Side Story 2: Adam Hofner's Regret
Translator: RaidenTL
Side Story 2: Adam Hofner's Regret
Adam Hofner, the second son of the Viscount, was a man of fine features and a solid pedigree. Even by the exacting standards of the marriage market, he was a catch who scored well above average.
Yet, despite being twenty-seven, he had never once extended a proposal, nor had any serious offers come his way.
Until recently, everyone in the capital knew why.
It was because of Bella Listerwell, the 'Golden Rose of Genoa' and the first love of every man who had ever stepped foot into High Society.
But now that Bella had been unmasked as a villainess of the century, Adam’s parents couldn't fathom why their son was still dragging his feet.
While attending a grand wedding, Viscount Hofner decided it was time to sound out his son’s intentions.
"So, the Duke of Kailas is finally getting married. He’s a year older than you, isn't he?"
"I wouldn't know, Father."
"No, I’m certain he’s twenty-eight. It’s quite a late marriage for a primary heir."
"Is that so."
Growing anxious at his son’s listless tone, Viscount Hofner cleared his throat and broached the subject of potential matches.
"Adam, you should consider marriage soon as well. Baron Ashfelt has been subtly mentioning his eldest daughter, you know..."
"I’m not interested."
"Still, why not meet her just once? You might find yourself interested once you get to know her."
"That’s enough."
At his son's half-hearted dismissal, the Viscount finally lost his temper.
"Don't tell me you still haven't forgotten that Bella woman? You’re still pining for a woman accused of murder?"
"No! It’s not because of Bella...!"
"Then who is it?"
Adam couldn't answer. He didn't even understand his own heart.
I must be losing my mind. Have I been possessed by some foul spirit?
The reason he kept questioning his sanity was simple: the woman haunting his thoughts was no longer Bella. At some point, she had become Viviana.
It was a truth he was too ashamed to confide even to his closest friend.
*
His torment had begun at Count Laurel’s party—the very day he had been humiliated because of that woman.
"It’s true that I once liked you. But I also know very well that you never once looked my way. You only ever had eyes for Bella, didn't you?"
"The day you blamed me without even trying to hear the full story... that was the day I completely gave up on you."
"You don’t have to worry about me liking you again. I intend to give my heart to someone who actually knows its worth."
Even after all this time, her words refused to leave his mind.
Viviana Delus, who had pined for him for years without ever daring to show her affection properly, had eloquently declared that she had taken back her feelings.
At first, he thought she was merely putting on a brave front to grab his attention. He decided to punish her with cold indifference, certain she would come crawling back.
But there was no need for a punishment. After that day, he never ran into Viviana again.
Even when they attended the same parties, she never looked his way. Instead, it was Adam who found himself stealing glances at her as she danced with other men.
Then, one day, he noticed a man persistently hovering around her.
"Who is that?" Adam asked, trying to sound casual.
His friend glanced over. "Ah, I think I heard he’s the eldest son of House Everett. Jerome? Jerry? Something like that."
"Never heard of him."
"Don't dismiss them just because they’re a baronial house. They’re incredibly wealthy. Apparently, their overseas business ventures were a massive success."
"Oh, really...?"
For some reason, the news left a bitter taste in his mouth. To Adam, the man felt like a vulgar merchant merely pretending to be a noble.
He was equally displeased with Viviana for allowing such a man close to her. Everyone knew she had followed Adam for years; if the man she chose after him was that sort of person, wouldn't it damage Adam's own prestige?
A few days later, he found another reason to loathe the man.
"Adam. You really need to start managing your reputation."
"What? What are you talking about?" Adam asked, offended by his friend’s blunt remark.
The reply was outrageous.
"Apparently, there’s been quite a bit of talk about how rude you were to Lady Viviana at Count Laurel’s party."
"Rude? I merely gave her a warning! That woman was badmouthing Bella and even brought my name into it first!"
"That’s why I’m asking why you got involved in women’s squabbles. People are saying that Adam Hofner—who only managed to seem popular because of Lady Viviana’s devotion—acted arrogantly toward the lady who was essentially his benefactor."
"What? Who said that? Who would dare say such a thing?"
The person behind the remark was Jerome Everett.
Exploding with rage, Adam approached Jerome at the next party they both attended, looking as if he might grab the man by the collar.
"What do you know that gives you the right to slander me? Who said I benefited from Viviana Delus!"
He expected Jerome to be flustered and back down when confronted. It was the natural reaction, wasn't it?
However, the man was more brazen than Adam could have imagined.
"Isn't it the truth? Without Lady Viviana, you’ve become just another 'ordinary' man chasing after Lady Bella..."
"What did you say?"
"You don’t seem to realize it, but ever since she changed her mind, Young Master Hofner’s name hasn't been mentioned anywhere. It seems no one is actually interested in you."
It felt like a physical blow to the back of his head.
To be honest, Adam had always considered himself quite popular.
Jerome added one final sting.
"Well, it’s a good thing for everyone, isn't it? You didn't like her, so your mind should be at ease. And Lady Viviana seems to have finally realized her own worth."
"Worth? What worth does that woman have?"
"You wouldn't know, which is exactly why you rejected her. If it were me, I’d bring her flowers every single day."
"Ha! You’re truly a pathetic man. To be so desperate over a woman like that."
Adam hurled the insult and stormed off.
But what he did next was something even he couldn't comprehend.
He began seeking out parties Viviana was attending, hunting for invitations until he finally cornered her.
"Lady Delus!"
Viviana turned at his call. She looked much lovelier than he remembered.
He wondered if simply clearing up her skin could make her this beautiful, but he couldn't pinpoint exactly what had changed. Regardless, that wasn't the point.
"Young Master Hofner...? Were you calling for me?"
"Let’s talk for a moment."
When she didn't refuse, Adam smirked inwardly.
She must have been waiting for me to reach out.
His pride was slightly wounded at the feeling of giving in, but he endured it.
"What is it?" she asked.
"I apologize if my attitude hurt you the other day. I offer my formal apologies."
Viviana’s eyes widened.
Yes, she must be touched. But the real surprise starts now.
"It’s not exactly an 'expression' of apology, but... well, I’ve decided I’ll date you, My Lady."
"Pardon?"
"I said, I will date you."
Adam presented the 'solution' he had arrived at after days of deliberation. Everyone believed Viviana had stopped liking him and that he had been rejected. But if he simply endured her for a while and dated her, wouldn't those rumors vanish?
He smiled, feigning a touch of shyness, and extended his hand to her.
"I’ll give it a try, so show me your charms. Who knows? My heart might just turn toward you."
He was inwardly pleased with himself, certain he looked haughty and charismatic. But Viviana, who had been staring blankly at him, let out a bewildered snort.
"Ha! What about your pure, unwavering love for Bella? Why are you suddenly acting like this?"
"What? Wh-what did you just say...?"
"Do I have to spell it out for you? I told you not to worry about me liking you again. I don't like you anymore."
Adam was dumbfounded by her sharp tone, his mouth hanging open. But she was relentless.
"It seems you’ve suddenly found something to regret, but I have no intention of being anyone’s substitute or a tool for your reputation. I’ve realized that I am far too precious for that."
"N-no, that’s not what I meant..."
"Don’t bother me with this again. Go appeal to Bella’s charms instead. Who knows? Her heart might just turn toward you."
With a curt, slight curtsy, she turned and walked away.
The truly absurd thing happened next. After being treated with such disdain, he should have been furious. He should have despised her. Instead, she only seemed more appealing.
Even before Bella became embroiled in her scandals, Adam had already stopped approaching her. He had been too busy secretly following Viviana.
*
Viviana...
Adam ignored his father’s nagging and gazed at Viviana, who was seated far across the room.
Beside her sat Jerome Everett. Hadn't they recently announced their engagement?
When he first heard the news, he couldn't believe it. How could a woman who had loved him for nearly four years change her mind so completely and get engaged to another man?
But now, he had no choice but to accept it.
Jerome, who had promised to bring her flowers every day, was gazing at her with eyes that dripped with honey. Viviana leaned toward him, smiling brightly without a hint of hesitation.
No matter how he tried to twist it, they looked like a couple deeply in love. Their happiness only deepened the hollow ache of envy in his chest.
I could have been that man...
Adam let out a long, heavy sigh.
They say regret always comes too late, no matter how early it begins. For Adam, the realization had come far too late to save him.