The following morning, the Delacroix estate was alive with activity as preparations began for the upcoming charity gala—a major event hosted annually by the family. Though in the novel Duke Ethan had treated it as a mere formality, Ethan saw it as an opportunity to strengthen Amara's image and position within society.
Amara, however, was less enthusiastic.
"Are you certain this is necessary?" she asked, her tone wary, as they sat together in the dining room. She had been reviewing the guest list, her expression tense.
"Yes," Ethan replied firmly. "This gala is our chance to shift public perception of you. It's time people saw the real Duchess of Delacroix."
Amara frowned, her fingers brushing the edge of the parchment. "And what exactly do you believe the real duchess is?"
Ethan met her gaze, his expression sincere. "Someone strong, intelligent, and compassionate. Someone who deserves respect."
For a moment, Amara said nothing. Then she looked away, her cheeks faintly pink.
Notification:
"Amara feels a flicker of hope and validation.
Happiness increased by 5%. Trust in you increased by 3%.
Reward Unlocked: Intermediate Event Management Skill."
As the day unfolded, Ethan focused on ensuring everything for the gala would reflect positively on Amara. He worked closely with the staff, personally overseeing the menu, decorations, and seating arrangements. It was important to ensure that Amara would be the star of the evening, not overshadowed by anyone else.
Meanwhile, Amara seemed both curious and skeptical of his efforts.
"Why are you so invested in this?" she asked at one point, watching as Ethan discussed floral arrangements with the head gardener.
"Because it's important to me that people see you the way I do," Ethan replied without hesitation.
Amara's breath hitched slightly, and she quickly turned away, hiding her reaction.
Notification:
"Amara feels warmth from your words.
Happiness increased by 4%. Trust in you increased by 2%.
Reward Unlocked: Basic Empathy Detection Skill."
That afternoon, Ethan found himself in the estate's vast library, seeking records about past galas. He had learned that Amara's tarnished reputation wasn't entirely her fault. The novel hinted at someone subtly orchestrating events to paint her as a villainess, but it hadn't delved deeply into the details.
While flipping through the records, Ethan paused. There, in a stack of old correspondences, was a letter addressed to the previous Duke. It mentioned an incident at a gala three years prior, where a misunderstanding had led to Amara being publicly humiliated.
"What are you doing?"
Ethan looked up to see Amara standing in the doorway, her arms crossed.
"Research," he said simply, holding up the letter.
Amara frowned as she approached, her eyes scanning the paper. Her expression darkened. "I remember this," she murmured. "That night...Cecilia was involved."
The name sent a ripple of recognition through Ethan. Cecilia—the heroine of the novel and the supposed innocent victim. But if his suspicions were correct, she was far from blameless.
"Tell me about her," Ethan said, his tone gentle but firm.
Amara hesitated, her fingers tightening around the letter. "She's cunning. Everyone adores her, but she always had a way of twisting situations to her advantage. No one ever saw it—except me."
"And no one believed you," Ethan guessed.
Amara's lips pressed into a thin line. "No. They assumed I was jealous or spiteful. And every time I tried to defend myself, it only made things worse."
Ethan reached out, placing a reassuring hand on hers. "We'll change that. Together."
Amara blinked, her eyes searching his face. Slowly, she nodded.
Notification:
"Amara feels a glimmer of trust and partnership.
Happiness increased by 6%. Trust in you increased by 5%.
Bonus Reward Unlocked: Advanced Persuasion Skill."
As evening fell, Ethan suggested they have dinner together in the private dining room—a more intimate setting than the grand hall.
The meal was simple but elegant, and the atmosphere between them was surprisingly comfortable.
"Do you enjoy these small moments?" Ethan asked as they finished their dessert.
Amara looked at him, her expression contemplative. "I...don't know. I've never had them before."
Ethan's chest tightened at her words. He leaned forward, his voice soft but firm. "You deserve them, Amara. You deserve peace and happiness."
Amara's emerald eyes shimmered, but she quickly looked away, her walls rising again.
Notification:
"Amara feels deeply touched but hesitant to accept your kindness fully.
Happiness increased by 3%. Trust in you increased by 2%.
Reward Unlocked: Calm Aura Skill (increases peaceful atmosphere during interactions)."
That night, as they prepared for bed, Ethan noticed Amara lingering by the window, her gaze distant.
"Something on your mind?" he asked, approaching her.
She hesitated before speaking. "It's strange...being here with you. You're different now. I don't know what to think."
Ethan gently placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch light and reassuring. "You don't have to decide anything right now. Just know that I'm here for you."
Amara turned to face him, her expression conflicted. For a moment, she seemed as though she wanted to say something more. But instead, she simply nodded and stepped away.
As she climbed into bed, Ethan felt a mix of hope and determination. The road ahead would be long, but he was willing to walk it—for her.
System Store Notification:
"Points Available: 1,800. Recommended purchase: Confidence Charm (800 points) – Boosts Amara's confidence in social settings. New Item: Memory Orb (1,000 points) – Temporarily allows a partner to relive a cherished memory."
Ethan purchased the Confidence Charm, determined to help Amara reclaim her rightful place in society.
"Good night, Amara," he said softly as he settled into his side of the bed.
Amara glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Good night, Ethan."
And as they drifted into sleep, the distance between them felt just a little smaller.
End of Chapter 5