Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 157
Having successfully made a favorable impression on the noblewomen, Cecilia withdrew at the appropriate moment. It wouldn’t be polite for a young lady to linger too long in the private conversations of already-formed groups of noblewomen.
They thought well of her, and some would likely think of her when sending invitations to Guinevere for future events at their residences.
The results were enough that her father wouldn’t hesitate to let her go out. Cecilia, feeling the fatigue in her legs from standing so long, found a chair and sat down.
Night had fully set in. The music, which had been gentle, began to change into more lively rhythms, signaling the start of the main part of the party.
Since it was her debut night, she had to dance with at least one person. Leaving without dancing would also make her a laughingstock.
Previously, finding a man who would ask her to dance had been a problem, but today it was not difficult.
As soon as Cecilia sat down, many men approached and extended their hands to her.
“May I have this dance?”
She had learned to dance with determination, to be able to do this like everyone else. Cecilia had no reason to refuse.
But just as she was about to accept, one man approached, making all others step aside.
“Miss Cecilia?”
“…”
Cecilia’s well-groomed eyebrows twitched.
Christian Pierce stood before her, bowing politely and extending his hand.
“May I have the honor of the first dance with the most beautiful lady at this ball?”
Dancing the first dance with the heir of a ducal family at her debut was a prestigious honor.
Dancing with Christian would easily help her establish her position in the capital.
Yes, this was beneficial.
‘Accept, Cecilia.’
She urged herself multiple times. With difficulty, she finally managed to place her hand in his.
As if exhaling a held breath, she responded,
“Gladly.”
He smiled, drawing his lips into a wide grin. His arrogant smile made her want to slap him right then and there.
She wanted to shake off his hand and run away.
But avoidance was not her way.
No matter the pain, the humiliation, or the anger, she had to endure it.
She had a goal.
A goal that could not be achieved by simply rejecting him and causing a momentary discomfort.
She wanted to completely destroy him.
She wanted to cut off the hand that led her to the center of the hall.
She wanted him to live a life where death would be preferable.
Just as she had come back to this place, prepared to face death.
‘If he lived a life committing sins without knowing they were sins, he should live a life receiving punishment without knowing what he was being punished for.’
Cecilia intended to bury this man along with her father in the mud.
So he would feel the helplessness of sinking into a swamp without understanding why he was dying.
So he wouldn’t even have hands to strangle his own neck when he wanted to die.
She intended to make him live in such pain.
* * *
The waltz’s tempo was much faster than what she had heard at the Lasphilla residence. Here, they didn’t slow the tempo to suit her.
As Cecilia stumbled over the beat, Christian whispered mischievously,
“Is this your first time dancing?”
“I’m sorry, I’m a bit clumsy.”
“It’s fine. I actually prefer clumsy dancers.”
He wrapped his arm tightly around her waist, pulling her closer. His face, now much nearer, smiled at her in a sly manner.
“I’m delighted to be the first to dance with such a beautiful lady.”
“…”
I want to kill him.
Genuine murderous intent rose within her.
Cecilia forced herself to reply,
“Thank you.”
“I’ll guide you well. Fortunately, I’m a good dancer, so just follow my lead.”
Christian said, pressing his hand against her back. His thumb subtly rubbing against her felt vulgar and disgusting.
‘You’re not my first, and you’re not even a good enough dancer to lead me.’
Your half-brother was a better dancer.
Logan never dragged her around like this. He would signal the direction with a glance and carefully match her steps.
