Chapter 82

Chapter 82

Only then did Richard release Ionas hand and sit down comfortably.

He then silently gazed down at Ionas closed eyes for quite some time.

For a seemingly incomprehensible amount of time, he focused intently on her without diverting his attention elsewhere, as if studying every detail...

Dont open your eyes, Iona.

Richard whispered a warning. To Florence, his words sounded as if he didnt want his true feelings to be discovered.

Only after making sure Ionas eyes were closed did Richard secretly look at her, as if satisfying a long-suppressed desire.

That was all. Richard did not act upon any feelings or reveal his heart.

However, Florence wondered what other emotion, if not love, this could be.

She felt an urge to immediately pull Iona up and push her away from Richards side.

Or perhaps she wanted to approach Richard and confront him, asking why he was behaving like this.

Questioning why he had engaged her if he was going to be like this, and why, knowing her love for him, he had chosen her to fill a position in name only...

Of course, Florence couldnt do any of these things.

Instead, she fled from the spot. Repeating to herself that she saw nothing, she ran down the forest path to return to her group.

The sounds of water play and the laughter of the maids effectively diluted Florences anxiety.

However, a certain thought never disappeared and remained within her.

From that day on, whenever Florence encountered Iona, she felt an intense surge of emotions.

It mostly manifested as anger, but it was composed of a myriad of feelings.

Jealousy and contempt, feelings of defeat and sadness, loneliness and solitude, and a slight sense of guilt for harboring resentment against an innocent person.

Florence knew well that Iona didnt see Richard as a romantic interest.

That fact only intensified Florences hatred for Iona.

Had Iona desired Richards heart as much as Florence did, at least it wouldnt have felt as unfair.

What Florence desperately yearned for being in someone elses grasp, and the fact that this other person might not even realize they held it, was unbearably painful for her.

I might really break off the engagement this time.

Florence murmured weakly, looking down at the letter envelope in her hand.

It was a letter she had sent to Richard, returned unopened, in the same packaging she had sent it in.

Since the day she slapped Iona and was expelled from the palace, Florence had not met Richard even once.

With a satisfied mood, Florence set out to greet her guest.

Despite the long wait, her visitor seemed steadfast and remained seated, evidently not here on a casual errand.

Entering the drawing-room, Florence took a seat opposite her guest without offering a greeting and immediately asked in an assertive tone, What do you want?

I came because I have something important to discuss, Yvonne replied, her face tense.

From the looks of it, she wasnt here to pick a fight, but even so, Florence maintained a cold demeanor.

I really dont know what kind of matter would make you come to see me personally. I dont recall us being that close.

Of course, we arent the best of friends, but something came up that deeply concerns you, prompting me to muster the courage to visit, Yvonne responded.

Dont beat around the bush. Id appreciate it if youd get straight to the point. Im not someone with enough leisure to waste too much time on an unexpected visit.

Yvonne seemed unprepared for Florences direct aggression.

With a look of unease, Yvonnes eyes darted around, and she then clasped her hands together, her expression one of determination.

Lady Florence, do you have plans to attend the upcoming royal ball with a particular partner?

Florence slightly furrowed her brow at the irksome question.

The royal ball. That event had already been causing Florence a great deal of anxiety.

Ever since the royal family announced their intention to hold a ball, a significant amount of time had passed, and she had yet to receive any word from Richard.

Despite this, Florence held onto a sliver of hope that Richard would contact her at the right moment. After all, as Richards fiance, it was only fitting for her to attend the ball hosted by the royal palace as his partner.

However, why would this lady question such an obvious fact?

Considering who Yvonne lived with, a sinking feeling arose in Florences heart, as if anticipating some sinister news.

Sure enough, Yvonnes next words were not far from Florences apprehensions.

I know who the Crown Prince plans to escort.

Florences face stiffened immediately. Barely parting her lips, she ventured a guess, Iona Modrov?

Its preposterous, Yvonne coldly replied.

With more anger than even Florence seemed to feel, Yvonne clenched her fist tightly.

She cast a fierce gaze at some point on the tea table before continuing, Its absurd. No matter if hes the Crown Princes knight, its clear youre his fiance. To take away the position of a partner is preposterous. Especially when she herself is in ongoing marriage discussions with another man. Its not even remotely amusing.

--- End Of The Chapter ----

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