Chapter 30
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Barbara was deeply troubled by the tone of voice that seemed to gently admonish her.
The other person was Emily's potential fiancé. Of course, it was a relationship the noble ladies of the two families worked together to build, but Barbara thought this opportunity could become a stepping stone.
She could finally get an answer from the gentleman who had never once given her a positive answer about an engagement with Emily.
After thinking for a moment, Barbara’s lips dropped and closed. A shallow sigh escaped. No matter what, she couldn't force the child if she didn’t want it. Aubrey didn't ask for this opportunity; she might not like it.
“If Miss Sandalwood accepts my offer, I promise to provide all the support I can. Whether it’s getting a job or studying.”
Those words eased Barbara’s anxiety a little. She was ready to do anything for Aubrey's happiness and she was not pleased with Jeffrick’s plans. Barbara knew he was in a hurry to get Aubrey off the marriage market.
Maybe this could be a good opportunity not only for Emily but also for Aubrey.
After some thought, Barbara regained her previous smile and looked at Khaled Karnus.
“That’s a good offer. Of course, I’ll have to talk to Aubrey first.”
“I will humbly follow your and Miss Sandalwood’s decision.”
Khaled said so, but he actually knew.
Countess Ravant had no choice but to accept his offer.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
That night Barbara went to Aubrey's room. Aubrey, who was reading, happily welcomed her, and the two sat down on the bed and talked. It was a moment of affection between the two.
But it wasn't long before a cold answer crossed the warm air.
"No. No, I don’t want to do it."
Aubrey was embarrassed after saying this. This was because she realized too late, she’d reacted harshly.
Barbara's expression, as expected, was not good when Aubrey glanced at her.
“Well, that’s not it…”
Aubrey tried to quickly cover her emotion, but she couldn't come up with a good excuse. Just hearing Khaled’s name made her head heat up. She felt like steam was coming out of the top of her head.
Barbara, who came to her room in the middle of the night, began by asking a question about the book she was reading. Then praised Aubrey’s intelligence, and after a few hesitations, she finally brought it up.
Ask Aubrey to write a screenplay for a play that the Count of Lavonne will produce. That was the business the man came for.
Even thinking about it again, it was absurd. The face of that vile man began to flash in her mind. At the same time, a pounding headache continued.
“Can I ask why you don’t want to do it?”
Barbara asked sweetly. She didn't even look like she was blaming Aubrey for immediately rejecting the offer. Barbara just smiled benevolently, as usual.
“I don’t have the ability to do that. As you know, I just liked reading books. My writing skills are also terrible. I can't write a scenario like that...I’m not a professional. It will cause trouble.”
Barbara nodded at the carefully spoken words.
Aubrey watched Barbara’s expression closely. Since it was Count Lavonne's business and not anyone else's, she was afraid that Barbara would be disappointed in herself by refusing this offer.
“I’m sorry, but I…”
Aubrey hated it even though he’d promised her generous support in return for this job. What kind of support would a man who told her to disappear provide? Aubrey gathered her courage and continued.
“I’m sorry, I don’t think I can do that.”
“…”
“I’m sure there is someone who can help the Count. A person with expertise in that field. Why ask me when I’ve only read a few books?”
Barbara nodded once and was silent for a moment. Aubrey didn't take her eyes off her face. Good eyes blinked a few times, and then Barbara raised her head.
“Okay. You’re right.”
“Aunt…"
“No. I respect your opinion. I told the Count that too. I will strictly follow your opinion. The Count also said he would humbly accept it.”
Barbara smiled and stroked her head.
“I’m sorry for burdening you.”
“…”
“Sleep well and have a nice dream.”
Barbara left the bedroom. Perhaps due to her mood, her shoulders looked slumped.
Aubrey wondered if she rejected it too quickly. Should she have even said she would think about it?
Aubrey, who had been thinking for a long time even after Barbara left, eventually got up, opened the door, and left.
“Aunt!”
Aubrey, who was walking down the stairs, saw Jeffrick standing with Barbara and stopped.
“What's happened?”
Barbara asked warmly, but Aubrey's gaze did not leave Jeffrick. He was looking at her with narrowed eyebrows, as if wondering what was going on in the middle of the night.
After the masquerade ball, Aubrey tried to avoid meeting Jeffrick as much as possible. It was because of the dirty memories she experienced in the dark corridor.
Of course, Aubrey didn't think the man she saw was really Jeffrick. She tried hard to believe it was just a person with a similar name. However, it was inevitable that memories of that time would come to mind every time she saw Jeffrick.
“Oh, I guess I didn’t say good night.”
Barbara smiled at Aubrey’s ridiculous excuse. After bidding good night once again, Barbara headed to the bedroom with Jeffrick.
Aubrey lowered her head as she looked at the couple's affectionate back.
⚜ ⚜ ⚜
A few days after that.
Langton Park was filled with ladies and gentlemen enjoying a leisurely stroll under a clear, cloudless sky. The real purpose of the graceful walk was to explore each other. A place where you pretend not to be like that on the outside and constantly search for someone with your eyes.
Emily Ravant laughed at the sight, walking forward arrogantly. She no longer needed such fruitless exploration.
“I want to go to Cannon Hall as soon as possible. I’m sure it will be cool.”
When she heard about what happened yesterday Jenny Delove was impressed. Emily's arrogance was raised as if Canon Hall was already hers.
“I’m concerned about that request he made. Does he really need that woman?”
“He couldn’t ask me to do such a thing. Would a proper lady lock herself in her room and write a play?”
Jenny Delove nodded as if agreeing with Emily’s words.
Jenny was so stupid. She’d believed everything Emily said without question. She laughed at her inwardly.
Emily looked around at the gentlemen walking around with haughty eyes. It was full of inadequate men. No matter where she looked, there seemed to be no man as dependable, cool-headed, and arrogant as Khaled Karnus.
Emily didn't know that man would grow up so well.
She still remembered the moment she first met him. A grand dinner party when the Duke of Karnus recognized Khaled as his biological son and bestowed a title on him.
It was a day when a cold that had lasted for several days reached its peak. That day, Emily’s whole body was feverish, her face was red, and her nose was running. She was so sick that when she wiped her nose with her handkerchief it felt like that part was raw and tattered.
When a heavy sneeze caused her to drop it, Khaled casually picked up Emily’s soiled handkerchief from the floor, lightly handing it back to her.
Then he smiled at her. Only seventeen. His slight smile was exquisite. Khaled had his own atmosphere that was different from his peers. He was on a different level from the vulgar young men who occasionally came to the mansion.
From then on, Emily became interested in the existence of Khaled Karnus. Although her interest cooled slightly after I found out about his situation. It was difficult for a man from humble backgrounds to be recognized in society; even if he was beautiful.
But that man, that man who had many lacks, came back as a proud success.
From then on, the story changed.
A man who has achieved great success; a man that everyone admires but can never become a true nobleman. Emily thought she could fix his only blemish if she was by his side.
But the man hardly looked her way. Just when it was starting to get a little embarrassing, Khaled finally made his move. Only…what he asked for was Aubrey Sandalwood.
It was around the time Khaled met with Barbara that Emily reached the limit of her patience.
“I told you I couldn’t do that, Emily. The Count needed a professional playwright.”
As soon as Barbara could say those words, Emily left the mansion again. The main culprit, who got caught in the middle and threw away a relationship that was barely progressing, was in the garden.
Emily shouted, approaching her without hesitation.
"Hey!"
Aubrey, who had been squatting down to pick up flower petals, slowly stood up. She stumbled for a moment in the middle as if sick. Emily didn't care at all what state Aubrey was in.
She walked forward with great strides and stood facing Aubrey.
Aubrey’s eyes, which were so bright that it was burdensome, were dead and blank. A shadow spread under her eyes. Aubrey’s lips were dry, like she had not eaten for several days.
Aubrey Sandalwood was a truly varied girl.
“What are you going to do?”
“What do you mean?”
“Are you asking because you don’t know? Are you kidding me? Who made this situation?”
Dark green eyes roamed the floor then focused on Emily as if she had realized something.
“Why are you saying no? How dare you!”
Emily roughly pushed Aubrey's shoulder. Surprised, Boris tried to stop her, but it was no use.
“Do you think the Count suggested you for no reason? Doesn't your head spin like that? Huh? Understand the topic! I didn’t think you could do anything!”
“Emily, I…”
Aubrey, who was trying to say something, could barely swallow the breath that had built up to her chin. Boris, who could see that, stood in front of Aubrey as if protecting her.
“Miss Emily. Miss Aubrey is not feeling well right now. So just a little…”
“Whose side are you taking now!”
"Miss..."
Just as Boris was making a stern voice, Aubrey grabbed his arm. She shook her head as if telling him not to do that.
Aubrey soon faced Emily again and licked her dry lips.
“You don’t have to be so angry.”
“Doesn’t it look like me? I know what a mess you’re making right now!”
“I will.”
Emily frowned at the words that came out like a sigh.
“I changed my mind. I’ll do it. So stop being angry. Please."
Aubrey was out of breath, as if she was going to fall over at any moment, as if it were true she wasn't feeling well. Emily glared at him for a while and then took a step closer.
“I hope what you just said wasn’t a lie.”
“…”
“Go right now and tell my mother.”
After saying that, Emily turned around and walked back to the mansion.
***
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Write a comment
Romy (Monday, 13 May 2024 01:04)
Ugh nooo why is she caving to her nasty cousin.