Changing The Human Made Villainess | Vol 2

Chapter 16

"So, what do you want to talk about Viscount?" Ari asked looking into Jake's eyes-- the atmosphere tense.

"About my claims back there...I am truly sorry for making such claims, and I am sorry for making you uncomfortable in any way, m'lady" Jake bowed his head, showing his deep regret.

"N-no, it's fine, it didn't make me uncomfortable in any way...I was more surprised upon hearing His Highness liking her Ladyship" Ari chuckled waving her hands in front of her.

"Ah! Pardon me for laughing" Ari cleared her throat, regaining her composure.

"You shouldn't apologize for laughing, m'lady, your laughter...is cute" The last words came out of his mouth in a mumble, but enough for Ari to hear, he knew very well, as his cheeks started to turn red.

"Thank you, Viscount" Ari smiled warmly, a blush creeping on her cheeks.

"M'lady...is there a man you like?" Jake questioned as he slowly looked back into Ari's eyes, it was a bold question, he knew, but he had to ask.

"No" Ari shook her head.

"Forgive me for being so bold-- but, M'lady, may I...court you?" Jake placed a hand on his heart, trying to keep calm about the situation. He had to ask this now, he needs to, he wants to.

Ari's eyes widened, her own heart beating fast.

"P-pardon?" Ari questioned in surprise.

"What I said back there...may I make it true?" Jake asked as he carefully took Ari's hand, not wanting to scare her.

"Does that mean...you like...me?" She asked, tone with pure hesitation as if she was afraid to ask the question that came out of her lips.

"Yes, for a while now, m'lady" Jake let out a small smile, confessing his feelings, the truth finally coming out to the light.

"I'm sorry...but, I'm afraid I don't feel the same, I barely know you, Viscount..." She looked down, the guilt eating at her heart. As she glanced down, she saw her hand that was being held so gently by Jake's.

A sudden chuckle echoed, coming from Jake, she looked up confused.

"You're so cute with that look in your eyes, m'lady" Jake brushed a strand of hair behind her ears with his free hand, a soft smile full of adoration was plastered on his face.

"I didn't say that I need your answer now, nor am I pressuring you to say yes, Like I said m'lady, I am asking if I may court you, in this stage, we will get to know each other" His hand lingered in her hair for a second before his hand slides back down, joining his other hand that was holding Ari's.

"If you give me the chance, I'll prove myself to you, and I'll try and win your heart, m'lady, If you say no now, I'm afraid I might not back down so easily, after all...you're the first woman I've felt this attraction to" Jake slowly caressed her hands gently.

"A-are you...sincere?" She asked again with that same hesitant tone in her voice.

"Yes," He responded truthfully as he looked at her hand that was in his, slowly leaning in to kiss. As his lips pressed on the back of her hand he looked at her in the eyes.

"Let me prove it to you, m'lady" He pleaded, his gaze full of hope, finally he moved back standing back up straight but not letting go of her hand.

"How long have you liked me?" Ari questioned.

"Around the time when we first met"

"Really?" Ari asked shocked, another chuckle could be heard from him, as he nodded his head.