Guidelines for the Perfect Goodbye - Chapter 208
“You didn’t miss the party just because of that, right?”
Cecilia playfully replied, making Casey burst into laughter.
She appeared mature at first glance, but the more you observed, the more her youthful demeanor showed.
Cecilia was well aware that Casey’s family had tried and failed to build connections with the Pierce ducal family.
Duchess Pierce regarded her maternal family as a blemish, which explained why Casey, who frequented Viscountess Lope’s salon, was kept at arm’s length.
Nevertheless, Count Heens consistently pushed Casey into Viscountess Lope’s social circle. With conflicting interests and relationships, it was always Casey caught in the middle.
Yet, despite growing up in such a materialistic household, Casey remained cheerful and sincere.
Today, too, she greeted Cecilia with a carefree smile.
“In fact, I was supposed to meet Sir Nigel today.”
“Oh dear, are you sure it’s alright to spend this precious time with me? Won’t he be waiting for you?”
“Don’t be silly—we’re friends here. Sir Nigel canceled our meeting because of some urgent matter.”
“Such terrible manners,” Cecilia muttered.
“Pardon…?”
Ah, I forgot.
Cecilia hastily added,
“I mean, his sense of duty is charming, isn’t it?”
“Oh, that’s what you find appealing about him? I see…”
Casey nodded, agreeing with Cecilia’s revised statement.
“Sir Nigel is indeed straightforward and honest. I really admire that about him. So, I didn’t mind that he canceled today. In fact, it made me feel more at ease, like he’s even more clear in expressing his opinions after we’ve talked.”
“I see…”
“Yes! But, I wonder… Is it rude for someone else to praise your lover like this?”
Casey’s sudden question caught Cecilia off guard, and she almost dropped her teacup. After a moment of surprise, she managed to smile softly.
“Not at all.”
“Oh, good! You looked a bit serious, and I was worried. We’re on the same side, after all—it wouldn’t do to have misunderstandings between us so soon.”
Casey’s bluntness hadn’t changed, though her attitude toward Cecilia had shifted to one of affection. Cecilia forced a smile and waved her hand in a dismissive gesture.
“Not at all. I was just listening because it’s nice to hear someone praising him.”
“Oh, I know that feeling! When a friend speaks well of the man you’ve chosen, it gives you confidence, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, exactly. You’ve got it right.”
Pretending to be in love was hard.
Unaware of Cecilia’s strained smile, Casey began to vent softly.
“I never had anyone say good things about my lover…”
Of course not. No one would defend a relationship between a count’s daughter and her tutor. That only happens in novels.
But being the one to support her was also part of Cecilia’s role.
“Your lover is brave. That’s what I admire about him.”
“Brave…?”
Casey blushed, scratching her cheek sheepishly.
“That’s surprising… He’s always so soft-spoken and gentle, I never thought of him as brave.”
“Of course, those qualities are a great strength, too. But from what I’ve seen, your lover is indeed brave.”
“How so?” Casey asked, her eyes filled with expectation.
Cecilia leaned in, her voice gentle.
“In the sense that he hasn’t let go of you.”
“Ah…”
“Staying near you, even entering another household as a footman, despite the risks to himself—that takes courage, for the sake of love.”
“Yes… You’re right…”
Casey’s voice wavered, and tears welled in her eyes.
“If I had broken up with him, he would’ve left right away. But I held onto him, begged him not to go, said I couldn’t live without him…”
Her quiet sobs soon became louder, turning into deep, sorrowful cries.
“Because of me… sniff… he’s sacrificed so much.”
Cecilia took her hand, speaking firmly.
“It’s not a sacrifice.”
She spoke with certainty.
“It’s just his sincerity.”
Casey blinked, looking up at Cecilia with wide eyes, tears spilling down her face. Cecilia gently patted her hand.
“Shall we start planning now?”
Cecilia’s eyes softened as she smiled. Casey, her expression resolute, nodded firmly.
“Yes. I’m ready to accept whatever comes.”
Her voice was filled with determination.
“I’m sincere, too.”
Feeling a strange ache in her chest, Cecilia shifted the conversation.
“By the way, isn’t your birthday coming up soon?”
