If Love Comes, You Happen to Love Me

Back in our small town, many neighbors had known Simon since the day he was born. His true identity couldn't be concealed for much longer.

I glanced at Simon, an idea forming in my mind. "You've always been good with your studies. Now's the time to aim for a title."

In the past, he had been trapped in a small town with no opportunity to shine. But now, in London, and with the backing of the Duke of Avon, securing a title would be much easier.

Simon was quick to understand. After a brief pause, he asked, "You mean, to gain power for myself?"

I met his gaze. "Exactly."

The power of the Duke wasn't ours to command, but if Simon earned his own title through merit, that would be his.

"Then we could truly make a home here in London!" His eyes lit up with excitement.

I smiled, encouraging him. "Then you must work hard, Simon."

After he left, I sat at my desk and pulled out a hairpin from my sleeve, my fingers running absently over its surface as an image of my father's kind yet stern face filled my mind.

Father, you always taught us to be honest and upright. But for all your honesty, you died alone in a cold prison.

In this world, it seemed that power was the only thing that truly mattered...

…

Simon had already shown promise in his studies, and with the royal court's attention fixed on the upcoming appointments, he casually mentioned his ambitions to the Duke of Avon. The Duke, momentarily surprised, soon broke into hearty laughter, praising Simon's drive and determination.

During this time, Simon spent his days sparring with the Duke, sharing tea with the Duchess, and fulfilling his duties as their son. Meanwhile, I began laying plans to secure our future.

If we were to make a life in London, we would need both wealth and power.

I wasn't one to act on impulse. Once I had a plan, I moved swiftly. Using the influence of the Duke of Avon, I took on the role of a distinguished guest and secured a building in London to start a business.

The initial funds came as a loan from the Duke, who, in gratitude for the years I had spent caring for Simon, agreed easily. We set a two-year repayment term. Though a few thousand pounds was nothing to the Duke, I insisted on putting it in writing. He seemed to respect me more for it.

Courting officials required a lot of money, so I needed to create a business that catered to the elite. I decided to open a luxurious establishment that would attract the wealthiest of London.

I spared no expense in renovating Goldenrose Hall, hiring the finest musicians and the most beautiful performers.

It was around this time that an unexpected visitor arrived at the Duke's estate.

More precisely, a servant from the House of Leigh.

When Simon entered the courtyard, holding a letter, I was deep in thought, planning the next steps for Goldenrose Hall.

"Eliza, Lady Ann Leigh has written to me," he said as I looked up.

Over the past few days, Simon had changed a little.

"What does she say?" I asked calmly, though I already had a good idea.

Sure enough, his expression became tense. "She's invited me to a poetry gathering. She says our families have always been close, and she wants to clear up any misunderstandings."

Close? I almost laughed.

There had been some friendship between our families, but when we went to the Leighs for help, only to have a letter of rejection thrown in our faces, that so-called bond ended.

Still, I had a reason to attend. Poetry gatherings were filled with noble ladies—the perfect place to promote my new business.

"Go, then," I said.

Simon hesitated, clearly surprised that I had agreed, but he nodded in the end.

The day of the poetry gathering came quickly. As Simon and I entered the Skyview Pavilion, I saw many finely dressed ladies mingling beneath its elegant arches.

The Leighs had done well in recent years, becoming one of London's prominent families.

Many eyes turned toward us as we entered—some curious, some indifferent, others welcoming. The title of the Duke's heir was enough to attract attention.

"Simon!" A bright, playful voice called from within the pavilion, and a figure in pink descended the steps quickly toward us. It was Lady Ann Leigh, the daughter of the house.

She paid no attention to me, going straight to Simon, her voice soft and sweet. "Simon, would you join me for a walk by the gardens?"

Simon glanced briefly at me before replying, "No."

The rejection, in front of so many onlookers, made Lady Ann's smile freeze, though she quickly forced it back. "Are you still upset that I couldn't stop my father? I never meant—"

But Simon had already lost interest. Only his good manners kept him from walking away. "Lady Ann, when our engagement was broken, whatever connection we had ended. I suggest we avoid speaking so familiarly."

With that, he turned and walked toward a group of young men standing nearby, leaving Lady Ann staring after him, her face stiff with shock and anger.

I watched her out of the corner of my eye, a smirk tugging at my lips.

Her family had broken their word first, and now, after losing face in public, she couldn't bear it. How amusing.

Just then, a pleasant voice interrupted my thoughts.

"Miss Sheppard, your gown is simply lovely. Where did you buy it?" A lady approached me as I stepped into the pavilion, apparently unaffected by the earlier drama.

I smiled, glad to oblige. "I've just come from Goldenrose Hall. They have the most skilled seamstresses and musicians. You can order custom gowns and enjoy a performance while you wait."

Storytelling had become all the rage in London, and many noble ladies were intrigued.

Before long, more ladies gathered around, asking questions about Goldenrose Hall. I knew it wasn't me they were eager to impress, but the sister of the Duke's heir.

By the next day, Goldenrose Hall welcomed its first noble clients. Their patronage spread my business's name throughout London. With their endorsement, I doubled the price for custom gowns, and soon, I was earning a fortune.

With money in hand, everything became easier.

While I managed Goldenrose Hall, Simon buried himself in his studies, just as I had hoped.

Everything seemed to be going smoothly. But I never expected that trouble would come so soon.