The Sub Male Lead is Burning with Jealousy - Chapter 2 Part 3
Every noble present in the hall had their eyes fixed on Rahil and Anais. Even if they whispered, their lips would easily betray their words.
Thump.
Rahil was caught off guard by the clear, palpable beat of his own heart. Just 20 minutes ago, he had been coldly settling into a calm state of mind, receiving Angelica and Theodore’s congratulations.
‘Why, just why…!’
He had always known she was beautiful. Her piercing blue eyes had always looked stunningly at him, so of course, she’d look even more radiant on the day of their meticulously planned wedding.
Rahil found himself gazing at Anais, forgetting even to blink. Designed to let light flood straight through, the Hall of Luminance cast a radiant glow directly above her as she walked.
Thump-thump…
The soft hue of her blonde hair shimmered in the sunlight, appearing ever so endearing. Her eyes seemed to question why he wore such an expression, yet he felt as if he’d forgotten how to breathe.
He’ll likely remember this moment for the rest of my life.
Just like the time he was shocked by the disdain in her eyes when she looked at him, this was the second instance when a vivid impression marked Rahil’s heart.
He didn’t even realize that at that moment, he had completely forgotten about Angelica, whom he had once loved so deeply. Anais was looking at Rahil, and since she only gave a cursory glance to the guests near the entrance, she was unaware that the Duke and Duchess of Calix were seated in the inner VIP section. Seeing Rahil’s intense gaze on her, she was wondering, ‘Why is he acting like that?’
It was Francis, heading towards the guest seats belatedly, who noticed them. He gave Angelica, who was happily seated beside her husband, a disapproving glance.
While he knew she was a woman favored by many men, to him, as Anais’s brother, she was an unpleasant woman.
‘If she knew the rumors circulating, she would realize that not attending would be in favor of the bride. How shameless.’
On the other hand, one could argue that she attended to dispel such rumors, but today was a wedding. Seeing her wouldn’t make Anais think favorably, so regardless of any excuse, it would have been right not to attend.
Even if that opinion was solely biased towards Anais, Francis believed that Angelica should have abstained.
Perhaps for that reason, a few of the noble ladies in charge of assisting the bride, and even some of Anais’s friends seated in the guest section, cast unfavorable glances at the Duchess of Calix.
‘Why did she brazenly come here? Is she trying to ruin the wedding?’
‘Just try flirting up to His Majesty, and see if we don’t ruin that lovely dress of yours!’
‘If you make Anais shed a tear, I’ll scratch that face of yours with my nails!’
Angelica too felt the hostile gazes directed at her. But wasn’t this her friend’s wedding?
‘If I hadn’t attended, people would find my relationship with Rahil even more suspicious.’
Furthermore, she thought it would be absurd to miss out on her friend’s wedding out of fear of people’s judgment, especially when she hadn’t done anything wrong.
Rahil was truly a close friend of hers, and also a dear friend of Calix. Although his friendship had been birthed from love, Angelica firmly believed that Rahil would be a lifelong friend.
It was upsetting that he hadn’t informed her of the wedding in advance with a letter, but she regarded it as Rahil’s consideration. He had been postponing the wedding using various excuses. If he had shown any intention to marry, his retainers wouldn’t have let him be. But still…
‘It would have been better if I had known beforehand. The honeymoon can always be postponed. Rahil doesn’t have his mother around, after all…’
She would have created the best wedding for him had she been in charge. Not to say that the current wedding venue and guests’ decorations were bad, but she thought it wasn’t exactly Rahil’s style. It was probably reflective of the tastes of Duchess Odesa, who had prepared for this wedding.
Had Angelica been the one planning, she might have grown close to Rahil’s bride during the process.
Anais Ruol. Though she didn’t know her well, Angelica knew she had a good reputation among women. She always associated only with women and was loved by noble ladies.
‘She seemed to have many close noble friends. She’s exactly the kind of woman the people picture as an empress. I hope she makes Rahil happy.’
I’ve already found my happiness, and I sincerely wish for Rahil to be as happy as I am. That was Angelica’s genuine wish.
***
If the emperor hadn’t looked at her with those eyes, even at the risk of committing treason, he wouldn’t have handed Anais over to him.
‘…Wasn’t His Majesty in love with Duchess Calix?’
If that mesmerized stare at Anais was an act, then the emperor was undoubtedly a superb actor. Alexander glanced briefly at his daughter’s face, feeling a bit perplexed.
In contrast to the emperor’s fervent gaze, Anais’s eyes weren’t as passionate. There was a slight fire in them, but that usually was the look she had when she was annoyed.
‘What’s going on?’
Even those involved in political marriages usually felt some excitement on their wedding day. The venue is splendid, the bride and groom are gorgeously dressed, and sometimes they forget the nature of their relationship. Of course, there were also those who would put on a facade and just go through the ceremony.
‘It would be better if His Majesty has actually fallen for Anais.’
For the empire and the royal family, that would be preferable. An emperor in love with the wife of a vassal doesn’t paint a good picture, no matter how it’s spun. Their love was only free from criticism as long as neither had another lover.
Knowing that Anais wasn’t the type to be pushed around, Alexander still worried she might get hurt.
With a flushed face, Rahil firmly held Anais’s hand and greeted Alexander. Being an emperor, it was a brief greeting, but from Alexander’s perspective, that expression was more than enough.
If they don’t forget the excitement of this moment, the relationship between the imperial and Ruol families will remain smooth in the future.
