"This ball is splendid. Elise mentioned it to me—despite your memory loss, you've managed to organize everything so flawlessly. Thank you." A low, resonant voice sounded from behind Alia, accompanied by warm breath against her ear and arms encircling her waist. Startled for a brief moment, Alia quickly recognized Marcellus by his voice and the familiarity of his touch.
Over the past few days, despite her conscious effort to maintain a certain distance, Alia couldn't deny that their relationship had grown increasingly intimate. She no longer felt the initial resistance to Marcellus's touch; instead, a strange sense of familiarity crept into her heart. Perhaps it was fatigue, or perhaps a softening deep within her, but she unconsciously leaned her head against his chest, her lips curving into a faint smile.
"I'd rather attend a track than this ball," she murmured teasingly. "Right now, all I want to do is run and jump, shake off these cumbersome decorations and rules."
Her playful words drew a flicker of tenderness in Marcellus's eyes. Lowering his head, he buried his face in her soft hair, inhaling deeply as if savoring this rare moment of peace. In a low voice, he murmured, "My dear, I don't know why, but I find myself liking this 'new' you more and more. Compared to the composed and reserved version of you before, the lively, carefree you feels like a bird freed from its cage—free-spirited, yet utterly captivating."
Alia froze for a moment at his candid remark. His words, gentle and sincere, seemed to pierce through layers of pretense and reach the core of her true self. He was describing her—the real Alia—who had always been unrestrained and unburdened. The thought stirred a faint joy within her, a ripple of happiness akin to a drop of water falling into a still lake, spreading soft waves in her heart. Though her doubts lingered, she couldn't deny the warmth of being understood.
Just as the atmosphere grew delicate, a servant approached briskly and bowed. "Master, Madam, most of the guests have arrived."
Alia turned to look at Marcellus, who stood tall and composed. Tonight, he wore a tailored black suit paired with an understated yet luxurious brooch, exuding unparalleled elegance and authority. His upright posture and deep gaze made him appear not only charming but also imbued with an undeniable aura of power.
For a moment, Alia found herself mesmerized. Marcellus noticed her gaze and turned his head slightly, offering her a faint smile—a silent gesture of encouragement. Taking a soft breath, Alia quickly composed herself and nodded in response.
The two descended the grand staircase together, the sparkling chandeliers illuminating the hall in a dreamlike glow. Below, the crowd bustled with chatter, laughter, and the clinking of glasses. The air was filled with the melody of elegant music, a symphony of luxury and glamour. Marcellus raised a glass of champagne, engaging in polite exchanges with the gathered nobles, while Alia accompanied him, her face adorned with a graceful smile. Though it was her first time attending such an event in this role, her natural poise and elegance earned her numerous compliments. Marcellus's gaze lingered on her, tinged with admiration and pride.
In the days leading up to the ball, Alia had planned it alongside Lianna and Elise, who also helped her quickly master the essential etiquette and dances required of a noblewoman. Alia found these tasks effortless. Her body seemed to instinctively know the correct movements and graceful gestures, as though the memories were etched into her very being. With minimal effort, she carried herself with an ease and confidence that left no room for doubt.
"So this is what noble talent looks like," Alia mused inwardly, feeling both impressed and slightly detached. This seamless adaptation gave her an odd sense of unreality, as if she had always belonged to this opulent world of gold and grandeur.
Her eyes drifted back to Marcellus. He stood amidst a circle of nobles, conversing with ease. His confident demeanor, impeccable posture, and polished manners made him stand out effortlessly. His smile was warm but measured.
As Alia listened more closely, she realized that the conversations were little more than superficial pleasantries—topics like the weather, estate decor, and recent social events. While outwardly sophisticated, they were devoid of substance. Internally, she chuckled. "So this is the art of noble conversation—saying nothing meaningful in the most elegant way possible."
Despite her amusement, a brief exchange of glances with Marcellus revealed a glimmer of warmth in his eyes, as if he was silently conveying some unspoken sentiment. For a fleeting moment, Alia's heart fluttered. Even the grandiose ball felt a little less exhausting.
Not long after, Elias made his entrance. Dressed in a pristine white suit, he exuded grace and nobility, drawing the attention of many. However, to Alia's surprise, he didn't approach her with his usual flirtatious glances or veiled innuendos. Instead, he headed straight toward Lianna, offering her a reserved yet tender smile as they began a light-hearted conversation.
Alia, standing not far away with a glass of champagne in hand, couldn't help but notice the two. She didn't strain to overhear their exchange, but their occasional smiles and relaxed expressions made it clear they were enjoying themselves. The sight stirred a faint unease within her, a subtle prick to her heart. The emotion was swift and fleeting, yet undeniable.
Taking a deep breath, Alia swiftly adjusted her demeanor. Compared to previous encounters, the discomfort this time was noticeably milder. She even managed to discreetly avert her gaze and continue talking with the nearby guests, suppressing any trace of her emotions as if they had never existed.
"How strange," she thought with a wry smile. "I shouldn't care, but I still mind a little." Taking a small sip of champagne, she let the cool liquid soothe her restlessness. She knew all too well that she couldn't afford to lose composure or let minor distractions derail her focus tonight. With her resolve firmly in place, she rejoined the ball's lively atmosphere, her elegant smile unwavering, as though nothing had happened.
And yet, in her peripheral vision, she found herself glancing at Elias and Lianna again. Internally, she chided herself, Stay calm. He's doing this on purpose.