Chapter 14
Anne was in a hurry. Honestly, after being ignored so thoroughly all this time, how could she possibly be excited about marrying the prince? If this wasn’t a predetermined question, what was.
But the other side was the victim and the one in power, while she was the perpetrator and the one at a disadvantage. Anne gathered up what little sincerity she could and tried to smooth things over.
“Oh, it would be such an honor for me to marry Your Highness. It’s just that… I’m not sure whether it’s a good thing for you…”
“I said I understand.”
Logan cut off her explanation sharply. He didn’t even understand why he was so angry. The irritation simply surged up without end.
Before long, they had circled the front garden and returned to the front of the mansion. Several carriages, belonging to guests as impatient as the prince himself, had arrived. Spotting a familiar crest, Anne turned toward the carriages instead of following Logan.
“Diane!”
It was Diane and Violet, dressed in bright new dresses. With the butler escorting her, Marilyn stepped down from the carriage as well.
Wearing a dress in a soft water-blue shade that Anne had never seen before, Marilyn looked as beautiful as ever. Anne felt relieved. At that level, no one would look down on her for being poor.
Her friends spoke together.
“Happy birthday, Anne.”
“Thank you.”
Servants carried the gift boxes into the garden. Only then did Anne remember Logan. No matter what, she should at least introduce him to her friends. She turned her head back and forth, looking for him.
“……?”
He was gone. Not even a strand of his hair was visible. After searching for a while, Anne finally spotted the back of his black head disappearing into the mansion. Letting out a sigh, she spoke to her friends apologetically.
“I think I should go first… let’s talk later. Everything’s ready, right?”
“Yes, we’ll show you the way, young ladies.”
The butler stepped forward at just the right moment. Her friends readily followed him. Reassured, Anne went back inside.
Logan was standing in front of the Avery family’s portrait. The Duke and Duchess of Avery, their eldest son and his wife who now lived elsewhere, their daughters who had married long ago, and Anne Agnes at the age of three or four were all captured on a single canvas.
Staring blankly at the painting, Logan spoke.
“Is that you?”
“Of course?”
“No, you look a little different from what I remember.”
Anne’s heart skipped for no reason. The baby in the painting was her, and yet not her.
Logan looked back and forth between the portrait and her, as if comparing them. She hurriedly changed the subject.
“It looks like the party is ready. Shall we go?”
Logan held out his arm. Anne placed her hand on it with a reluctant expression.
Together, they returned to the garden. Guests had already filled the space. The duke and duchess were also outside, greeting them.
Anne’s eyes suddenly met her mother’s. Catherine’s expression wasn’t very bright. She was clearly bothered by the mismatched outfits that made the two of them look like strangers. Anne gave her a small look to signal that it was fine.
As soon as the prince appeared, people gathered around. In truth, their attention was naturally drawn more to Logan than to Anne, the actual host of the party. He skillfully greeted each person. A middle-aged man with graying hair made a light joke.
“With such a beautiful fiancée… I’m quite envious, Your Highness.”
“Is that so? I wouldn’t know.”
Logan replied indifferently. Anne shot him a sideways glare. It was just polite flattery, why answer so seriously. Still, she didn’t think he meant it sincerely. Whatever else, there was no need for her to worry about appearance. She looked in the mirror every day and still thought she was pretty, so what was the problem.
“Miss Avery, happy birthday.”
“Thank you.”
There were some noble ladies who made sure to greet her as well. Anne maintained the most elegant posture she could manage, befitting a noble young lady. Logan watched her with a curious expression, as if observing a performing bear.
Did he think she couldn’t even manage this much? Anne grumbled inwardly as she looked around. In the distance, she spotted her friends occupying a table. She wanted to drop everything and go over there.
As she thought that, Marilyn’s face seemed darker than usual.
Did someone pick a fight with her? Anne tilted her head, and at that moment their eyes met. Anne started to greet her brightly, but Marilyn abruptly turned her head away.
Was she mistaken about their eyes meeting? Maybe Marilyn’s eyesight was a bit poor.
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