Chapter 15
The Bailey family’s garden was bathed in abundant sunlight from the afternoon after a sharp, cold wind had passed through the night.
Today, the gardeners were so busy tending to the garden that they didn’t even have time to take a break.
It was because of the Countess, who was standing on the veranda and keenly observing everything.
Since an important guest was coming, the wife was carefully preparing everything, from the garden to the dining room.
Even the smallest weeds were pulled out, and the sharp smell of grass spread everywhere, reaching not only the main building but even the distant annex.
The damp smell of grass coming through the open window, which had been left open for cleaning, immediately captured not only Aria’s attention but also that of the maids.
“The main building seems to be in chaos since morning.”
“Because it’s an occasion to invite Miss Isabella. Especially since the lady is already so sensitive, how much more on edge do you think she will be?”
“That’s right.” maid. Did Master Eric say he would attend? Did Eric say he would attend?”
At the maid’s question, Aria fell silent and lost herself in thought. This morning, the incident of visiting Eric’s bedroom kept stirring in her mind.
Because of the last incident, Aria found it awkward to face Eric. No, I was scared and just wanted to avoid him.
However, it was unthinkable that his dedicated maid would avoid Eric.
The Countess’s secret order became the reason they couldn’t escape from here.
I heard that tonight, the lady invited Miss Isabella Cecil, Mr. Edward’s fiancée, to dinner. What will you do?
Before entering Eric’s bedroom, I handed him the note I had prepared in advance.
To avoid making eye contact, I hurriedly placed the note on the table along with the glass of water.
During the few seconds of silence, countless thoughts raced through Aria’s mind.
Should I thank them for saving me?
Or should I give a warning not to humiliate oneself again?
Or should I just pretend not to know and let it pass like this?
Aria’s hands, which had been fidgeting nervously, came to a halt at the first question that came out of Eric’s mouth, who had been staring at his notes for a long time.
“Things are moving faster than I expected. If I attend this meeting, whose face will be the darkest? What do you think?
Eric tapped the note with his index finger and asked.
A strange smile appeared on his lips as he asked that question. He even looked somewhat pleased.
Aria didn’t want to cater to his mood. She had grown up in the Bailey household for over ten years.
Aria already knew the answer to that question. The one who would be most affected by Eric’s appearance.
And he is the person he loves the most.
“You don’t need to match it here. Just wait a little, and you’ll see with your own eyes.
Eric’s blue pupils glowed eerily.
He was a harsh and cruel person. Like a hunter who designs traps and waits for the right moment.
Aria wrote a note saying she no longer wanted to deal with it.
Then, I will prepare, assuming you will attend.
Just as I was about to put the note on the table and turn around, a low voice came from behind.
“From now on, don’t come in here without my permission. If you don’t want to be hurt again.”
At his words, Aria’s steps came to a halt. Her tightly clenched hands were filled with tension.
Shouldn’t an apology come first?
If she had known that such a thing would happen, she would have ignored it from the beginning.
Whether he cried out in pain or writhed in agony, it didn’t matter…
“I have no intention of brushing it off with an insincere apology. I know very well how useless that is. Next time, no matter what sound you hear, don’t come in. It’s just a habit of mine when I’m asleep.
“It was an unconscious action. I don’t remember it at all either.
“At times like this, I envy Edward. How should I act so that you don’t find me difficult?
A hollow laugh escaped Eric’s lips. As if he himself found his own words absurd.
“I spoke unnecessarily. I’ll take my leave now.
When Eric’s inscrutable gaze turned towards me, Aria, who had been looking back for a moment, averted her eyes and hurriedly headed outside.
Did he notice? That Aria’s grip, who had been listening blankly, was slowly loosening.
Even the lips that were slightly bitten and the rough breaths were subsiding in front of those empty eyes. Without even knowing the reason.
How am I supposed to treat you…?
It might be a misunderstanding, but I thought, or rather, I had a brief moment of that small misunderstanding, that perhaps he was just confused about how to treat me.
How to treat oneself. It’s about respecting oneself, even if one is merely a maid.
Aria shook her head and let out a hollow laugh.
No one other than Edward treated him warmly or showed any interest. If it were anyone other than Edward, it would be impossible.
Aria hurriedly went down to the first floor, trying not to think too deeply about her dealings with Eric.
Isabella was invited to the Bailey family’s dinner. Count Dennis Bailey and his wife, Edward and Isabella, and Eric sat down together to start their meal.
The dishes, arranged in order, were gradually displayed amidst the gentle fragrance of marigolds and sunflowers filling the vase.
It had more than double the number of users and size compared to the annex, but the atmosphere was quieter and heavier than ever.
Aria, who was attending to Eric, glanced at Edward, who was sitting across from her with a drink in hand, and at Isabella, who was sitting next to him.
Spotlessly clear and white skin. A captivating gaze with slightly upturned eyes like a cat. A pink frilly dress that beautifully accentuates her slender figure. Isabella’s appearance was dazzling to anyone who saw her.
So they were also a perfect match for Edward.
Aria’s gaze, which had been fixed on her, turned to the ring on Isabella’s left hand. A star-shaped ruby ring.
Aria looked at it with a strange gaze. The ring that she couldn’t bring herself to wear on her own hand, contrasting with that ring.
But what does it matter? Like the fate of the mismatched rings, Aria had to humbly accept her situation.
Isabella is Edward’s betrothed fiancée, and now it will be Isabella, not me, who will be by his side.
Edward, dressed neatly in a black suit, was the first to speak in front of the entire family.
“Father, Mother.”
At the sudden voice that was heard, the family’s gaze turned to Edward all at once.
As everyone probably guessed, their eyes sparkled more than ever.
Edward turned his head and lightly grasped Isabella’s hand with an indifferent expression.
“I will marry Isabella in a month as planned. A few days ago, I visited Count Cecil and formally received his consent to the proposal.
“Oh my, dear! This is the happiest moment! Such a joyful time!”
The countess could not hide her excitement. Why wouldn’t she? Isabella was a strong backing that would enhance my son’s authority.
The countess smiled brightly as she looked at Isabella.
“Did Count Cecil readily agree?”
“Yes, of course. You must be pleased to have made a connection with the Bailey family. It seems like you brag about it every time you attend a social party.
“Oh my, there’s so much to be thankful for.”
The countess covered her open mouth with both hands and laughed heartily. In response, Isabella flattered the lady to match her mood.
“Thank you, but…To be welcomed by the honorable Bailey family, whom the people praise, I am truly grateful.”
“Oh my. Such a humble young lady joining our family. It’s the greatest fortune for the Bailey family.
Isabella, who received the compliment, placed her hand on her chest and bowed her head in gratitude.
The lady hurriedly turned her head towards Edward.
“Then where do you want to have the wedding?”
“I discussed it with Isabella, and we are thinking of having the wedding at St. Martin’s Church, where we had the engagement ceremony, and the reception in the Cecil family’s garden. Of course, Isabella wants the reception to be held in the garden of our mansion as well.
“Yes. The Bailey family’s garden is more beautifully maintained than any place I’ve ever seen. Thanks to that, the engagement ceremony was truly special and dazzling. To the extent that it could be compared to the garden of our mansion.
Isabella smiled gently and drank the wine in front of her. Hearing this, the countess’s lips curled into a wide smile.
“Oh dear. The count might feel hurt. I would enjoy hearing it even if it’s just flattery, but I should be careful with my words in front of the Count.
“Father is already thinking that way.”
“Still, holding the wedding reception here after the engagement ceremony would be disrespectful to Count Cecil.”
“Yes, so I have no choice but to follow Edward’s wishes.”
“It’s nice to see everything going smoothly.”
Isabella’s golden irises, which had been quietly smiling at the lady’s words, slowly turned towards Eric.
“I saw you at the engagement ceremony, and now I’ve seen you again today. Last time, I was too flustered to greet you properly. Isabella Cecil.
“It’s a shame that we have to return to the palace without even having the chance to get close. I hope to see you at the wedding. If you come, please stay for a few days like you did now. In the meantime, it would be even better if we could get to know each other better.
In the silence and awkward atmosphere with no answer, the expressions of the Countess and Edward immediately darkened.
Especially, the wife was internally anxious, fearing that Eric might make a mistake.
As everyone’s gaze turned to Eric, he quietly put down the knife he had been using to cut his steak.
Eric tilted one corner of his mouth at Isabella, who was looking at him with curious eyes.
“It seems you haven’t heard from your fiancé yet.”
“Yes…?”
“For the time being, I will be helping my father run the family business. So, there will be countless opportunities to see each other. Of course, neither of us would really want to.
At Eric’s words, the viscountess and Edward frowned in unison.
