The next morning, Cecil learned that Duke Lu Xia was going to attend the public banquet for Victoria's main husband, and that Smelian would be accompanying her.
Cecil wasn't surprised, but he couldn't help feeling a sense of loss. It was clear that after Graces' departure, Smelian was now Duke Lu Xia's best option, and he was not part of that equation.
He couldn't help but wonder, 'If I hadn't been so resistant to approaching Duke Lu Xia in the beginning, and had instead, like Smelian, already committed to staying by her side, could I be competing with him right now?'
But there are no 'what ifs' in life. The past couldn't be changed. All he could do now was try his best to make up for it. He just didn't know if Duke Lu Xia would still be willing to accept him, or if she would even spare him a glance.
