22

"You've made it clear that you're not interested in Cedric, so there's no need for any punishment. Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange for you to meet other suitors. You can choose from them."

I realized that even if I managed to escape this marriage, another one might be just around the corner.

"Father, why are you so insistent on my getting married?"

He sighed heavily. "The fortune teller said that if you're not married by twenty, you'll face serious misfortune."

I walked over and comforted him. "Father, don't take the fortune teller's words too seriously."

"Should I not?" he responded, clearly anxious.

His concern wasn't entirely unfounded.

That fortune teller had also predicted disaster for me when I was twelve.

Despite being under constant supervision, I was once pushed into a garden pond during a crowded party.

Thankfully, someone rescued me in time.

The person who pushed me was from the Vale family, though I never learned why.

Later, I found out Cedric's father had sent her away to a distant farm, and my father decided not to pursue the matter further.

23

My father was still haunted by past events. When the fortune teller predicted that Cedric and I were a perfect match, he took it as a sign that this marriage was meant to be.

The fortune teller's previous predictions had proven accurate, which led my father to ignore my objections and finalize the match.

I arranged for a secret meeting with Cedric through William.

When we met, he looked frail and weak, as though he had just recovered from a serious illness.

He sat silently among other young men, barely engaging in conversation.

The thought of spending my life with someone so lifeless was daunting.

So, I arranged for a substitute bride, hoping to either provoke Cedric into breaking off the engagement himself or to pressure him into doing so. Of course, I knew this was the worst-case scenario, but I had to try something.

24

A few days later, after meeting with one of my suitors, Julian Montrose, I returned home to find Isolde waiting for me at the doorstep.

The moment I stepped out of the carriage, she stormed up to me, clearly upset. "Today, Cedric showed up at my house and told my father I'm his sweetheart!

"My father asked me about it, and when Cedric saw me, he looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"What did you do to him?"

Cedric had actually gone to the Winter family!

"How did you know it was me?" I asked, puzzled by her sudden sharpness.

"I asked several others, and they all said it wasn't them," she explained.

It seemed she had used a process of elimination.

"Anyway, you got me in trouble with my father, so you owe me," Isolde said, her face still sour.

"Alright, I'll make it up to you. How about we go out for a meal tomorrow?"

Isolde's face brightened at the offer.

25

At dinner, Isolde was a bundle of nerves.

We were in a private room with me, her, and Leonard Fairfax, one of my suitors.

Leonard, with a touch of sarcasm, asked, "So, Ms. Hart, what's this about?"

"It's just a meal. This is my childhood friend, Isolde. She's joining us today."

Leonard, still smirking, suggested, "If that's the case, why don't we move to the main hall downstairs? It's much livelier there."

"Sure," I agreed.

I got up to ask the waiter to switch our table, making sure Leonard knew I wasn't trying to cut corners. I also offered to cover the bill and told them to order whatever they wanted.

Isolde took full advantage, ordering seven dishes and thoroughly enjoying the live music. She kept asking Leonard for his thoughts, frequently interrupting our conversation.

I was genuinely glad to have her there. I should definitely take her out more often.

To my surprise, Leonard reported the whole situation to my father.

In the evening, after dinner, my father summoned me to his study.

He looked stern and told me I needed to stay home for the next few days to reflect on my actions.

26

Thanks to Leonard, I was spared the ordeal of meeting more potential suitors from the city.

Just as I was about to leave my father's study, he called out to me again.

"Tomorrow, the Vale family is coming over to discuss the annulment of the engagement. I want you there too."

So, my engagement still wasn't officially over.

Yet Julian and Leonard seemed eager to pursue me already.

27

The next day, a servant informed me that the Vale family had arrived and were waiting in the front courtyard.

I walked over slowly, but as soon as I entered the room and saw who was there, I turned around and left quickly.

The maid trailing behind me was too slow to follow and stood frozen at the doorway.

"Where is Lillian?" my father asked from inside.

The maid, honest to a fault, pointed towards where I was hiding.

Cedric himself had come.

Of course, he was here to personally retrieve the betrothal gifts.

"My apologies. My daughter has been spoiled by me."

"It's no problem. I assume Ms. Hart simply doesn't want to see me. I understand," Cedric replied coolly.

His voice sounded so familiar. I realized he was the one who had been speaking in my dreams lately.

Even though I didn’t want to admit it, Cedric had been on my mind constantly these past few days.

I shook my head and went back inside, ready to confront him about the money he owed.

As I stepped in, Cedric looked over impatiently but then suddenly froze and stood up abruptly.

Both my father and I were taken aback.

"Are you Lillian?" Cedric asked softly.

My father snorted, "Who else would she be? Lillian, come and greet Mr. Vale."

I composed myself and approached with a polite greeting. "Mr. Vale.

"We're not meant to marry. Now that we've met, let's part on good terms. Did you bring the engagement contract?"

Seeing that I had arrived, my father produced our family's copy of the engagement contract and slapped it on the table.

Cedric instinctively adjusted his collar. "I left in a hurry and forgot to bring it.

I was surprised as I knew he lied.

28

I suspected that he had the engagement contract on him, but I couldn't outright ask.

My father didn't seem to dwell on it and politely invited him to stay for dinner.

As soon as he finished speaking, though, he was ready to see him out.

Unexpectedly, Cedric nodded and said, "Thank you, I'd love to."

My father was taken aback, clearly not expecting him to accept so readily.

"Would you like to join me for coffee first, or would you prefer Lillian show you around the estate?"

Cedric turned to me and said, "I prefer a stroll, Ms. Hart."

I was momentarily speechless but had no choice but to comply.

My father, oblivious to what happened between us, cheerfully reminded me not to neglect our guest.

I led Cedric around the estate, avoiding the scenic spots and sticking to the smaller paths.

The servants, lacking awareness, greeted him enthusiastically even though I was walking beside him with a blank expression.

Didn't they know we were canceling the engagement?

Reluctantly, I decided to take Cedric to the garden, away from prying eyes.

He remained silent, and I didn't bother to find out what he was thinking.

"Mr. Vale, did you bring any money?"

"Yes," he replied immediately.

"You should repay the money I lent you for clothes earlier." The meal expenses, however, I decided to let slide.

"Sorry about that," Cedric said. "I didn't bring much today. How about I give you my pendant and redeem it tomorrow?"