Chapter 125 - An unexpected surprise

Lily recognized the familiar voice of her grandmother behind the closed door, getting closer and closer. She took a deep breath. Instantly, the feeling arose of letting herself fall into the warm arms of her beloved Grand-mère. She had missed her. Although the girl always tried to convince herself that she was not affected by her feelings. She could not believe her feelings because trust was dangerous, especially blind trust. But she longed for unconditional love by a family that she really never had.

Alexandre noticed how her eyes began to shine. For a moment, all her attention was focused on the door. But when the door opened, all the emotion on her face froze. With bumpy steps, she approached the guests.

In astonishment, Alexandre peered over his shoulder to find out why she was so disturbed. Next to Valerie de Clermon, a young girl walked into the room. She was hardly older than Lily. The dark blond hair flowed softly down her shoulders. A shy smile lay on her lips. Alexandre recognized her immediately. Remembered the picture from the report on Lily's relatives. The girl looked like her father. Not like Lily, who had inherited her mother's appearance. He remembered these girls didn't have a very healthy sisterhood. While one was clearly favored, the other was greatly discriminated.

Actually, he felt a growing dislike toward her and her parents. The fact that the girl was here, however, puzzled him a lot. Of course, Lady de Clermont had to know about the relationship among the sisters. Quietly, Alexandre let his gaze linger on the newest guest. Later, he should make some investigations. Especially since he knew that the sister had a tender relationship with Pascal, who was clearly in cahoots with the bastard Cocieux. A hint of annoyance appeared on his face.

"Lily, my love! Let your Grand-mère look at you. Alexandre must take really good care of you, look how you're beaming." Valerie greeted her with bright eyes and pulled the girl into her arms. "Your Grand-mère spared no efforts to give her sweet petite-fille a memorable day." Her warm embrace melted away the rising unease. Although Lily was more than surprised to see Nadine here, she decided to enjoy the fitting. After all, it was her grandmother. Grand-mère wouldn't want to hurt Lily. "Thank you, Grand-mère." She whispered softly and gave Valerie a kiss on her cheek. Before arming herself to face her sister.

Nadine looked a little skinnier than Lily remembered. Her face almost pale, hollow. Even her skin looked somewhat sickly, her fine biscuit tone seemed like faded. Yellowish, sickly. Lily frowned. Yes, it had been a long time since she had last seen her younger half-sister. But Nadine had always taken good care of her appearance. After all her mother was preaching all day long how important the appearance of a young lady was. If she wanted to make a good match with future.

But as soon as she thought of how Nadine had treated her with cold indifference in her childhood, she decided to do the same and not to pay attention. Her younger sister had enough people around her who took care of her.

"Hello, Nadine." She greeted her half-sister rather reservedly.

Lady de Valois straightened her head. "Then only my daughter and Miss de Carvoisin are missing." She pulled out some designs that Lily particularly liked and placed them on the side of the table. "Could you please check in on the girls and see how they're doing with the fitting?"

As the brunette shop assistant nodded politely, she hurried out of the room to check on the other two bridesmaids. Meanwhile, another shop assistant was already pouring champagne and serving it to the guests.

As the chubby designer Madame Ploutiette entered the room, followed by two other girls. Carts full of dresses and bridal accessories were pushed into the room. Any of the dresses that were brought along were magnificent and stunning. Lily never thought she would ever get to try on such beautiful dresses. Carefully the assistants presented the bridal wear and arranged it in a row in front of the guests. As soon as Isabelle de Valois saw the wonderful selection she nodded her head in satisfaction. These were dresses specially designed for Lily, made only from the best and finest fabrics available.

"Lily, go look. Say which one do you like the most?