As Verena walked, she felt the weight of the lady's gaze still upon her. Approaching her, Verena couldn't shake the feeling that she might have made a misstep somehow.
Suddenly, her phone rang, causing her to stop in her tracks. With the lady's eyes still lingering, Verena retrieved her phone, noticing an incoming call from an unknown number.
She accepted the call, and a voice came through, loud and familiar. "Verena?"
Recognising the voice immediately, Verena's lips curled into a smile. "Ariana, well, well. Who would've thought I'd get a call from you? What an honour!"
There was a playful edge to Verena's words, a teasing tone that hinted at a long-standing camaraderie.
Glancing at the lady standing some distance away, Verena realised that her conversation might not be entirely private.
She offered a small apologetic smile before turning her attention back to her phone, where Ariana's voice rang out once more.
"Haha, it seems like you've managed to maintain your sharp wit even after your time 'away'. So, spill the beans, Verena. What's cooking?"
Verena chuckled heartily at the question. "Am I really obliged to grace you with an answer, Ariana?"
Ariana's response was quick and light-hearted. "Mm, you should be! After all, we're old friends."
Verena's laughter continued; if it were another time, Verena would never laugh at her words of being 'friends'. "Busy as ever, I see. Unlike some people, I have a real job now. Not just flaunting my life on social media and getting true rumors."
Ariana's tone took on a mockingly surprised note. She said before gritting her teeth. "Oh, so you did manage to secure a dishwasher gig at that restaurant! Colour me impressed. It's quite the step up, don't you think? I mean, you deserve it anyway."
Verena's smile remained, though it tightened slightly. She was cautious not to reveal too much. "Time will tell who deserves who, won't it?" She quipped, a hint of mystery in her voice.
She hesitated for a moment, considering her next words carefully, then decided to cut the call short, releasing a soft sigh as she did so.
In the midst of this exchange, Verena's mind was split between her conversation and the lady who still observed her from a distance.
There was a complex web of relationships and secrets, and Verena was determined to navigate it all with finesse and determination.
However, her teacher's countenance softened as Verena closed the distance between them.
"I am sorry, the call was important." Verena explained apologetically, hoping to ease the tension that had momentarily settled between them.
As she spoke, Verena's eyes never left the lady who had been watching her. It was as if her every move was being monitored, amplifying her determination to uncover the secrets that lay behind the mysterious gaze.
"Verena?" The teacher's voice was gentle, and Verena answered with a quick nod.
"I'm relieved you're here. There's an important matter we need to address." The teacher's words held a sense of gravity, and when Verena took a seat at the round table, her curiosity piqued. She was eager to understand what her teacher had in mind.
"By the way, my name is Priscilla. As your ethics instructor, it's my responsibility to guide you. I observed your approach just now, and there's an aspect we need to work on—the way you walk." The teacher's tone was both candid and constructive.
Verena listened attentively, her interest deepening.
Her teacher continued, "Our goal is to refine your manner of walking, eating, and conversing—essentially, presenting yourself before others. These are vital skills, particularly when interacting with dignitaries."
Verena absorbed the words, understanding the significance of what she was being taught. The idea of learning to navigate elite circles with grace and confidence resonated with her.
Although she didn't need something to learn like this, it was not for her; it was for Louis. She was not someone but going to marry a bechalor who came from a prestigious family. She was going to be Mrs. Heiseinbergs soon.
Verena knew that in order for Louis to be accepted and respected among his future in-laws, she had to perfect these skills herself.
She was determined to become an elegant and poised woman who would make a lasting impression on dignitaries and high society. Verena knew that her own transformation would not only benefit Louis but also enhance her own self-confidence and presence in any social setting.
Priscilla's gaze remained kind but firm. "I'm here to help you grow, Verena. We'll work on your posture, pace, and presence. Small adjustments can make a significant difference."
Verena felt a mixture of anticipation and determination. She knew that she was embarking on a journey to refine herself, to become someone who could effortlessly command attention in any room.
"Thank you for guiding me," Verena responded earnestly. "I'm eager to learn."
Her teacher smiled, reassuring her that Verena was on the right path. "It's a pleasure to help shape your potential. Let's begin this transformative journey together."
Priscilla gestured towards Verena, her voice kind yet firm. "Let's begin with your walk. Go ahead, take a round, and then come back to me."
Verena nodded, her nerves fluttering as she started to walk away, conscious of the lady's gaze on her.
As she completed the loop and returned, Verena's attempt to showcase her best walking style felt awkward and forced. Her steps seemed unsure, and her posture appeared unnatural.
The teacher couldn't stifle a soft chuckle as she watched Verena's peculiar walking display. It seemed as if Verena had developed a sudden allergy to her own back, curving it in an almost comical manner.
Embarrassment crept up Verena's cheeks, colouring them with a tinge of pink.
However, instead of criticism, the teacher's laughter carried a warm undertone. "Verena, relax. You don't have to twist like a pretzel. Let me show you."
Verena took a deep breath and nodded, allowing herself to be receptive to the guidance. The teacher took a step forward, demonstrating a walk that exuded grace and confidence. The movement was fluid; each step was deliberate yet effortless.
Priscilla's back was straight, her shoulders relaxed, and her demeanour projected an air of poise that Verena found captivating. She was almost 35 years old this year, but she didn't look much older than Verena.
As Verena observed the teacher's elegant stride, a sense of optimism flickered within her. She realised that no matter how initially awkward it felt, there was something to be learned here—something valuable that could transform her into a more poised version of herself.
Verena met the teacher's eyes, her earlier embarrassment replaced by a newfound decisiveness. With a nod, she acknowledged that she was ready to follow the example set before her.
"Can I call you, sister Priscilla?" Verena asked, blinking sweetly at her new teacher, who was older than her.
Priscilla was taken aback; she heard Verena didn't like to talk much, and she didn't associate herself with everyone easily, but she never imagined that Verena would open up to her so easily.
"You can." Priscilla smiled as she affirmed.