Missing Cinderella - Chapter 0: Prologue

Chapter 0: Prologue

The man had his usual expression inside the quiet office. Such as his indifferent attitude of not giving a moment’s glance to the person who had just entered the room as he continued to look down at the documents he had been flipping all this time.

From the first time she met him up until now after five years had passed, he was a man who had shown such constant indifference. Is that person really someone who knows how to feel emotions? She even had her doubts.

There was a time when she thought that if a person was created by coining the word ‘unfeeling,’ that person would definitely look like this man. His dazzling beauty was one of the factors that made him look even less like a human. He boasted his outstanding beauty, like a well-carved statue by a skilled craftsman from somewhere.

But she knew well how far that man, Eschert Nocturm, can be kind once he decides to be kind.

“I have something to say to you.”

Inside the office, as quiet as a rat. The man slowly raised his head at the small voice that broke the silence. Siella slowly opened her mouth again as she meets Eschert’s gaze.

“No, I came here because I think I have something important to tell you.”

“I don’t have time to waste playing with words.” He softly sighed and put down the documents. “Is there anything?”

Eschert Nocturm was always a busy person and couldn’t tolerate wasting time on pointless things. And it meant that Siella knew very well that this situation must have been quite drudgery to him. But even though she was well aware of his disposition, it would only be a momentary bad attitude for not saying the matter right away. No, it would be more accurate to say that it was to give him the last chance to speak first.

They have been engaged for at least the last five years. She was wondering if he would show just that much courtesy, no more, no less. But he did it anyway, and it was the same just as usual. At this point, Siella was able to clean up even the last remaining crumbs of her emotions.

“I am leaving the mansion.” Siella declared in a calm voice.

The man made a very strange expression that Siella had never seen before at that moment. But he was only surprised for a moment.

She didn’t want to prolong the time staying here, so Siella quickly added, “I have already finished all the preparations by myself. I will leave as soon as the business carriage arrives in a little while.”

“Wait.”

Eschert, who had been listening to Siella with an uncharacteristically dazed expression on his face for quite some time, suddenly jumped out of his seat.

“What on earth are you talking about….”

Siella thought at that time, ‘So that man can stand up from his seat.’

Eschert frowned his brows as if he was embarrassed by Siella’s calm appearance, then he walked towards Siella.

“What is this all about all of a sudden? Leaving? Where are you going….”

Something suddenly flashed in his mind as he was talking to her. Hah, Eschert let out a dejected laugh and turned his back.

“I thought we’re already done with that, but I can’t believe you’re still complaining –”

“ ‘I want you to be the hostess of this family.’ ”

“…”

“I don’t think you are someone who forgets what he has said. Eschert Nocturm.”

Eschert’s nicely shaped lips were pressed together in front of Siella’s eyes. Not only that, but also Eschert’s long, elongated, and sharp eyes were wandering aimlessly. He was clearly agitated.

“Siella, that’s –”

“Yes, that’s what you said to that woman.”

Siella cut off Eschert’s words, as he was hurriedly making up excuses, in one swift move.

“I have no intention of holding on or clinging on to you.”

“Siella.”

“I didn’t bring it up now just to argue with you.”

“…”

“I just want to make it clear to you that you broke your promise to me, and it’s time for you to take responsibility.”

Siella swallowed her ridicule and looked up at Eschert. She obviously gave him time to correct his mistakes, but he just let go of that last chance.

Perhaps, even after our relationship had ended, we could have remained in a good relationship wishing each other well. Perhaps we could have remained as pretty good friends.

But he threw away that last chance he could have had. And it was now.

“I hope that your love will be worth it, so that even if you throw away all the time we’ve been together have passed, you won’t regret it at all.”

Because you are a person who regards time as the most important and valuable commodity above anything else. That’s right. That’s why if it was that kind of you to ignore and have little regard for the past five years; if it was that much love, then it must be a great love indeed.

“That’s all. That’s all I have to say.”

Siella turned her body away from Eschert, who stood stiffly on the spot. She didn’t want to say flattering words people usually share with each other when saying goodbye, such as wishing them well and happiness. She also had no intention to silently wait for his response nor his reply.

No matter how much it was [beautifully] packaged and handed over, it will surely be only an excuse that will make her feel more miserable than she is now. Siella didn’t need a man’s excuse. It had been a long time since she had seen everything with her own eyes, along with the development of the original story, which she already vaguely knew about.

“Let’s not run into each other even by chance.”

Siella left the room without any regrets, leaving Eschert behind. Looking back at the contractual relationship that the two of them had lasted under an agreement, and the time that was by no means short, which lasted for as much as five years, this was truly a futile ending.