Chapter 48: Parental AffectionIrene nodded at Noels words. That meant, even if she gave up her countess title, she would not worry about her livelihood for the rest of her life. I understand what you mean. Ill try to make a decision soon. Irene replied.The sooner, the better because the procedure will beplicated. Theres a possibility well go to trial because of that.Ok, I understand. Ill decide as soon as I can. Then, I hope you get home safely.Irene bowed her head at him and then alighted the carriage. Noel stared anxiously at her, but Irene smiled as if nothing was wrong and headed into the mansion.However, in reality, Irene felt shaken. She was aware that her family had obviously abused her, treated her like property, and biasedly favoured her sister, Riel. However, there were clearly happy and pleasant memories besides that. It was apletely different decision from simply getting married and leaving home.<em>But if I dont do that, my parents obviously will never let me get married to Noel.</em>Honestly, Irene didnt understand what her parents thought. The Kristen family was the best family in the Empire. Being a part of such a family like that meant that Count Chases status would also be elevated. Especially when the nobility valued connections and ties. Irene could not understand why her parents were not happy about that and always tried to separate her from Noel.But then, the image of her father standing above her torn paintings shot into Irenes mind. Suddenly remembering that, Irenes heart trembled, and she stopped walking midway. Her expression was wrought with pain.<em>I cant stand this any longer.</em>Irene clenched her fist.She really loved her parents. She also felt pity for her weak younger sister, and she felt a responsibility to take care of her as the older one. But just because they were her family, they had no right to trample on her happiness.Irene continued; she finally decided to leave the mansion tomorrow.However, Irene could no longer think of anything when she entered the door to the mansion. Contrary to her expectations, that there would be no one waiting for her, the lights in the living room were brightly lit and her parents stood waiting for her.Irene was frozen in her ce and could not move. Not only did she vite her fathers order to not meet Noel, but she felt like they had heard what she was thinking. Above all, Irenes body instinctively became stiff. The memory of pain that passed through her mind rendered her unable to move. However, contrary to Irenes predictions, they were neither angry nor did they yell at her. Rather, her mother calmly approached Irene and hugged her. Irenes eyes opened wide at the affectionate gesture. Her father looked at Irene with a slightly displeased look. Its fine, Irene. Irene almost doubted her ears. She could not identify what was going on. Irene turned her eyes to look at her mother. Countess Chase had her eyes closed whilst hugging Irene. It was the first time she had been hugged by her mother since Irene was young. It was a warm andfortable hug, but at the same time the unfamiliar feeling was also diforting and awkward. Irene wanted to get out of her mothers embrace. We havent been able to understand your feelings for the time being, have we? You must have been very upset. ...Mother. We didnt know that, and we just got mad at you, I couldnt imagine how lonely you were by yourself. The Countess whispered that to Irene and the Count approached her with a slightly red face. Irene, who was staring nkly, caught Riel standing in the middle of the stairs in her view. Riel wasughing. Then, the Countess let Irene go. Riels face was hidden by her mothers face. But Irene was sure that it was not her illusion. Riel was clearlyughing before. Irenes olive eyes wavered, her heart was pounding so hard because she felt anxious. Riel has told us everything. You were lonely because we cared about Riel, so you craved for affection. Thats why youre meeting someone like Noel Kristen. . Irene instantly looked hurt at that statement. She knew this would happen. In the end, it was only a repeat of the same line. She didnt expect that much from them, but she didnt expect it to be like this again.<em>Should I be d that I didnt get hit today?</em><em></em>When Irene raised her head and tried to pass her mother, the Count immediately blocked her way. Irene looked up to her father seething in anger. What an impudent child. Where are you going while your mother is talking? ...Please step aside. Irene stated coldly.