With the charity gala only three days away, tension filled the Delacroix estate. The staff worked tirelessly under Ethan's meticulous direction, ensuring every detail would reflect the Duchess's elegance and grace. For Ethan, this wasn't just about impressing the nobles—it was about giving Amara the recognition she deserved.
Amara, however, felt suffocated by the impending event.
"Why do you care so much about this?" she asked Ethan as they walked through the ballroom, where decorators were arranging floral displays.
Ethan paused, turning to face her. "Because this is your chance to show the world who you truly are, Amara. They've judged you unfairly for too long."
Amara laughed bitterly. "You make it sound so easy. Do you think a single gala will erase years of hatred?"
Ethan stepped closer, his voice soft but firm. "No, but it's a start. And I'll be with you every step of the way."
Amara stared at him, her defenses faltering for a moment before she quickly masked her emotions.
Notification:
"Amara feels a mix of doubt and gratitude.
Happiness increased by 3%. Trust in you increased by 2%.
Reward Unlocked: Basic Public Speaking Skill."
That afternoon, Ethan decided it was time to address Amara's confidence directly. He approached her in the library, where she was reviewing the guest list again, her expression tense.
"I have an idea," Ethan said, setting a small box on the table.
Amara looked up, raising an eyebrow. "What now?"
"It's a practice exercise," Ethan said, opening the box to reveal cue cards with various conversational prompts written on them. "We'll practice how to handle difficult conversations with the nobles. I'll play their part, and you'll respond."
Amara hesitated, her pride clearly resisting the idea. "You're treating me like a child."
"No," Ethan said firmly. "I'm treating you like someone I believe in."
Amara's lips parted in surprise, but she quickly composed herself. "Fine," she said after a moment. "Let's see how this works."
They spent the next hour going through various scenarios, with Ethan throwing increasingly challenging questions at her.
"Duchess, don't you think your reputation undermines your husband's authority?" Ethan asked, mimicking the tone of a condescending noble.
Amara straightened, her voice steady despite the sting of the question. "I believe my actions speak louder than rumors. Supporting my husband and his causes is my priority."
Ethan smiled, impressed. "Perfect. Now, let's try a trickier one."
As they continued, Amara grew more confident, her responses sharper and more poised. By the end of the session, a small smile tugged at her lips.
"That was...not as terrible as I expected," she admitted.
Ethan chuckled. "You're stronger than you think, Amara."
Notification:
"Amara feels a sense of accomplishment.
Happiness increased by 5%. Trust in you increased by 4%.
Reward Unlocked: Intermediate Diplomacy Skill."
That evening, Ethan visited the System Store to check his points and explore new items.
Points Available: 2,300
Several options caught his attention:
Elegant Grace Potion (1,200 points) – Temporarily enhances social charm and confidence.
Insight Lens (1,800 points) – Allows the user to see hidden motivations in people for 24 hours.
Reputation Boost Token (2,000 points) – Improves the Duchess's public perception significantly.
Ethan purchased the Elegant Grace Potion and planned to give it to Amara before the gala. He also noted the Insight Lens, which could be crucial for uncovering Cecilia's schemes, and decided to save up for it.
Late that night, Ethan found Amara sitting in the garden, gazing at the stars. She seemed lost in thought, her usual sharpness replaced by a quiet vulnerability.
"Couldn't sleep?" Ethan asked, taking a seat beside her.
Amara glanced at him but didn't reply immediately. Finally, she said, "I keep thinking about how they'll look at me at the gala. Their eyes...they've always been full of disdain."
Ethan's heart ached at her words. "This time will be different," he said softly. "You're not alone anymore, Amara."
She turned to him, her emerald eyes shimmering with an emotion she didn't let herself voice. "Why do you care so much, Ethan? You used to hate me."
Ethan hesitated, knowing he couldn't explain the truth. Instead, he leaned closer, his voice earnest. "Because I see you now. The real you. And I care about what happens to you."
Amara blinked, clearly startled by his words. Then she quickly turned away, her cheeks faintly pink.
Notification:
"Amara feels conflicted but touched by your sincerity.
Happiness increased by 4%. Trust in you increased by 3%.
Bonus Reward Unlocked: Basic Emotional Insight Skill."
As they returned to their room, Ethan noticed how Amara seemed more relaxed, her usual sharpness softened.
"I'll be by your side at the gala," he promised before they parted for the night.
Amara paused at her bedroom door, glancing back at him. "I'll hold you to that."
Ethan smiled as she disappeared into her room, feeling a renewed determination to ensure her happiness and safety.
End of Chapter 7