What a Coincidence, You Also Ran Away From Marriage!

26

Thanks to Leonard, I was spared the ordeal of meeting more potential suitors from the city.

Just as I was about to leave my father's study, he called out to me again.

"Tomorrow, the Vale family is coming over to discuss the annulment of the engagement. I want you there too."

So, my engagement still wasn't officially over.

Yet Julian and Leonard seemed eager to pursue me already.

27

The next day, a servant informed me that the Vale family had arrived and were waiting in the front courtyard.

I walked over slowly, but as soon as I entered the room and saw who was there, I turned around and left quickly.

The maid trailing behind me was too slow to follow and stood frozen at the doorway.

"Where is Lillian?" my father asked from inside.

The maid, honest to a fault, pointed towards where I was hiding.

Cedric himself had come.

Of course, he was here to personally retrieve the betrothal gifts.

"My apologies. My daughter has been spoiled by me."

"It's no problem. I assume Ms. Hart simply doesn't want to see me. I understand," Cedric replied coolly.

His voice sounded so familiar. I realized he was the one who had been speaking in my dreams lately.

Even though I didn’t want to admit it, Cedric had been on my mind constantly these past few days.

I shook my head and went back inside, ready to confront him about the money he owed.

As I stepped in, Cedric looked over impatiently but then suddenly froze and stood up abruptly.

Both my father and I were taken aback.

"Are you Lillian?" Cedric asked softly.

My father snorted, "Who else would she be? Lillian, come and greet Mr. Vale."

I composed myself and approached with a polite greeting. "Mr. Vale.

"We're not meant to marry. Now that we've met, let's part on good terms. Did you bring the engagement contract?"

Seeing that I had arrived, my father produced our family's copy of the engagement contract and slapped it on the table.

Cedric instinctively adjusted his collar. "I left in a hurry and forgot to bring it.

I was surprised as I knew he lied.

28

I suspected that he had the engagement contract on him, but I couldn't outright ask.

My father didn't seem to dwell on it and politely invited him to stay for dinner.

As soon as he finished speaking, though, he was ready to see him out.

Unexpectedly, Cedric nodded and said, "Thank you, I'd love to."

My father was taken aback, clearly not expecting him to accept so readily.

"Would you like to join me for coffee first, or would you prefer Lillian show you around the estate?"

Cedric turned to me and said, "I prefer a stroll, Ms. Hart."

I was momentarily speechless but had no choice but to comply.

My father, oblivious to what happened between us, cheerfully reminded me not to neglect our guest.

I led Cedric around the estate, avoiding the scenic spots and sticking to the smaller paths.

The servants, lacking awareness, greeted him enthusiastically even though I was walking beside him with a blank expression.

Didn't they know we were canceling the engagement?

Reluctantly, I decided to take Cedric to the garden, away from prying eyes.

He remained silent, and I didn't bother to find out what he was thinking.

"Mr. Vale, did you bring any money?"

"Yes," he replied immediately.

"You should repay the money I lent you for clothes earlier." The meal expenses, however, I decided to let slide.

"Sorry about that," Cedric said. "I didn't bring much today. How about I give you my pendant and redeem it tomorrow?"