I’m Just a Counselor

Chapter 21



Jeremiah rolled his eyes at my joke.

 “Miss Vanessa. You’re expecting me to be angry right now.” “…I was just teasing you to loosen up.” 

Hmmmm…

 

Clearing my throat, I placed my other hand on his chest. I began to stroke him slowly, purring softly. Jeremiah seemed unhappy that I was treating him like a child, but he didn’t shake my hand away.

 “You don’t have to be in charge of everything, Duke.” “…….” “And you don’t have to blame yourself for the problems you can’t solve.” 

In the Secret Garden, I thought it would be helpful for people to just talk to someone about the things they were struggling with that they couldn’t talk to anyone else about. It was a thought I’d had in my past life.

 

Jeremiah felt more comfortable sharing his secrets with me, too.

 “I’ll take care of Estella, and I’ll make her happy, so you can rest assured.” “…….” “You can do what you can now, Duke, and that’s enough.” “…….” “The Duke is a very strong and good man.” 

Jeremiah kept his lips closed the entire time, but the flutter of his eyelashes under my hand let me know he was listening.

 

The most principled way to treat trauma is to replace the negative memories he has with positive ones.

 

It will be difficult for me to accomplish that, but I hope these words can at least protect him tonight.

 

I whispered sincerely.

 “It’s going to be okay, because I’m here for you.” “…….” “Sweet dreams, Duke.” 

I don’t know if my words reached him, but after a moment, an even breath escaped Jeremiah’s mouth.

 

I continued to watch him, never stopping my stroking. Until the dappled sunlight began to sneak past the window sill.

 

Only after I was sure he was not in pain again did I allow myself to drift off to sleep.

 

* * *

 “You need to get up.” 

In contrast to his rather blunt voice, the hand that shook my shoulder was very gentle. It felt ticklish, as if a spring breeze was caressing me.

 

I unconsciously leaned my cheek against the hand. A cool, firm palm rested against my cheek.

 “Miss Vanessa. I think you’d better get up.” “Mmm…” 

The voice whispered in my ear, and I forced my eyes open. A pair of fresh, light green eyes met my vision.

 

I muttered in a lucid dream.

 “Estella…?” “I’m sorry, that’s wrong.” 

A voice a little lower than Estella’s. A warm breath on my face.

 

I let out a small scream as I snapped back to reality.

 “Shhh!” 

Jeremiah, who was sitting nearby, heard my scream and the corners of his mouth tilted up.

 “I hope you didn’t freak out as soon as you saw my face.” “No, that’s because you’re suddenly so close!” “I didn’t point it out to give you an excuse.” 

Jeremiah said sarcastically and snorted as he pushed himself to his feet. I scrambled to my feet and surveyed my condition.

 

I must have fallen asleep while Jeremiah was sitting on my lap, but somehow I’d ended up lying on the couch for a long time.

 

I quickly pushed myself up and the blanket over my chest fell off.

 “Oops. Did the Duke cover me?” “You looked cold.” “Thank you…” 

It was Jeremiah who also laid me down. He was being kind by letting me sleep overnight.

 

I shrugged and straightened my blanket and tidied up my messy hair.

 

Meanwhile, Jeremiah approached the desk in the Oval Office and sat down. Sunlight streamed in through the window.

 

I asked cautiously.

 “What time do you think it is?” “About one in the afternoon. Oh, Estella went to see you earlier.” “Did the Duke sleep well?” “…….” 

I hadn’t expected him to wake up until morning, but when I asked him again, just to be sure, Jeremiah jerked his chin up and stared at me, then smiled.

 

Jeremiah’s eyes crinkled beautifully, and that alone told me his answer.

 “Good morning.” 

There was a world of difference between Jeremiah who slept and Jeremiah who didn’t…

 

That clear complexion! The gentleness with which he smiled at me!

 

The pale shade that had settled on his face had long since faded.

 

There was no sign of fatigue. Jeremiah must have slept soundly.

 “I’m glad you’re not disappointed.” “Well…” 

Jeremiah, his demeanor relaxed and unhurried, picked up his pen.

 

I feel like I’ve finished a difficult report and hit save. I stood up fully, feeling proud. Mission accomplished, it’s time to return to my room.

 

I approached the door of the office at a brisk walk.

 “Nice weather today.” 

Jeremiah blurted out. I turned around and looked at him.

 

He kept his eyes on his desk and spoke nonchalantly.

 “Why don’t you and Estella go for an outing?” “…Outing?” “We won’t be able to when winter comes, and I know a nice place.” 

Hmm, is this… Jeremiah’s payback time?

 

Tilting my head to look at him, I nodded. If nothing else, it was a picnic with Estella, and I didn’t really have a reason to say no.

 

He was right about not being able to do it when it got colder.

 “An autumn picnic, how classic.” 

I think Estella will like it. Jeremiah says it’s a nice place, so we can look forward to it.

 

My mouth watered at the thought of it.

 

Jeremiah shrugged a little, as if he knew it was coming.

 “I dropped off a packed lunch this morning, and the coachman knows where to find it.” “What, you had it already prepared…” “What?” “No, I said I’ll be fine.” 

And then he said it as if he’d just thought of it.

 

I looked over at Jeremiah and smiled secretly.

‘Duke, you’re cute.’

 

* * *

 “I’m the one who said I hope things work out with him, but I still don’t want you to just hang out with him!” “Okay. I’m sorry.” “Chee. You don’t even eat with me, you just sleep in my brother’s office.” “I won’t do that next time. Promise!” 

I held out my finger, and Estella, who had been pouting with her lips stretched out, gleefully intertwined her fingers with mine. It’s so cute to pretend to pout.

 

I barely resisted the urge to ruffle Estella’s hair. Cuteness was the name of the game with this sibling today.

 “So did you kiss my brother this time?” “No!” 

Caught off guard by Estella’s adorableness, I snapped out of my reverie and jerked my head up at the question.

 

I glanced over and Estella smirked.

 “Didn’t… pass you by?” “Ehehe.” 

Awww, she’s cute.

 

I let out a faint sigh. At the same time, a carriage rattled to a stop.

 

I heard the coachman’s voice from outside.

 “Lady Estella, Miss Vanessa. We have arrived at our destination. May I open the carriage door?” “Yes!” 

Estella replied excitedly, and the carriage door opened. A smoky breeze swept through the carriage, bringing with it the smell of wet leaves.

 “Let’s see what this place Jeremiah recommended is like.” 

I scanned the landscape outside the carriage with curious eyes.

 “Wow!” 

Estella exclaimed, jumping out of the carriage before me. I followed her out of the carriage.

 

The view before me was breathtakingly beautiful.

 

Large maple trees draped in bright red leaves. And the lake, with its pristine, crystal clear waters. It was a picnic spot straight out of a book.

 “It’s so pretty!” 

Estella flew over and cupped the crystal clear lake water in her palm.

 

Orange maple leaves floated picturesquely on the surface.

 “I never knew this place existed!” “What?” 

The coachman, hearing Estella’s exclamation, cocked his head in wonder.

 “Isn’t this the place where you and the Duke often came to play?” “…….” 

The lake water that flowed from Estella’s hand left ripples on the calm surface of the water.


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