the least that he wouldn’t allow it. Because Alan always supports her happiness more than anyone else.
“If you don’t like it….”
In the strangely heavy air, Melissa continued speaking, looking at his calm expression.
“Someone is coming.”
However, Alan’s answer was a little strange.
“Huh? You mean people you can talk about the performance with?”
“Yes.”
“Well… he’s a theater owner. And, um, a playwright too, I think, for now.”
Melissa, who had answered obediently, looked at him again to gauge his intentions.
Alan was lost in thought for a moment. As far as she knows, all of Lunoa’s theater owners are men. The playwright too…… Although female writers like Melissa are emerging little by little, isn’t the profession of writing a long-standing preserve of men?
The moment his cool eyelids finally closed, a slightly earnest voice burst out.
“I always wanted to be your proud wife. Allan you are the Count of Elsinore and one of the representatives of the principality.”
Alan listened quietly, his eyes closed. Yes, so is she the Countess. And she represents him, thoughts like these weighed heavily on her chest.
“I want to love you more openly now, you who opens the doors to a new world across the sea… you who is always praised by others. I never want something like the Founding Festival to happen again…”
“Melissa.”
“Just as it is your dream and passion to connect two completely different worlds and lead exchanges, it is also my dream—”
“I’m sorry,”
Alan ran his hand through his hair with a slightly annoyed gesture. His eyes, as cool as winter, were deeply sunken.
“I don’t remember saying those things were my dreams.”
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