45 - Transmigrated as the Villainess Fake Young Lady, Please Spare Me, Female Lead Sister

**Transmigration: The Villainous Fake Daughter - Chapter 45: How Measuring Neck Circumference Makes It Hard to Breathe** "At least start with holding hands...!" Claire was so nervous that her voice was almost distorted. As soon as the words slipped out, Claire was stunned. Her pretty peach-colored eyes widened slightly in disbelief as she raised her hand to cover her mouth. How did she let such a heartfelt thought escape? "... Heh." Lafitia merely lowered her gaze, pressing her lips together in a slight smile. She took a step closer, and Claire was left with nowhere to retreat, her back firmly against the wall. The dimly lit room was illuminated only by the lone floor lamp beside the sofa. The sofa was empty, with just a black lace-trimmed hat resting atop it. At some point, Aurora had vanished from the room. Recalling how she often teleported without warning, perhaps she'd used some transportation magic to rush off and make clothes. With Aurora gone, it left just the two of them alone. Lafitia seemed more at ease, focusing more attention on the girl before her. The warm, hazy light cast from behind gave their silhouettes a vague, fuzzy outline. Claire's petite figure was already at a height disadvantage, being a full head and a half shorter than Lafitia. When pinned against the wall like this, her whole demeanor became one of softness and vulnerability, evoking both a protective instinct and some... other thoughts. Lafitia lowered her head, seeing her own silvery-white hair slide off her coat, draping down to hover near Claire's collar. Claire, clutching her own mouth, kept her head lowered, refusing to meet Lafitia's gaze. Under the soft, slightly curling lashes, her round eyes shimmered with a clear, watery allure, reflecting a kind of enchanting luster. Like vibrantly colored, translucent candies. The quiet was enveloping, filled only with the sound of their breathing—an atmosphere as if something were about to happen. But in reality, it was merely about taking measurements for clothing, nothing more was set to unfold. Was it the dimness and the stillness of the surroundings amplifying the tension? Miss Claire was evidently overly tense. Yet, in such a moment, she had managed to confess such an adorably naïve sentiment. Could this be part of her charade? Or perhaps this unexpected shyness and vulnerability was another of her tools to unsettle my mind? As Lafitia looked on, she was suddenly seized by an unusual curiosity. "......" "Hoo." Bending down, she lowered her head beside Claire's reddening ear and mischievously blew a soft breath. "Ah...!" Claire shuddered instantly, recoiling like a flower bud closing at the slightest touch. Ah, she seemed to recall a plant like that. A Mimosa, perhaps? A fitting name. Lafitia chuckled again, but this time she laughed at her own internal musing. Faced with Claire, she invariably conjured up—only conjured up—some delightful, bright, and lovely thoughts. Never dark, heavy, or bloody ones, only thoughts of small animals, dolls, colorful precious gems, or flowers and plants. In essence, all beautiful metaphors. Being with Claire was truly a fresh experience. This stirring within her heart, this indescribable feeling, was like a feather gently brushing against the heart's tip. Ticklish. It made her feel as if she were losing control again, becoming someone unrecognizable, making her uneasy. This sweet sensation was perilous. Tangled with Claire, it might become addictive... who knows. Boundaries should be set—today only, just this lesson, just this measurement... Only at this moment. Lafitia watched Claire, missing none of her subtle expressions. What did Claire say earlier? Wishing to hold hands, was it? Lafitia softly replied, "...What are you saying, Miss Claire?" "If we held hands, we wouldn't be able to measure properly." After speaking, she saw Claire, trembling softly with her rosy fingertips, nod slightly. Adorable. Lafitia mused silently. Once the measurements were done, perhaps holding hands wouldn’t be off the table... Though she didn’t understand why they’d need to hold hands to begin with. But like instinctively offering her the milk pudding at breakfast—sometimes just going along wouldn't hurt. As long as Miss Claire is happy, indulging her whims occasionally might not be so bad. After all, so far, she hasn't done anything overly terrible, right? It's like being trapped in a fleeting, dreamy moment, with the resistant sailor unable to withstand the siren's allure. Only now, only at this moment. "...Alright, relax." "We're about to start." Lafitia's breath was light; her tone dipped to a softer register. The thousand-mile cold distance had slipped away, replaced by a gentle tease. There was warmth, livelier emotion, a grainy quality—all gently coaxing... As if narrating softly, "Little rabbit, open the door..." Claire felt her head spinning, her thoughts nearly eluding her grasp. Heat spread from her cheeks to her neck and ear tips; she feared her face was as red as an apple. An alarm blared within her mind, deafening, yet she had nowhere to flee or hide. It's over—I can't back away—I'm about to be measured head to toe thoroughly...!! Just measuring size, so why feel so bashful... Just measuring size—and why must Lafitia blow air in my ear? Is this teasing, most certainly teasing!? What are you doing, lead character of the story, mighty heroine—!? Claire didn't dare look at Lafitia's face. Cornered, she just squeezed her eyes shut to escape the situation. But without sight, her other senses became magnified. Oh no, it's worse... First, her hearing. "Thump, thump, thump..." Why, why was her heartbeat so deafening? Her eardrums seemed to ring with each pulse. It must be from fright, right? Must be. Even if Lafitia wasn't leaning close to her chest, she'd definitely hear it... "Miss Claire, could you lift your head slightly, please?" Lafitia's voice was gentle in her ear. Claire, eyes closed and lips bitten, had no choice but to comply, cautiously tilting her chin up. In the next moment, she felt the cool, measuring tape at her neck. "Ugh..." The neck was such a vulnerable part of the human body. Upon contact, Claire tensed like a cat grasped by the scruff. Fortunately, Lafitia's actions were swift and tender. The tape wrapped from the back of her neck to the front, gently pulling taut. Ensuring it aligned with the diagram in the tutorial, Lafitia fixed the tape's position with her fingers, glancing downward to record the data. The slight constriction at her neck was fleeting. Lafitia stepped away, retrieving parchment and quill to note down the measurements faithfully. Claire seized the moment to squint her eyes open, exhaling gently. Being cornered earlier made it feel like she couldn't breathe... She patted her heated cheeks, trying to compose herself with a few deep breaths. Was the first measurement the neck circumference...? Okay, not so bad. Surpassing this hurdle in her mind, it really wasn't that terrifying! Plus, Lafitia was quick and gentle in her movements, so might as well get it over with in one go! Lafitia unfolded the tape again: "Next is shoulder width, bust, and waist." "...eh." "Recording one measurement at a time isn't efficient... I'll remember the numbers and jot them all down afterward." "Are you ready,