CH 248

Gorgeously embroidered lace curtains, placed over the white walls.

On top of it, all kinds of jewels and gold ornaments were exuding a brilliant color.

A large crystal chandelier that looked like it would fall heavily if you touched it with your hands.

The pink roses that filled the surroundings emitted a fragrant smell and created a romantic atmosphere.

Tap-tap.

Rose’s perfect appearance stepped in between the busily moving maids.

Rose’s expression as she walked towards the center did not contain any emotion.

“It is an important day in the history of the Kingdom. Make sure everything is prepared without any mistakes.”

The spectacular banquet hall was in the middle of preparation for tomorrow’s engagement ceremony.

“How beautiful will their engagement ceremony be?”

“A halo may shine behind their backs.”

“How pretty will their babies be? I’m excited just thinking about it.”

As important as the day was, the voices of the maids who were organizing the banquet hall were heard from time to time.

Slowly scanning over the table, Rose frowned as if displeased.

It will end in such a vain way.

A heavy sigh flowed from Rose’s mouth.

***

“Ayla?”

“?”

A familiar voice was heard behind Ayla’s back as she headed to the office.

On the side where the voice came from, there was Owen, dressed neatly and smiling charmingly.

He looked unfamiliar as he was emitting a different atmosphere, maybe because he had cut his bushy hair in a neat way.

Ayla smiled and greeted Owen with a royal greeting.

“The west palace maid, Ayla, greets the Grand Duke.”

“It’s been a long time since we saw each other… but you don’t seem happy to see me. Ayla?”

“How is that possible? It’s because I’m a little tired.”

“Oh my. Theon must be overworking you again.”

“You know very well that he’s not like that.”

Another awkward atmosphere flowed between the two.

Instead of a mischievous smile, there was a businesslike smile in Owen’s mouth.

“After the engagement ceremony tomorrow… you don’t have to serve Theon. Ayla.”

“What do you mean? I didn’t receive such a message from His Highness.”

“My sister-in-law asked me to do it. It has been weighing on her mind for a long time… She’s worrying for no reason. That’s how women are, so please understand.”

Unlike the smiling Owen, Ayla’s face was full of perplexity.

She was told there would be an engagement ceremony, but she couldn’t believe it was already tomorrow.

Stop serving him? It was ridiculous.

Instead of answering, Ayla held her trembling hands and remained silent.

“Oh right, I almost forgot something important. Ayla, you’re going to help Princess Ariel at the engagement ceremony tomorrow.”

“Me?”

“You’re the only one I can think of who can do it well, Ayla.”

“…”

“I want to do well as it is my first official task. Can you help me?”

Owen narrowed his eyes and smiled beautifully.

Bad things naturally happen all at once.

That’s how she was feeling right now.

She wondered until when she would get pushed into a corner.

That good-looking smile didn’t feel sincere.

It was confusing and despairing.

“Yes. Of course.”

After she finished speaking, Ayla’s blue eyes turned calm.

***

Ah.

How many hours have passed since she’s been on the same page?

A shallow sigh flowed out of Ayla’s mouth.

She couldn’t focus at all on the contents of the papers.

Staying calm amid all this might be weird too.

Scratch, scratch.

Ayla shrugged and swirled the fountain pen she was holding.

Theon, who was sitting down and looking at the documents, quietly glanced at Ayla, who was different from usual.

“Do you have anything to say?”

Feeling his stinging gaze, Ayla spoke to Theon with a faint smile.

“You don’t seem to be in a good mood.”

“I had a bit of trouble… sleeping.”

That much was true.

Eden’s image came to her mind all night, so she couldn’t sleep at all.

‘The engagement ceremony tomorrow…’

‘Engagement ceremony.’

Though of course, that wasn’t the case now.

Ayla rolled up the corners of her mouth and turned her gaze to the document she was looking at.

To hide her eyes, which were getting wet.

Whether he had caught a strange hint, Theon’s expression sank heavily.

An awkward silence flowed between them for a while.

What they wanted to say to each other.

The words that had to be said were only piling up.

Helplessly.

Knock, knock, knock.

The urgent knock from outside the door broke the suffocating silence that was flowing between the two of them.

Maybe that was a good thing.

Ayla slowly stood up and headed behind Theon.

At the same time, the door that had been closed opened with a ‘click’.

“The Secretary Mason Fren greets His Highness the Crown Prince.”

Theon’s cold gaze passed Mason and turned to Eden.

Eden, who followed him inside, nodded absentmindedly and kept his position.

He was a very consistent man.