The Duke's mansion was awfully quiet. Lara could still notice some of the maids giving her snarky looks and whispering, but they didn't say anything directly to her.
"Hey, Lara," a maid with freckles and black curly hair called out. Lara must have been very close to the maid because seeing her put a smile on her face.
"Mary, you're back," she said, hugging her.
"Yes, I've confirmed everything is good at home. My brother's wife is even expecting," Mary said excitedly.
"That's good."
Mary pulled Lara aside. "What's this I heard about the young master getting engaged to someone else?"
Lara had just managed to calm her heart, and Mary had stirred it up again. "The young master didn't have any other option but to agree with his father for now."
Mary was suspicious but decided to keep that to herself. She hoped Lara knew what she was doing. Mary sneered in her heart but comforted Lara nonetheless, saying, "When you become the young madam, don't forget me, your best friend." This brought a smile to Lara's face.
"Of course I won't forget you," Lara replied, if only she knew what the future had in store for her.
Mary was a two-faced person and was only friends with Lara because of the benefits the young master gave her. She too was jealous of Lara but hid it well, pretending to be her friend.
Meanwhile, Duke Blackwood was having tea in the garden with his wife, Madam Sophia. The garden at Duke Blackwood's mansion was a sprawling oasis of tranquility and beauty. Manicured lawns stretched out in every direction, dotted with vibrant flower beds that burst with color. Roses, tulips, and lilies created a symphony of hues, their fragrances mingling in the air to create a heady, intoxicating scent.
Ancient oak trees provided ample shade, their gnarled branches forming a natural canopy over the winding stone pathways. These paths meandered through the garden, leading to hidden nooks and secluded benches where one could sit and lose themselves in thought. A large, ornate fountain stood at the center of the garden, its crystal-clear water cascading down in a soothing, rhythmic dance. The sound of the water was a constant, calming presence, adding to the serene atmosphere.
In one corner of the garden, a small pond teemed with life. Koi fish of various colors swam lazily beneath the surface, while dragonflies flitted above, their wings catching the sunlight. Surrounding the pond were clusters of bamboo and weeping willows, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. The garden was meticulously maintained, with every plant and feature carefully curated to create a harmonious blend of nature and artistry. It was a place where one could escape the troubles of the world and find peace, if only for a moment.
Duke Blackwood was a rather robust man; he had a beer belly that made him no different from a pregnant woman and an elaborate moustache. Let's just say young master Cedric got his looks from his late mother. The madam and he made a comical pair: one looked like the reincarnation of a goddess, while the other looked like a pumpkin. But who are we to judge?
Madam Sophia, despite her serene appearance, was not in support of Cedric getting engaged to Princess Isabella. She had her own selfish desires eventually the duke would pass away and Cedric would then marry her. Having already endured the presence of Lara, she now faced the prospect of another woman vying for Cedric's affection. This was something she could not tolerate. Her dislike for Lara was palpable; every interaction was laced with thinly veiled contempt. She saw Lara as an intruder, someone unworthy of cedric's attention and affection.
As they sipped their tea, Madam Sophia's thoughts were far from the tranquil garden. "Cedric's engagement to Princess Isabella is a mistake," she said, her voice dripping with disdain. "He deserves someone better, someone who truly understands our family's legacy."
Duke Blackwood sighed, knowing this conversation was inevitable. "Sophia, it's a strategic alliance. It will strengthen our position."
"Strategic or not, I will not have another woman come between Cedric and his future. Lara is already a nuisance," she snapped, her eyes narrowing. "And now this princess? It's too much."
The Duke remained silent, sipping his tea. He knew better than to argue with his wife when she was in one of her moods. Madam Sophia's dislike for Lara was no secret. She had tolerated her presence only because Cedric seemed fond of her. But now, with the engagement looming, her patience was wearing thin.
The Duke also knew about Lara. His son was still young, and it did not matter if he had a plaything. In the end, Cedric was going to marry Princess Isabella, even if he didn't like it. This was the way of their world, and personal feelings had little place in such matters.
Lara, unaware of the storm brewing in the garden, continued her conversation with Mary. "The young master didn't have any other option but to agree with his father for now," she repeated, trying to convince herself as much as Mary.
Mary nodded, though her eyes were filled with concern. "Just be careful, Lara. The madam... she doesn't seem to like you very much."
Lara forced a smile. "I know. But I have to believe that Cedric will make the right choice in the end."
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the garden, Madam Sophia's resolve hardened. She would not allow anyone to disrupt her plans for Cedric's future. Not Lara, and certainly not Princess Isabella. She had endured enough, and she would fight to ensure her son's happiness, even if it meant making difficult decisions.
Just then, a carriage pulled up to the mansion, its ornate design indicating the arrival of someone important. The door opened, and out stepped Princess Isabella, her regal presence immediately commanding attention. She was breathtakingly beautiful, with long, flowing hair that shimmered like spun gold in the fading light. Her eyes were a striking shade of emerald, sparkling with intelligence and a hint of mischief. Her skin was flawless, like porcelain, and her lips were a perfect rosebud pink.
Princess Isabella's gown was a masterpiece of craftsmanship, made of the finest silk and adorned with intricate embroidery and delicate lace. The fabric hugged her slender frame, accentuating her graceful curves. She moved with an effortless elegance, each step a testament to her royal upbringing.
The unexpected visit sent a ripple of tension through the household, signaling that the delicate balance of power and affection was about to be tested.