The Boundaries of Possession - Chapter 10
If Andreas had been the type to detect even faint pheromones hidden within perfume, things might have gone differently. But Elysia had gone as far as revealing the white wig on purpose, pretending it was a mistake. Of course, since what arrived was an engagement letter and not a threatening one, it was clear Andreas hadn’t figured out her identity.
“I’m not particularly thrilled,” Elysia murmured.
Sei, noticing her lady’s mood, lowered her lips into a small pout while glancing up at her. Elysia read the letter over and over. Its intent was as transparent and obvious as a glass of water. Even in this short letter, arrogance and ulterior motives clung to every word.
“So that’s why he seemed so confident.”
The letter didn’t even mention marriage. Every word had been carefully chosen, revealing a firm determination to leave no loose ends that could be used against him later.
Engagement ceremony—that was the only opening he had left her.
The letter reeked of a calculated ploy to buy time while using House Brillen and the Karmaut Guild.
“Can’t you just decline with some other excuse?” Sei asked hesitantly.
“I can’t do that.”
After all, it had been Elysia who first planned to use him through marriage. She had been the one to propose the idea in front of everyone.
For her, honor was precious. Despite the prejudice and scorn directed at her as an omega, she had avoided public disgrace in high society thanks to the honor of the Brillen Viscounty.
Even knowing she would be used by him, she couldn’t refuse. In truth, no one wanted this marriage more than she did.
“Help me get ready, Sei.”
***
Elysia sat in the drawing room after dealing with a small commotion. The Viscount, covered in dirt from working in the garden, had insisted on meeting with the Duke, which had left her exhausted.
In front of her stool lay several catalogs—jewels, guest lists for the engagement banquet, Stilton cheese that was currently popular among the nobility, and sherry or wine that would pair well with it.
She could already picture Andreas showing little to no interest in the engagement banquet. Naturally, she figured she would have to handle everything herself.
After all, she was the one who belonged by his side.
Elysia bit her lower lip lightly. If it meant keeping other noblewomen from coveting Andreas, she was willing to host as many banquets as necessary.
Years ago, she had confessed her feelings to Andreas, only to be met with his firm rejection. But rather than feeling hurt, Elysia had accepted it as natural.
It wasn’t because he disliked her. Andreas had been too wounded by the people around him to accept anyone. The fact that he didn’t even remember her was a shock she hadn’t fully prepared for.
“Miss, His Grace the Duke of Eperthier has arrived.”
Moments later, a knock was heard, and Andreas entered the drawing room. Elysia stood to greet him. As the weight of his footsteps grew closer, her breath quickened slightly. She lifted her head at the right moment, her expression calm.
“You don’t seem as happy as I thought you’d be,” he remarked.
“Is that so?”
Andreas’s gaze locked onto her, observing her intently. His restrained demeanor could have been intimidating, but Elysia maintained her polite smile, meeting his gaze with confidence. She carried herself naturally, as though she were performing a flawless act. His eyes, which lingered on her fragile frame, glinted with a subtle coldness.
“What were you doing?”
Elysia smiled with a little more effort. If his gaze had been as indifferent and dry as it was years ago, she could have easily dismissed it as just the way he was. But the Andreas she remembered had been different, making the passage of time feel strangely hollow.
Among the nobles she had met, Andreas had always been one of the more straightforward ones. He had been endlessly rude and as unpredictable as wild grass sprouting anywhere it pleased. As a result, Elysia often had to swallow the subtle discomfort tightening her chest. She offered him a gentle smile and spoke.
“I was preparing for our engagement banquet.”
His thick brows twitched slightly, and her lips moved faintly as she continued. He lifted his chin and glanced at the catalogs scattered across the table.
“Is all of this necessary? It’s just a formality.”
