CHAPTER 109: YURA’S DECLARATION

"Yura," David called out as he approached her.

His expression was a storm of emotions—joy that could not be hidden, irritation that twisted his features, and just the slightest flicker of fear. After all, David knew exactly who Yura was. A woman infamous for her ruthless, uncompromising nature.

Yura turned only briefly, releasing a long breath that seemed to weigh down the air around them. Even the morning breeze appeared to slow in sympathy, brushing through her long hair, making it sway gracefully. For a moment, silence dominated the garden courtyard. The only sound that broke through was the steady tap of David’s shoes against the tiled path as he drew closer.

It didn’t take long before he stood only a few paces away, with Clarista and Fani trailing quietly behind him.

Yura herself moved forward as well, her steps calm and measured. Her gaze was flat and unreadable, yet there was a sharp glint deep within her eyes—something that could not be easily deciphered, an edge that made the atmosphere tighten and grow heavy. Clarista unconsciously straightened her posture, while Fani pressed her lips together, struggling to steady her heartbeat. Both of them, of course, recognized the woman before them.

Seeing this, David felt as though all the images and fantasies he had been entertaining were finally about to come true.

So... Yura really came for me? I knew it. Deep down she must have missed me all along. She must have feelings for me too. David thought, his heart swelling with excitement.

He stopped walking and stretched out his arms slightly, as if preparing to welcome her into them. In his mind, the scene was already set—Yura would step into his embrace, and the two of them would share a warm hug, a long-awaited reunion after two years of separation. A faint smile tugged at his lips, his eyes glittered with expectation, and his breath quickened in anticipation of that climactic moment.

But...

Yura walked right past him.

She didn’t even spare him a glance. Her attention was fixed elsewhere. Her steps were firm but unhurried as she continued straight toward Clarista, her shoulders remaining perfectly level, refusing to acknowledge David’s outstretched arms. The crisp sound of her shoes echoed sharply in the quiet garden, each step mocking David’s frozen figure.

"Big Sister Clarista, it’s me—Yura. Yura Atenri. Do you still remember me?" she said warmly, her face brightening with genuine cheer. Her tone was soft, tinged with nostalgia, so different from the merciless reputation she carried. Her smile blossomed, her eyes sparkled, and her expression radiated so much light that it almost brightened the space around her.

Clarista blinked in surprise, her eyes widening before her brows lifted in delight. Her voice trembled slightly, caught between disbelief and joy.

"Oh my, it really is you, Yura! I saw you from a distance earlier but didn’t realize it was you. You’ve become so beautiful now." Clarista’s praise was sincere, her voice filled with admiration at how much Yura had changed.

Yura chuckled softly and shook her head. "Sister Clarista, you’re the one who has grown far more beautiful than when I last saw you. I wouldn’t dare compare myself to you."

The two exchanged compliments, their words flowing naturally, accompanied by light laughter. Their giggles were crisp, clear, and harmonious, like a gentle melody floating in the air. Anyone watching could see how easily they slipped into the rhythm of reunion, as if they had never been apart.

And so the reunion unfolded—not between David and Yura, as he had so confidently imagined, but between Yura and Clarista.

Meanwhile, David remained frozen in place, his arms still half-spread, his body stiff as stone. His eyes stayed fixed on Yura, but she had already moved past him without hesitation. The daydream he had nurtured shattered into pieces, leaving nothing but bitter humiliation. His hands lowered slowly, awkwardly, while his expression drained of hope, replaced by a hollow emptiness. He could hear his own heartbeat pounding in his ears, loud enough to feel as if the entire world was laughing at him.

From the side, Fani and Devy witnessed his pitiful state. Their lips twitched, their shoulders trembled, but they did their best to stifle the laughter that bubbled up. Fani had to turn her face away, shaking as she fought to contain herself, while Devy covered her mouth with the back of her hand, eyes shimmering with tears of suppressed mirth.

And then there was Al.

"Hahaha." His chuckle was sharp, cutting through the silence like a blade. It wasn’t loud, but it carried just enough derision to sting. He didn’t add a single word, but the mischievous curl of his lips said more than enough. The sly glint in his eyes made David’s face burn crimson.

David clenched his teeth, feeling irritation coil inside him. Everyone’s reactions—especially Al’s smug enjoyment—made his chest tighten with frustration. But as always, David was obsessed with maintaining his image. He forced a confident smile back onto his face, masking the fury boiling beneath.

His fists clenched at his sides, his jaw locked, yet he walked forward with deliberate, steady steps, his shoes clicking loudly against the stone path.

He convinced himself again—

Maybe she just didn’t want to draw attention. It’s normal for women to greet each other first, especially in public. Of course, she still remembers me. She must be holding back.

Finally, he reached Yura and Clarista, who were still exchanging lighthearted words.

"Yura. You remember me, don’t you?" David said with forced confidence, raising his voice slightly as if to ensure everyone heard. His smile was broad, his eyes shining with expectation, though there was a faint edge of desperation beneath it all.

Yura turned. Her gaze swept over him from head to toe, cold and razor-sharp. The warmth she had shown moments earlier vanished in an instant, replaced by an icy mask that cut like a blade.

"Who are you?" she asked flatly, her tone sharp enough to slice through his confidence.

The atmosphere changed in a heartbeat. A suffocating pressure descended. The air seemed heavy, the morning sun dimmed, and a faint hiss seemed to coil through the silence.

David’s heart dropped. His confidence crumbled like sand in his hands. Even Clarista’s breath caught, her eyes widening in disbelief. David’s lips parted, but no words came out.

From behind, the trio of spectators—Al, Fani, and Devy—could no longer restrain themselves. Their muffled laughter broke free, filling the air like cruel background music. Al doubled over, clutching his stomach, shoulders shaking with glee. Fani turned away, her face flushed red from holding in her giggles. Devy bent down slightly, her body trembling, tears forming at the corners of her eyes.

David’s face turned pale as the laughter surrounded him. His throat went dry, his eyes blinked rapidly, and a nervous, broken chuckle escaped his lips.

"Y-Yura... surely you’re joking. Haha. It’s me, David! How could you not recognize me?" he stammered, his voice faltering under the weight of her gaze.

Clarista quickly interjected, her tone urgent. "Yura, this is David. You must be teasing him—of course you remember. You two used to be so close."

Yura tilted her head slightly. "Oh? So this is David? I didn’t recognize you at all. You’ve changed quite a lot since two years ago," she replied coolly, her tone calm yet indifferent, as though commenting on something utterly mundane.

That simple acknowledgment was enough for David’s pride to flicker back to life. His chest puffed up again, a cocky grin spreading across his face.

Of course. She didn’t recognize me because I’ve grown even more handsome, more impressive. No wonder. David thought smugly, praising himself.

He chuckled, running a hand dramatically through his hair before striking a confident pose. "Ahaha, I see. Makes sense. So? What do you think? Don’t I look even cooler now? Handsomer than before?"

Clarista nodded politely, for indeed, her brother had improved greatly.

But Yura... Yura’s response was different.

She shook her head slowly, her eyes narrowing with a cutting intensity. A faint, mocking smirk tugged at her lips.

"That’s not what I meant," she said lightly.

David froze, confusion flickering across his face. Even Clarista glanced at her with raised brows, uncertain of what was coming next.

"Then what did you mean?" David asked cautiously.

Yura’s smirk widened. "I meant that your bastard face has changed. It’s gotten worse. Much worse than before."

The words landed like a hammer blow. The garden grew colder, as though time itself had paused. Even those who had no idea what was being said felt the shift. Servants in the distance exchanged nervous looks, some swallowing hard as a chill crept up their spines.

The tension was so thick that even Al, Fani, and Devy no longer felt like laughing. Their amusement faded into pity mixed with unease. Al narrowed his eyes, assessing just how deep the wound to David’s pride must have been.

David staggered back a step, his chest tight, his breath heavy as though the very air had abandoned him. The world seemed to tilt, and the sounds around him blurred into the pounding of his own frantic heartbeat.

"Yura... what do you mean by that?" he croaked.

"Yura, don’t take it too far," Clarista scolded softly, though her voice trembled.

Yura glanced at her, flashing a wide smile that was anything but friendly. It was cold, sharp, laced with sarcasm, and the sunlight glinting off her features only made it more intimidating.

"Relax, Sister Clarista. My words are still far too gentle to truly describe David."

Clarista frowned in confusion, her mouth opening slightly, but no words came.

Meanwhile, Fani and Al exchanged knowing looks. They understood perfectly well what Yura meant, though they kept quiet. Fani pressed her hand to her mouth, trembling with the effort of suppressing laughter, while Al’s eyes glinted with cruel amusement as though he were watching a stage play unfold.

Yura shook her head lightly, her hair swaying elegantly with the motion. She turned away from David, lowering her gaze slightly toward Clarista.

"Forgive me, Sister. I have something more important to attend to, so I cannot linger." Her voice was calm but firm as she began walking toward Al. Each step echoed like a heavy hammerfall, crushing the last fragments of David’s hope.

Clarista froze, unsure whether to intervene. Her fists clenched at her sides, torn between protecting her brother’s dignity and letting the truth unfold.

David, unable to restrain himself, stumbled after Yura. His voice rasped, choked with desperation.

"Yura... didn’t you come here for me?"

Yura halted mid-step. Slowly, she turned back, her expression twisted in disgust. Her eyes were sharp and predatory, like those of a beast staring down an unworthy prey.

"Huh? Who told you that I came here for you?" she asked, her tone filled with disdain.

The question struck David like lightning. His eyes bulged, his pupils quivered, and cold sweat trickled down his temples.

"What else could it be? If not for me, why would you come here so early in the morning? You just returned from abroad a few days ago, and now you’re here. Isn’t it obvious? You couldn’t resist coming to see me! Stop lying to yourself, Yura. I’m standing right here before you!" David’s voice cracked, desperate and frantic, clinging to whatever shred of hope remained.

Yura’s expression darkened with sheer disgust. She sneered, glancing briefly at Clarista before turning her scornful gaze back on David.

"You really are too full of yourself. I didn’t come for you. Not at all." Her voice was cold, sharp as ice. Then she turned deliberately toward Al. The entire garden seemed to fall silent, the chirping of birds suddenly too loud in the heavy air.

"My reason for being here..." Yura said clearly, her lips curving into a warm smile as her eyes locked onto Al. "...is to meet my boyfriend."

The silence deepened until even the breeze seemed to freeze in place.

David’s entire body stiffened, his eyes reddening as veins bulged at his temples. The cheerful chirping of birds only fueled his growing fury.

But before a single word could escape his lips—

GRUUUARRRR!

Thunder split the sky. And no one could yet tell who would suffer the most from the storm to come.

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