The gift-giving event unfolded with a tense and expectant atmosphere. Most attendees had anticipated that Roderick would propose marriage, a dramatic gesture loaded with symbolism that would have fit perfectly within the social framework of the moment. However, instead of a proposal, he presented a bouquet of flowers and a sweet treat—a gesture that, while polite, did not meet expectations.
The hall was filled with barely perceptible murmurs as guests dispersed after Roderick's surprising intervention. Conversations focused on the unexpected absence of a formal proposal. Some speculated about Roderick's motives, while others wondered if his intentions had changed suddenly.
"Wasn't he going to ask for her hand?" whispered a nobleman to his companion, his tone thick with curiosity.
"It seems not," replied his companion, a look of surprise on his face. "Perhaps he's changed his mind, or he was humiliated by a previous rejection."
"Do you think he still has feelings for her?" asked a lady-in-waiting, the anxiety clear in her voice.
Alice, who had been waiting for the moment of the proposal with a mix of anticipation and preparation for rejection, felt a blend of relief and confusion. As she took the bouquet and the sweet from Roderick, the unexpected gesture planted a troubling doubt in her mind. The room's reaction and the absence of a clear proposal made her question her perception of Roderick and her own appeal.
Accustomed to being the center of admiration and respect, Alice began to doubt her own charm and the effect her presence had on others. If Roderick, despite his role as a villain and his prior humiliation, had opted for such a modest gesture, perhaps there was something she didn't fully understand about her own status.
As the party continued, Alice struggled to maintain a facade of calm and dignity. However, her mind was occupied by doubt. Did Roderick still have feelings for her? Or had he simply shifted his focus? The lack of a concrete proposal and the unusual gesture had created a crack in her self-perception and her relationship with Roderick.
As guests continued to celebrate, Alice withdrew to a quiet corner of the hall, seeking a moment of solitude to reflect. The murmur of the party and the festive atmosphere felt distant as she wrestled with her thoughts.
Roderick watched from his place in the back row with discreet satisfaction. He had succeeded in planting the seed of doubt in Alice's mind, and the murmurs among the attendees confirmed that his plan had had the desired impact. The uncertainty he had created around his gesture began to erode the pride of the heroine, and that was exactly what he had intended.
As the party continued, Roderick prepared for the next steps in his strategy. With confidence in the success of his first move, he was ready to capitalize on the situation and continue with his plan to challenge Alice's status and solidify his role in the power game unfolding.
The night was still young, and the game of intrigue and manipulation was just beginning. Roderick was determined to proceed with his strategy, seizing every opportunity to advance his role as the second-generation villain.