Chapter 10
Yvonne was pleasantly surprised that her assumptions about Lady Alpen being a strict and cold noblewoman were entirely off the mark.
“The empire’s social circles need a fresh breeze! I’m tired of wearing the same designers’ clothes every day. So, Yvonne, you must make my dress beautifully.”
Contrary to what Yvonne had imagined, the young Countess Alpen was straightforward, lively, and cheerful, yet she never lost her consideration for others.
‘It makes sense,’
Yvonne thought. Born in a count’s family and surrounded by beautiful, clean, and fragrant things, to Lady Alpen, the world must be like a well-tended garden. The only injuries she might sustain would be from occasionally pricking her finger while picking flowers.
‘That’s why she can smile like that,’ Yvonne thought, then stiffened, startled by her own thoughts.
‘What am I thinking right now?’
Lady Alpen had trusted her and given her a rare opportunity. Instead of feeling genuinely grateful, Yvonne found herself unknowingly jealous and judgemental of her.
Yvonne felt monstrous. She was ashamed that she couldn’t accept Lady Alpen’s kindness for what it was. At this moment, the most embarrassing thing was not her own shoddy dress, but her worn and weary heart. That was what truly separated her from this noble lady.
This won’t do. Yvonne steadied herself, then pulled out her prepared designs from her bag with a forced smile.
“Thank you, my lady. I’ve sketched a few designs. Would you like to take a look?”
Young Countess Alpen had a keen eye. It was clear that someone who had been surrounded by beautiful things from a young age had a different perspective. She quickly picked out the best designs Yvonne had prepared, leaving Yvonne impressed.
“Then I will bring the dress for the fitting in two weeks.”
Yvonne said, wiping the fine sweat from her forehead with the back of her hand.
“Yeah. Oh, today was so much fun!”
The young Countess Alpen spoke with a bright smile. A faint smile also spread across Yvonne’s lips. After several hours of intense focus, both her body and mind were tired. But her mood was good.
“Hehe.”
Lady Alpen gave a gentle smile as she met Yvonne’s eyes. She felt slightly guilty for her initial thoughts about such a kind-hearted person.
“You look like you have a lot to carry. Want some help?”
“No, thank you. You might get hurt.”
Grateful for the offer, Yvonne shook her head. Young Countess Alpen nodded in understanding but stayed nearby, watching Yvonne organize her things as if it was something fascinating.
Just then, there was the sound of a horse snorting outside.
Snort.
Instinctively, Yvonne looked up and glanced out the window. She saw a man dismounting from a horse. The tall man, with a stoic expression, casually tossed the reins to a servant and removed his gloves.
Why is Jerome here?
That was her first thought. Naturally, it was followed by, “Am I seeing things?”
She tilted her head in confusion.
But that is Jerome.
Even after blinking several times, it was clear that the man was indeed her lover, Jerome. She would recognize him anywhere, under any circumstances. Then she saw the elderly butler of the Count’s household hurriedly approach the man. The butler stopped a few steps behind Jerome and bowed respectfully.
The very same butler who had looked down at Yvonne with such disdain. Her mind was in a daze.
Why?
Why is the butler of the Count’s house bowing to Jerome?
“What are you looking at?”
Lady Alpen had approached unnoticed and was now peering outside, following Yvonne’s gaze.
“Oh, he’s already here.”
Yvonne forcibly tore her gaze away from Jerome and turned to the Young Countess Alpen, asking.
“Do you… know that man?”
“Yes, he is a close friend of my brother, Count Dusk Alpen.”
For some reason, Countess Aspen responded with a slightly uncomfortable expression.
“A close friend…?”
“Yes, they’ve been inseparable since they were very young.”
Jerome is a close friend of the Count? How could he be friends with someone like the Count?
It was like hearing that there would be no more nights from now on, a completely absurd statement.
Could it be someone who just looks very similar?
“His name is…?”
“Jerome.”
It really is my Jerome…
“Jerome Edwin Lance, the Duke.”
“…Duke?”
Yvonne instinctively turned to look at him again. Walking somewhere with a cold, almost chilling expression, he seemed like a stranger.
“The Duke of Lance. One of the only three dukes in this empire.”
Lady Alpen answered with a clear smile, but Yvonne could no longer smile back.
Because someone whispered:
Your nights are over now.
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