The palor was adorned with a majestic tapestry of exquisite flowers, luscious confections, and a dazzling assortment of extravagant gifts; servants gracefully carried each gift in their hands. Lord Gavriel reclined on a sumptuous sofa, basking in the opulence that surrounded him. The air itself became a symphony of delicate perfumes, decadent chocolates, and the intoxicating fragrance of freshly-cut roses. With measured steps, Eveloria entered this realm of luxury, feeling its embrace.
As her presence captured Lord Gavriel's attention, a radiant smile illuminated his face.
"At last, you have graced us with your presence. I have eagerly awaited this moment."
A surge of pure revulsion washed over Eveloria, causing her features to contort involuntarily. Beneath her composed exterior, a storm of emotions brewed, a striking contrast to the refined facade of the room.
"Greetings, Lord Gavriel," she said, her voice tinged with indifference, bowing slightly. "May I ask why you have arrived without prior notice?"
Lord Gavriel shrugged nonchalantly, maintaining a smile upon his face. "Is it wrong for me to visit my fiancée?" he replied, tilting his head in a disinterested manner. His dark eyes held flecks of glittering light, seeming to twinkle with every glance she stole.
Sensing that her initial question hadn't elicited the desired response, a hint of disapproval twitched at the corners of her lips. Suppressing her emotions, she wore an expressionless mask. For now, she decided to play along.
Once again, she lowered her head and narrowed her eyes at him suspiciously. "Now that you have seen me, you may take your leave along with your gifts," she stated, her voice devoid of annoyance or displeasure.
As Lord Gavriel rose from his seat, the smile slowly slid from his face, and the muscles in his jaw clenched, revealing a tightening resolve.
"Your manner is quite rude, Lady Eveloria. What right do you have to treat me like this?" His voice held a dangerous undercurrent, and anger flashed in his eyes, though it did little to diminish his charm. Eveloria remained silent, maintaining her cold stare, her eyes unblinking and challenging.
He took a few confident strides forward, reaching out to brush the back of his knuckles against her cheek. The touch sent a tingling warmth through her skin, and he traced a single finger down her cheekbone, lightly trailing it across the curve of her jaw until it came to rest over her lip. His fingertips grazed the edge of her lower lip, toying with it absentmindedly for a moment, causing Eveloria to involuntarily stiffen. Eventually, he pulled away, and a small shiver ran down Eveloria's spine from the lingering coolness of his touch. A mischievous chuckle escaped him as he observed her reaction.
'Her reactions are quite cute,' he thought to himself, a smirk playing on his lips.
In that moment, his demeanor shifted. His previously intense gaze softened, and he appeared more relaxed, almost carefree, which only enhanced his magnetic appeal.
"You came here unannounced, Lord Gavriel," Eveloria finally spoke, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance, though she avoided making direct eye contact with him.
His hand delicately reached out, lightly brushing against her cheek before settling into a loose hold. With a gentle motion, his thumb traced back and forth along her upper lip, evoking a slight smile on his own lips. Confidently, he broke the silence, his words filled with assurance. "Lady Eveloria, it's evident now that I'm here to stay."
Lowering his chin and leaning closer, their foreheads drew closer together, almost touching. In a soft murmur, he whispered into her ear, his voice carrying a touch of intimacy.
Caught off guard, Eveloria pulled away abruptly, a look of disbelief flickering across her features. This man's arrogance and conceit were utterly infuriating. How dare he assume she would welcome his touch?
Before she could voice her thoughts, Beatrice , followed by Briana and her maids walked down the stairs, the sound of the footsteps reverberated across the room. Warm smiles adorned their faces as they greeted Lord Gavriel with courtesy.
"Ah, greetings, Lord Gavriel," Beatrice addressed him, offering a polite bow. Briana and the maids followed suit.
Curiosity sparked in Beatrice's eyes as she inquired, "What brings you here?"
Lord Gavriel mirrored their warm smiles and responded with equal charm, "I merely came to check on my beloved fiancée. It has been quite some time since our last meeting, and I couldn't resist bringing some gifts for her." His gaze landed pointedly on Eveloria as he spoke, and she couldn't help but feel a shiver run down her spine, as if his words were coated in saccharine honey, disguising his true intentions.
Briana's brows furrowed as her gaze fell upon the extravagant gifts Lord Gavriel had brought for Eveloria. However, she quickly composed herself and forced a smile. Beatrice noticed the fleeting expression on Briana's face and responded, "I see."
Eveloria caught the slight falter in Briana's smile when she glanced her way, sensing a tinge of jealousy in her demeanor. Though Eveloria knew it wouldn't go beyond Briana's internal struggles, she couldn't help but sigh inwardly. "I request for a moment alone with my fiancée," Lord Gavriel's deep voice interrupted Eveloria's thoughts, as he let his hand slide down her arm and tenderly grasped her hand.
Her heart skipped a beat at the touch, yet confusion filled her mind. 'What is this man up to?'
"Indeed, Lord Gavriel, we shall take our leave," Beatrice hastily responded, clearly sensing the urgency. She hurriedly guided her companions out of the palor, leaving Eveloria alone with Lord Gavriel.
Before he could utter a word, Eveloria interrupted him, her voice resolute, "I will spend time with you, but only under one condition: these gifts you present me with, send them back and refrain from sending such extravagant gestures in the future. I have no need for them. If you refuse, you can forget about any more of my time."
With those words hanging in the air, Eveloria forcefully freed her hand from his grasp and made her way towards the stairs. However, Lord Gavriel swiftly caught hold of her arm, his touch firm yet composed.
"Of course , my dear, my servants will return these gifts within the hour," he responded calmly, finally releasing her hand, as if acquiescing to her wishes.
Eveloria couldn't help but nod reluctantly, despite her clear disinterest in spending time with him.
Gavriel's face lit up with a smile upon seeing her acceptance. "Let's enjoy a delightful cup of tea then," he suggested.
***
Meanwhile, in Beatrice's room, Briana paced restlessly, her face marked with evident irritation. Beatrice sat serenely in a chair by the window, engrossed in her book. She occasionally glanced up at Briana, who cast furtive glances towards the door. A steaming cup of freshly brewed tea sat before Beatrice, accompanied by a plate piled high with honey-covered biscuits, cakes, and tarts.
Briana approached Beatrice with quick, determined steps. Taking a deep breath, she composed herself and inquired, "Mother, why did you choose Lord Gavriel to be Eveloria's suitor? Why not me? Don't I surpass Eveloria in beauty? Why her?" Ever since the morning when Lord Gavriel had joined them for breakfast, Briana had been consumed by her curiosity.
Beatrice closed her book and gently rested it on her lap. Rising from her chair, she approached Briana, her hands reaching out to cup Briana's face. She caressed it tenderly and whispered, "Yes, my dear, without a doubt you are more beautiful than Eveloria. You have always been the epitome of beauty."
"But beauty alone does not always determine a suitable suitor," Beatrice continued. "Lord Gavriel possesses qualities that complements Eveloria's spirit."
Briana's eyes filled with confusion as she searched her mother's gaze. "But what about my happiness, Mother? Shouldn't that be considered?"
" Of course, my dear. Your happiness is of the utmost importance to me. " Beatrice replied.
"Then why her?" Briana seethed, her frustration and upset boiling over at her mother's response.
Beatrice's smile grew subtly yet dangerously, etching itself onto her face as she spoke. "If you were smart, you would trust me, wait, and not do anything stupid," she replied, her tone laced with a sinister edge. With that, she tenderly kissed Briana on the forehead, her smile softening as she returned to her seat, engrossed in her book once again. Briana stood there, dumbstruck, watching her mother's retreating figure. A whirlwind of emotions churned within her, leaving her feeling shocked, confused, and betrayed. How could her own mother choose a suitable partner for someone else while neglecting her own daughter's desires?
Shaking her head, Briana let out a deep sigh, attempting to calm her frayed nerves. "If you're done talking, you may leave," Beatrice declared, her eyes not lifting from the pages of her book. "I must read for the rest of the afternoon."
"But mother—" Briana began to protest.
"No questions, Briana. Just go," Beatrice insisted, her tone stern, yet her smile ever present, resembling that of a cunning snake. Clenching her jaw and fists at her sides, Briana stormed out of the room, the door slamming shut behind her.
'I won't let Eveloria marry Lord Gavriel,' Briana vowed silently.