Tsk, Ariella clicked her tongue, continuing as if she found it pathetic.
“Outside, Sir Adam is waiting. If I scream, he’ll come running in right away. Do you want to escalate this?”
It had only been a few days since the Duke of Bedford had issued a warning. If Lizzy were to establish herself further in this duke’s household, it would be troublesome if things escalated now.
Although it was Ariella who had barged in and started the trouble, that would not be a valid excuse for the duke. His vigilance was still directed at Lizzy.
Having grasped the situation, Lizzy clenched her jaw tightly.
‘I can’t get caught up in this.’
It was frustrating, but she had to endure. Until the opportunity for revenge came.
She quickly calmed her heart. Though her chest was boiling with anger, she suppressed it somehow. After years of waiting, enduring one more day was nothing.
No matter how confidently she spoke, Ariella was still just Ariella. Dull, boring, and completely igNorant of how to please a man.
Even if time passed and Aaron’s feelings changed, if he were to find another woman, he would not give a second thought to such a conventional girl.
‘If there are any unforeseen consequences, I can just eliminate them after my plans are complete.’
Having made her judgment, Lizzy smiled sweetly. Her skin, which had turned red with anger, returned to its pale hue, and her voice regained its composure.
“…Alright, Arrie. Go ahead and try your best. I sincerely hope that tomorrow’s ball will be a pleasant memory for you.”
Having finished her words, she abruptly turned her head, treating Ariella as if she were invisible. It was a clear dismissal.
Ariella turned away without any lingering feelings. She had already achieved her purpose for coming here, so there was no reason to stay longer.
‘This should be enough to provoke her.’
Lizzy would surely persuade Aaron the moment she left. Whether she pretended to cry or threatened not to allow him to have her body anymore, she would use every method to ensure that he wouldn’t give Ariella even a glance at the ball tomorrow.
Just as Ariella had hoped.
***
Aaron’s expression when he came to pick up Ariella before the ball was so dark that it couldn’t even be hidden by his mask.
It was clear that he had been tormented by Lizzy all day.
“Aaron, thank you for coming to get me.”
Ariella smiled at him, pretending to know nothing. As his long eyes curved beautifully from behind the eye holes of the mask, Aaron looked flustered. He had expected him to be angry after learning about Lizzy and his relationship, but he was being so kind instead.
Ariella took it a step further and apologized in a soft voice.
“I… I’m sorry about the Count Lambert’s house. Actually, I wanted to say this, which is why I asked to go to the ball today.”
“…What?”
“That day, I dared to raise my voice at you. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have done that. It’s embarrassing, but I was jealous…”
Ariella lowered her head as if embarrassed. The way she bit her pink lips was quite shy.
Seeing this, Aaron was beside himself.
Although he could only see half of Ariella’s face looking up at him, she was beautiful. Even though her outfit still didn’t seem to satisfy his aesthetic sense, everyone wore unique dresses to the masquerade, so it wasn’t embarrassing.
However, it was not her beautiful appearance that made his heart race, but her attitude.
The great Ariella of Bedford was being so submissive!
She had always maintained her dignity. Even in front of the crown prince, she would not back down, lifting her chin defiantly, and if he tried to touch her, she would glare and leave. She had been unbearably arrogant.
But today, Ariella was blushing and humbly bowing her head, saying she was jealous.
A thrilling sense of conquest made his heart race. If only he could touch her skin and reaffirm his victory.
However, there was one problem.
‘Damn it, why today of all days!’
Really, why did she have to show this side of herself today?
Today, Aaron could not act friendly towards her. He couldn’t wrap his arm around her shoulder or hold her hand.
That was because it was a promise he made with Lizzy.
“Your Highness, you’re going to the ball with Arrie tomorrow, right?”
“That’s how it turned out. Don’t take it personally; I’m not going because I want to.”
“I’m fine. I don’t blame you at all. A man can’t be hindered from doing great things. It’s just… I’m a little worried. I’m afraid your feelings might change… I think it would be better if we didn’t meet this week. I’m worried that I might show you an ugly side of myself because I’m upset.”
