What a Coincidence, You Also Ran Away From Marriage!

22

"You've made it clear that you're not interested in Cedric, so there's no need for any punishment. Starting tomorrow, I'll arrange for you to meet other suitors. You can choose from them."

I realized that even if I managed to escape this marriage, another one might be just around the corner.

"Father, why are you so insistent on my getting married?"

He sighed heavily. "The fortune teller said that if you're not married by twenty, you'll face serious misfortune."

I walked over and comforted him. "Father, don't take the fortune teller's words too seriously."

"Should I not?" he responded, clearly anxious.

His concern wasn't entirely unfounded.

That fortune teller had also predicted disaster for me when I was twelve.

Despite being under constant supervision, I was once pushed into a garden pond during a crowded party.

Thankfully, someone rescued me in time.

The person who pushed me was from the Vale family, though I never learned why.

Later, I found out Cedric's father had sent her away to a distant farm, and my father decided not to pursue the matter further.

23

My father was still haunted by past events. When the fortune teller predicted that Cedric and I were a perfect match, he took it as a sign that this marriage was meant to be.

The fortune teller's previous predictions had proven accurate, which led my father to ignore my objections and finalize the match.

I arranged for a secret meeting with Cedric through William.

When we met, he looked frail and weak, as though he had just recovered from a serious illness.

He sat silently among other young men, barely engaging in conversation.

The thought of spending my life with someone so lifeless was daunting.

So, I arranged for a substitute bride, hoping to either provoke Cedric into breaking off the engagement himself or to pressure him into doing so. Of course, I knew this was the worst-case scenario, but I had to try something.

24

A few days later, after meeting with one of my suitors, Julian Montrose, I returned home to find Isolde waiting for me at the doorstep.

The moment I stepped out of the carriage, she stormed up to me, clearly upset. "Today, Cedric showed up at my house and told my father I'm his sweetheart!

"My father asked me about it, and when Cedric saw me, he looked like he'd seen a ghost.

"What did you do to him?"

Cedric had actually gone to the Winter family!

"How did you know it was me?" I asked, puzzled by her sudden sharpness.

"I asked several others, and they all said it wasn't them," she explained.

It seemed she had used a process of elimination.

"Anyway, you got me in trouble with my father, so you owe me," Isolde said, her face still sour.

"Alright, I'll make it up to you. How about we go out for a meal tomorrow?"

Isolde's face brightened at the offer.

25

At dinner, Isolde was a bundle of nerves.

We were in a private room with me, her, and Leonard Fairfax, one of my suitors.

Leonard, with a touch of sarcasm, asked, "So, Ms. Hart, what's this about?"

"It's just a meal. This is my childhood friend, Isolde. She's joining us today."

Leonard, still smirking, suggested, "If that's the case, why don't we move to the main hall downstairs? It's much livelier there."

"Sure," I agreed.

I got up to ask the waiter to switch our table, making sure Leonard knew I wasn't trying to cut corners. I also offered to cover the bill and told them to order whatever they wanted.

Isolde took full advantage, ordering seven dishes and thoroughly enjoying the live music. She kept asking Leonard for his thoughts, frequently interrupting our conversation.

I was genuinely glad to have her there. I should definitely take her out more often.

To my surprise, Leonard reported the whole situation to my father.

In the evening, after dinner, my father summoned me to his study.

He looked stern and told me I needed to stay home for the next few days to reflect on my actions.