What a Coincidence, You Also Ran Away From Marriage!

18

Cedric picked out a lantern that matched the one I was holding.

"You have a good eye."

Before I could reach for my purse, I glanced at the lantern and reminded him, "Mr. Sterling, do you recall that my family has already arranged a marriage for me?"

Cedric hesitated, then asked, "Is it really so wrong for us to release lanterns together?

"And you're following your parents' wishes too, right? I haven't heard you mention your fiance before."

Realizing I wouldn't win this argument, I decided to drop it.

We carried our lanterns to the riverbank. As we approached a brightly lit restaurant, I saw Isolde walking out from inside.

I halted abruptly and quickly pointed to a nearby stall, saying I wanted to buy a hairpin.

Thankfully, Isolde didn't head in our direction. If she had seen me, her loud voice would have undoubtedly called out my name.

I used the hairpin as an excuse. Cedric, however, took his time examining the stall's offerings. After selecting a pin, he placed it in my hair.

I didn't protest since I liked it as well.

The vendor, smiling broadly, commented, "Buy one for your wife too. It suits her perfectly."

I remained impassive and paid for the pin myself.

19

At the riverbank, we found a quiet spot and set our lanterns afloat. I clasped my hands and made a wish for everything to go smoothly.

Cedric, crouching beside me, mimicked my actions and said, "I wish Ms. Winter safety and peace every year."

I was momentarily taken aback, unsure if I should remind him that wishes are best kept private.

But it probably didn't matter, as Isolde would be making her own wishes anyway.

As I stood up, I noticed someone else I recognized approaching.

"Thank you, Mr. Sterling," I called out deliberately, raising my voice.

Cedric smiled. Before he stood up, a voice from the approaching crowd said, "Excuse me? Who are you?"

20

I tilted my head, and the newcomer followed my gaze, spotting Cedric.

He strode over and swiftly pulled Cedric to his feet. "Cedric, what are you doing here? Your father has been searching for you for days. Luckily, I found you. You need to come back with me."

"Cedric?" I echoed, pretending to be bewildered.

Damian's face turned stern as he realized what was happening. "So, you've been using my name to win over women!"

He turned to me and said, "Miss, I'm Damian. He's Cedric. He's already engaged, so don't be fooled by him."

Damian was clearly upset, but he meant well.

Cedric stepped closer, his expression earnest. "Ms. Winter, let me explain. I have no feelings for my fiancee. I'll go back and end the engagement. Please trust me."

"Alright, so will I." I said with a smile, nodding in agreement as Damian looked on, astonished.

I thought to myself, "Cedric, you'd better keep your promise and repay me."

With my confirmation, Cedric followed Damian away.

21

The next day, I returned home with Cedric's promise in hand. As soon as I walked through the courtyard, the butler ushered me into the front hall.

There, seated in a formal arrangement, were my grandmother, parents, brother, and sister, all watching me intently.

Although it seemed stern, aside from my father, the others were there to advocate on my behalf.

Normally, two or three family members would suffice to vouch for me, but today's situation required the entire family's intervention.

"Go to the courtyard and reflect on your actions," my father said, his voice stern and unyielding.

My grandmother added with concern, "Lillian has become so thin. She's clearly struggling."

My mother said, "The courtyard is too cold. She should stay in her room."

My elder sister, Margaret, spoke up, "Father, you arranged this engagement without considering Lillian's wishes. She had no choice but to act as she did."

My elder brother, William, added, "That young man clearly doesn't value Lillian. Marrying him would only bring her misery."

"Lillian, come with me to the study," my father said, rising and motioning for me to follow.

I reassured them not to worry and promised I would be back soon.