My mood is completely ruined, since when has such burning rage welled inside me, why am I especially enraged by this man. It's like something is fueling my anger. No
I felt a similar rage with Ella, but it was not this intense. This is not normal.
I walk up to my room, to the bed. I take a deep breath in and out, while sitting.
How dare he...how dare he betray his intended! and she just stand there and do nothing?. I cannot blame Nerissa, afterall
Just remembering his face makes my heart throb, his shiny blonde hair and his sky blue eyes. Just like a prince from a fairy tale. He would have been fine if he was trustworthy.
The worst part? is that this engagement was something decided since before they were born!
Something I cannot break even if I wanted to. Both guardians are counts and a marriage contract like this is not breakable by the ones involved.
What a pain. I refuse to be with him. Never, but I can't really think of a way out of this.
Creaking doors pulled me out of my thoughts. Nancy and Yuri entered and bowed respectfully.
"Young master Adrian has return and the count ask you to join them for lunch". Announced Nancy.
I felt my heart drop. Adrian and Nerissa are cousins, but one would rather be related to the devil than him. He is also the only one that openly despises her and does not hesitate to show it.
"Fine" I sighed "Help me fix my hair up". I added.
"Right away my lady" Yuri walked to the dressing table and I followed.
Nancy waited by the side, as Yuri brushed my hair, when she dropped the comb I noticed how rough her hand seemed, were they working her too hard.
She tied my hair into a bun and adorned it with braids. Fine wisps escaped my hairline, softening the entire look.
The hall to the dining chamber, echoed with each step I took. My strides were Uneven and shortened.
I walked forward with trepidation, every step weighed down by what awaited me.
Reaching the destination, the doors were open wide.
With a curtsy.
"Good afternoon, Uncle."
"Good afternoon, Aunt."
"Good afternoon" I nodded at Adrian.
"Good afternoon, sit". Said Uncle.
I do as I am told, and sat beside Aunt. Aunt Eleanor was a somewhat indifferent person. She rarely spoke or involved herself with Nerissa. Her wavy brown hair was always in a bun and her hazel colored eyes always on her plate during meals.
Soon, dishes were arranged, the table took on a vibrant colour.
Starting with the appetizer. Shellfish and salmon were served to wake up the palate. Soon the only noise heard was cutlery.
Then came the main course, roasted meat, grilled fished, starches. Various dishes.
I knew the county was wealthy, but seeing it was different. The desert then came.
"Nerissa, the physician says to give it two more days, I want you to get a new dress for the upcoming banquet in honor of the envoys." Uncle says
"Yes Uncle"
"You had and accident near the shore, but you're recovering splendidly" Ah I see, the cover story. "I hope you behave accordingly henceforth" he added standing up.
"Yes"
I wonder why I was so anxious before, it must have been this body's emotions again.
Then he walked out, I knew I had to quickly leave as well, if not Adrian staring daggers would terrorise me.
I stood up to leave.
"Nerissa why don't we go for a walk" he said in his usual sweet unsettling tone.
"I..I am still recovering, so I can't be under the sun it wil-"
"You there, get Nerissa a parasol" he ordered a servant while cutting me off. "We can walk to the gazebo if you want" he smiled.
There he goes a again.
---
The parasol came, he then ordered the servant to stay back. I walked behind him, through the garden. Adrian then stopped and suddenly grabbed my left arm and held upper arm tightly.
"How dare you try to end yourself and put the blame on us, if father won't do anything then I can, remember that" he said through clenched teeth and furrowed brows.
That was the real Adrian. Imagine —all this suffering and heartache caused simply because Nerissa—I inherited a mine. Such agony caused by one's own wealth, only money can turn bloodline on each other to such lengths like this.
Ah, I can feel it happening again. That rage burning inside me heated up.
All you greedy pigs coveting my fortune simply because I am powerless. I will show you.
"Why so upset, isn't that what you really want"
His eyes widened, lips slightly part. Then a smile.
"What?" He says his tone threatening. He moved forward.
"I suggest you act carefully, the servants are still watching" I glared. " Just imagine." I used my hands to gesture gossip.
""Whispers tell.... the second in line of house Ainsworth...has laid hands on the first."" I taunted
""Gossip hums that the second-born Ainsworth heir has sullied the primacy of the first with violence."" I added.
"Now you wouldn't want that would you" I smirked enjoying the series of bewildered expression on his face. "Therefore, it would best if you act with more caution"
I picked the parasol, opened it, twirling it a bit before elegantly placing it on my shoulder. I smile with my lips.
"If you'll excuse me, I have more important things to deal with" I say before turning and letting that victory sink in as i walk leaving behind a defeated Adrian.
"Y..you!" He said in between clenched teeth.
My words may have taken him by surprise but that's not the last of him.