The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows across the path as I made my way towards Elenore's aunt's home. It was my first time walking this way, and an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of my stomach. The atmosphere was rich, but there was an underlying darkness that seemed to seep into every corner.
"Just calm down, John," I whispered to myself, trying to steady my nerves. I couldn't let my emotions get the best of me, not now. This was not the time for impulsive actions or hasty decisions. I needed to maintain composure, to act as if this unexpected call meant nothing to me.
The mansion loomed ahead, its grandeur undeniable. The path leading up to it was adorned with vibrant flowers, their colors contrasting sharply against the somber surroundings. It was as if they were desperately trying to bring light to the darkness that surrounded them.
As I stepped closer to the entrance, my eyes couldn't help but take in the lavishness of the mansion. The intricate shapes and designs that adorned the exterior were a testament to the wealth and exquisite taste of Elenore's aunt. Despite the opulence, however, an unsettling sense of foreboding hung in the air, tainting the beauty of the surroundings.
"My Lord," a voice called out, breaking my thoughts. I turned to see one of the maids approaching me with a respectful demeanor. "Lord Gabriel informed us of your impending arrival."
A surge of anger coursed through me at the mention of Gabriel's name. That bastard had always held a contemptuous air toward me, even since our childhood. He took pleasure in making fun of me, especially because of my mother's unfortunate demise. He spread malicious rumors, claiming that she hailed from the slums. And now, even after all these years, people still believed his lies.
With a clenched jaw, I glared at the maid, unable to hide my disdain for Gabriel. "Where is he now?" I demanded, my voice laced with bitterness.
The maid exchanged a nervous glance with her companion before responding cautiously, "Lord Gabriel is currently engaged in a conversation with Lady Elenore."
A surge of fury welled up within me. How dare he? How dare he keep me waiting while he enjoyed the company of Elenore? Anger burned in my veins, threatening to consume me entirely.
"If my uncle finds out about this insolence, I will never accept his excuses," I seethed, my voice dripping with venom.
The maids, sensing my fury, cast their eyes downward, avoiding direct eye contact. They attempted to walk alongside me, perhaps to calm my temper or offer some form of solace. But their presence only intensified my rage.
I strode through the mansion, each step resonating with a purposeful determination. The darkness that permeated the air seemed to reflect the storm brewing within me. Gabriel would pay for his arrogance, for his mockery, and for the pain he had caused me since our youth.
As I approached the room where Gabriel's voice emanated from, my anger threatened to consume me, clouding my judgment. His disdainful suggestion hung in the air, poisoning the atmosphere. "If you marry John, my cousin," he sneered, "it could provide an escape for both of us. Don't let his half-blood status deter you. Who cares?"
I swung open the door, my eyes locking with Elenore's, who seemed oddly aware of my impending arrival. The presence of the maids behind me only intensified my embarrassment, reminding me of the derogatory term Gabriel had used to refer to me. I suppressed the urge to express my feelings, knowing that doing so could have dire consequences. Instead, I remained silent, a mix of emotions swirling within me
As I observed Elenore's apparent disregard for Gabriel's words, it became evident that she was not truly considering accepting his offer. Her actions and demeanor painted a picture of someone focused on shallow pursuits, caring only about social status and extravagant parties. It was disappointing to witness her seemingly shallow nature, especially considering the genuine connection we had shared in the past.
"I know you won't accept this, Elenore, but hear me out," Gabriel's voice broke the silence, filled with a hint of disdain. "Marrying my cousin John could offer an escape for both of us. Don't let his half-blood status deter you. Who cares about such things?"
With a firm resolve, I knew I had to intervene , Just as I was about to intervene and put an end to this conversation, Elenore surprised me with her response. "Okay,"
"John, are you..." Elenore started, her sentence left unfinished.
With a mixture of determination and a desire to provoke Gabriel, I seized the opportunity presented before me. .
"I will accept your offer, my lady," I stated confidently, observing Gabriel's reaction. His eyes betrayed a mix of surprise, anger, and frustration. It was evident that my decision had caught him off guard, and I took great pleasure in that realization.
Elenore, uncertain yet resolute, responded, "So, if everyone agrees, John, I will be waiting for you on Sunday to discuss the marriage." With those words, she stood up and left the room, leaving Gabriel to vent his frustration through senseless yelling.
As Gabriel's voice reverberated in the room, I couldn't help but feel a sense of triumph. My plan to anger him had succeeded, and I found amusement in his futile attempts to regain control of the situation. "Well, my dear cousin, you have lost your chance," I taunted him, relishing in the satisfaction of turning the tables on him.
As I made my way towards the door, ready to leave the room, Gabriel's anger escalated, and he lunged at me, attempting to attack. I swiftly defended myself, blocking his assault and retaliating with a punch of my own. "This is self-defense," I asserted firmly, knowing that I needed to protect myself from his aggression.
Leaving Gabriel seething with rage behind me, I proceeded towards my carriage. I made my way out of the room and towards my carriage. However, before I could step inside, a maid approached me, holding a small envelope. She looked familiar, and then it dawned on me that she was one of Elenore's family's maids.
"Sir, could you please deliver this to Duke and Duchess Hendrix?" she asked politely, holding out the envelope.
Curiosity piqued, I nodded and took the envelope from her. Something felt off, and I had a sense that there was more to the situation than met the eye. As I settled into the carriage, I instructed the driver to head back to the hotel, my mind already racing with thoughts of what awaited me and what I needed to unravel.
Nodding in acknowledgment, I accepted the letter and continued towards the carriage. "Let us return to the hotel," I instructed the driver, my mind abuzz with thoughts and plans. There was something about Elenore's decision, Gabriel's reaction, and the maid's request that raised suspicion within me.
Arriving back at the hotel, a wave of determination washed over me.