2.3

“Clara, have you given up on my brother now?”

Liz’s visit was welcome, but such a question was troubling. It had already been over two months since Clara had secretly visited the Baron’s residence. She thought her ties with him had long been severed.

“Let’s not talk about that. How about we prepare for the party hosted by Young Master Aiden instead?”

Clara clapped her hands and ordered her maid to bring all the new dresses she had prepared.

As soon as the maid left the room, Liz sat down beside Clara with an even more determined look than before.

“Just wait a little longer. Baron Lucius—my brother—has changed. I’m sure he’s thinking about you.”

At her words, Clara’s lips trembled slightly.

He’s thinking about me?

Well, he had come to the mansion several times even after their night together. Clara still remembered the look in his eyes as he lingered in the garden near her room, staring up at her window despite her refusal to meet him.

And she still remembered the tingling sensation in her lower half when she secretly watched him.

But she couldn’t let herself get involved with him again.

“Liz.”

Clara called her friend in a calmer voice than before.

In truth, how could anyone neatly sever their feelings? Even on the day she fled, Clara’s heart was full of desire to have Lucius for herself.

She had thought one night would be enough to erase those feelings, but having experienced him only made her want him more.

But Clara shook her head.

‘I can’t handle his size a few more times.’

How could she possibly say that, even to her close friend Liz?

‘Your brother’s size… It’s just too big. Sure, it felt good, but it was too much, ugh.’

She couldn’t say such things.

And Lucius caring about her? Maybe that was true. But Clara didn’t believe it.

After being with Lucius, she realized what she truly wanted wasn’t just one night. She wanted him to love her with all his heart and body.

‘But that’s impossible now, considering the other women who’ve been in his bed since my visit.’

Clara knew about the women who had come and gone after her. That knowledge only made it harder for her to face Lucius.

Even if he married her out of responsibility, it would only be out of obligation, not love.

She had experienced being with the man she loved once. That was enough.

While she could only remain as his sister’s friend, perhaps, after much time had passed, they might be able to smile at each other again.

“I’m really grateful to you. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have even dreamed of spending a night with the Baron.”

At Clara’s resigned words, Liz fell silent. No matter what she said, it was clear it wouldn’t bring Clara any comfort.

‘Stupid brother.’

How could he let Clara go and only realize his feelings later, when it would be too late?

If there was truly no chance between them, it wouldn’t be so frustrating.

Liz couldn’t forget the way Lucius had looked at Clara.

“Alright, let’s focus on preparing for the party. I’ve picked out a few new dresses for you.”

Trying to change the atmosphere, Clara opened a fashion lookbook.

Recently, Clara had received an invitation from Young Master Aiden Sky.

Formally, it was a social gathering for the Earl’s family, but it was also a chance to introduce a potential future fiancée.

Aiden, in an effort to create the most comfortable atmosphere possible, had invited not only Clara but also her closest friend, Liz.  

Although it wasn’t a particularly appealing event, declining the Earl’s thoughtful invitation would have been impolite. Moreover, it was hard to refuse in front of her beloved parents, who were so delighted about it.  

“Sigh, I can’t believe I have to attend such a stiff event.”  

“Liz, you never know. There might be someone amazing there.”  

“Why would someone amazing attend such a boring party? If it weren’t for you going to meet your fiancé, I wouldn’t even be going.”  

At Liz’s disinterested expression, Clara chuckled softly and flipped through the lookbook. Truthfully, she was trying to appear cheerful, but she wasn’t particularly interested either.  

She felt sorry for Young Master Aiden, but the idea of getting new dresses just to look good for him didn’t sit well with her.  

Who was she even trying to look good for?  

“Why should I wear something like this when there’s no one I want to impress?”  

Liz’s casual remark seemed to echo Clara’s inner feelings, and she widened her eyes at her friend.  

“This green dress would suit you well. It would go nicely with your hair color too, Belle.”  

Without even glancing at her own dress, Liz pointed out which dresses would look good on Clara. Her mischievous smile made Clara laugh along with her.  

“Look at this ribbon—it matches you perfectly!”  

Clara suddenly pulled Liz into a hug, charmed by her playful expression that resembled Lucius’s smile. Startled by the sudden embrace, Liz stiffened for a moment.  

“Clara…?”  

“I just love you. For being my friend.”  

“I love you too.”  

Liz responded immediately to Clara’s words.  

“Even if you end up marrying Young Master Aiden Sky and become Clara Sky, I’ll still love you.”  

Clara Sky.  

The unfamiliar name echoed in Clara’s mind. 

Would that really happen? Would I live my life as someone’s wife, bearing the unfamiliar Sky family name?  

Clara burrowed deeper into Liz’s embrace.  

***

The Earl’s party turned out to be grander and more extravagant than expected. Clara, who had attended with a light heart, felt slightly intimidated upon seeing the hall filled with the Empire’s most notable figures.  

It was her mistake to take his words about it being a small gathering of close acquaintances at face value. After all, when had an Earl’s party ever been modest?  

Especially one hosted by the Sky family, whose connections extended to every corner of the Empire. They were a stark contrast to her own family, which valued frugality and avoided external exchanges.  

Clara quietly hid in a corner, observing her surroundings. Since no one would likely pay attention to her, she decided to wait for Liz there.  

She fiddled with the pearls on her bracelet, watching the lively nobles chatter away. She wondered why she always felt so uncomfortable in such settings.  

Perhaps it was her family’s strict traditions that had made her so reserved.  

She could never forget the day her mother, her only ally in the household, held her hand and took her to visit the Tempe Barony for the first time.  

It was there that Clara learned how to express her emotions freely. It was also where she met her first love.  

‘Baron Lucius Tempe.’  

The moment his name crossed her mind, a tingling sensation shot through her lower body. Clara quickly crossed her legs tightly.  

For days now, just thinking about him made her body heat up. Even reading a risqué book brought back memories of that time, leaving her flustered and overwhelmed.  

She couldn’t tell anyone, but after that night, she had fallen ill for about a week. She had to pretend it was just a mild headache, but in truth, she had spent sleepless nights suffering in silence.  

‘Well, it was exhausting back then.’  

Though the experience had been heavenly, keeping up with his stamina had been nearly impossible.  

And besides, he was surrounded by other women.  

‘I’d rather die than see that again.’  

“Ah, Lady Clara, you’ve arrived.”  

Suddenly, Young Master Aiden Sky appeared before Clara, taking her hand and kissing the back of it. Clara quickly erased Lucius from her thoughts and greeted Aiden with a smile.  

“I was worried you wouldn’t come.”  

“How could I not? You invited me, after all.”  

Clara uncrossed her legs and smiled sweetly. His blue hair seemed especially vibrant today. Aiden, looking somewhat regretful, fidgeted with her hand before finally speaking.  

“Could I see you later, privately?”  

“Privately?”  

“I have something to discuss with you, Lady Clara.”  

His face turned red as he made his request, causing Clara’s heart to sink. 

What could a man and woman possibly have to discuss in private? Perhaps he was planning to propose.  

“Aiden.”  

Someone called his name.  

As the host of the party, Aiden was in high demand, and guests were constantly seeking him out.  

After excusing himself, he left to greet other attendees.  

As soon as he walked away, Clara exhaled the breath she had been holding. She wasn’t ready to accept a proposal. But rejecting him outright would leave her with nothing to tell her father.  

When she had returned home after being rejected by Baron Lucius, her father hadn’t shown it, but he had been delighted. His daughter, who had stubbornly refused to marry anyone but the Baron, had finally been humbled.  

To him, it was a good thing. After all, there were plenty of better suitors than the notorious scoundrel.  

So when Young Master Aiden Sky expressed interest in Clara, the Earl had been overjoyed.  

‘Meet him. There’s no harm in getting to know him.’ 

Fearing that Clara might resist, her father had kept his words brief. But Clara knew how much he wanted this union.