Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 155
“A dancer? I heard she was a gypsy.”
“A gypsy? Haha, Count Lasphilla must be crazy.”
“Yeah, it’s probably just a rumor. I heard Guinevere Rosencrantz is her chaperone. Do you know how picky she is about people?”
“Well, I still don’t expect much. She’s from the countryside. The eldest daughter is pretty, but she was quite provincial at first.”
As the heir of the hosting family, Christian had an obligation to warn these rude people. But before that, he wanted to see the Lasphilla family’s hot topic for himself.
He picked up a glass of champagne and leaned against the wall, keeping his eyes fixed on the main entrance.
At that moment.
Clack, clack…
The sound of high heels echoed clearly in the hall.
With each step she took, entering with her chaperone, the noise around her gradually quieted down.
Today, Cecilia’s attire was flawless.
A pure white dress without sleeves. The shoulder line was adorned with layers of ruched fabric, resembling lace, giving it a butterfly-wing lightness.
Her violet hair, styled high, shimmered vibrantly without any outdated decorations, making her look like a walking masterpiece.
Cecilia walked, ignoring the gazes pouring onto her. But as soon as she spotted Christian among the crowd, the neutral expression she maintained cracked slightly.
‘Christian Pierce…’
Though he still had the face of a young man, Cecilia knew how vile he could become.
She knew how rotten and corrupt he really was behind that seemingly flawless exterior.
Fortunately, her discomposure was brief. Her gaze quickly returned to its calm state.
Had she not mentally prepared herself from the carriage, she might have embarrassingly stumbled in the middle of the hall.
Cecilia resumed walking forward.
With her chin held high, she walked confidently as if no one could harm her.
The faint scent of bergamot lingered where she passed. It wasn’t overpowering but rather clean and refreshing, reaching deep into one’s chest.
The blond man who had been waiting for someone slowly savored the scent.
‘Cecilia, huh?’
He felt as if their eyes had met.
‘Was it an illusion?’
No, it felt like she really was looking at him…
“Christian!”
His thoughts were interrupted.
Caroline, with flushed cheeks matching her dress, approached him. She looked as cute and lovable as a small animal.
But Christian no longer felt any particular emotion towards her.
“Thank goodness. You’re still here. Were you waiting for me?”
Christian handed her an empty glass in response to her eager question.
“Huh? Why all of a sudden…?”
“Can you hold this for me? I have something urgent to attend to.”
“W-What…?”
Confused, she turned to follow his gaze.
“…Cecilia.”
The bright smile vanished from Caroline’s face.
* * *
Guinevere whispered to Cecilia.
“Did you forget? Today is an important day for you.”
“I know.”
“If you know, then why do you look like you’re chewing something sour? Are you planning to stay like that?”
Guinevere spoke through a smiling mouth, but her eyes were not smiling.
“Smile. Girls your age are supposed to do that.”
“But I’m too nervous to smile…”
“Get a grip. Do you know your position?”
“…”
Guinevere knew the ways of high society well, but her inherent bluntness meant she often missed the bigger picture.
‘If I know my position, I shouldn’t be smiling.’
Even if she smiled brightly like an ordinary noble young lady, the rumors would still tear her apart.
If things go badly, Adam would never let Cecilia step into society again.
‘After debuting, I’d just be locked up in the Coffret Manor again as a pre-marital formality.’
So, it was better to show them the drama they wanted.
A woman saddened by her inferior origins. A girl who feels she doesn’t belong here, unable to even enjoy her debut.
If a bastard appeared brazen, they would only be criticized, but if she wore a sad face, someone might sympathize with her.
