Chapter 7

“It’s not like that, Hugo. Elbert, don’t say such things. It could cause misunderstandings.”

Catherine quickly intervened in their conversation.

“It is true, Madam. Think about it. This person has been sending you bouquets every month for two years. Such passion is impossible without love.”

As Elbert said, Catherine had been receiving bouquets every month for the past two years from an unknown person.

At first, she thought they were delivered by mistake, but the delivery person confirmed several times that they were indeed for Catherine.

Catherine tried every possible way to find out who sent them, but failed, and the mysterious bouquets continued to be delivered for two years.

She glanced at Hugo while holding the bouquet. Somehow, she was conscious of Hugo’s reaction.

“It’s not love. Don’t say such things, Elbert.”

Contrary to her worries, Hugo’s expression was much softer than before he saw the bouquet.

“Why do you insist it’s not?”

Before Elbert could speak, Hugo interrupted.

“Giving bouquets is a basic form of courtship. It seems the person who sent the bouquets likes you a lot.”

Hugo laughed, and Catherine felt annoyed. She moved the bouquet to the sofa and stood up.

How could he be happy that his ex-wife is being courted by another man?

“Elbert, don’t I have some work to do?”

“What? Oh, yes. You do.”

“Hugo, if you’ve finished your tea, you should leave. I won’t see you out.”

Catherine coldly stood up and turned her back. Hugo blinked slowly.

“Aren’t you going to find out who sent the bouquet?”

Hugo asked while gathering his coat, reacting to her more definite action than a dismissal order.

“Mind your own business.”

A cold wind blew from Catherine. The atmosphere suddenly chilled, and Hugo muttered in confusion.

“Alright, let’s find out gradually.”

He spoke as if he already knew who sent the flowers, but Catherine didn’t hear it.

***

After Hugo’s visit, Catherine had to endure Yuri’s pestering.

Yuri insisted that Hugo definitely had feelings for Catherine.

Joanna and Elbert gave her strange advice that a broken vessel should not be used again.

– He’s just bringing back things I left behind. He doesn’t even like having my things in his house.

With Catherine’s single remark, all the various speculations and worries about her and Hugo were thrown into the trash.

After that, there were no more visits from Hugo to fuel Yuri’s imagination.

And finally, the day came for the new residents to move in.

The morning at the Catherine House was busy with preparations for the welcoming ceremony for the new residents.

“That banner, it’s off to the left. Move it two steps to the right. Okay, very good!”

A banner reading ‘Walk the Flower Path, Riena, Brooke, Lillie.’ was hung in the center of Catherine House.

“You’re particularly attentive this time.”

Joanna, who was responsible for the household affairs of the Catherine House, muttered as she saw Catherine bustling around.

“There must be a young lady she likes this year.”

Elbert approached Joanna and said.

“She should worry about her own romance rather than other ladies’ marriages.”

Joanna always felt sorry for Catherine being alone.

“Still no contact from the master’s house?”

Catherine had been abandoned by her family.

She was an unwelcome illegitimate child, and after divorcing three days into her marriage and settling in the capital with the returned dowry without a word, she was disowned.

Earl Bedwig ordered Catherine to return home immediately, but it wasn’t out of concern for her.

Despite the small amount, Earl Bedwig was very reluctant to part with the dowry.

However, Countess Bedwig persuaded him.

Since they couldn’t keep her forever, they would have to marry her off again someday, and it would be better to sever ties now than give her another dowry then.

The dowry Hugo received from Catherine was so meager that even the greedy Countess Bedwig gave up on it.

Of course, Catherine didn’t know that Hugo had quietly added more money.

Although she was rumored to be a cherished daughter raised with utmost care, it was just an act to sell Catherine well in the marriage market. There was no one in the Bedwig family who was on Catherine’s side.

The only one close to Catherine was Yuri, who had accompanied her when she got married and moved to the capital with her after the divorce.

So, those who knew Catherine’s unfortunate family circumstances felt sorry for her.

“It’s better not to wait for contact from Earl Bedwig.”

Joanna’s expression darkened.

Despite her dislike for Earl Bedwig, Joanna wished Catherine’s noble father would at least outwardly be a protective figure for her.

Being under the formal protection of a family made it easier to meet a decent young man.

‘Our Madam deserves to live comfortably now!’

Catherine fully deserved a happy and comfortable life.

“Madam’s heart has to be in it, Joanna.”

“I’m saying you should give her a little nudge.”

Joanna and Elbert stood side by side, continuing their conversation about Catherine.

Both of them owed Catherine.

It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that they had settled in the capital thanks to her.

For the past four years, Elbert and Joanna had watched Catherine’s life in the capital.

Catherine was gentle and intelligent and enjoyed adventures from time to time.

Thanks to her, the number of attendants and servants increased, and those who used to point fingers at her for being a divorcee disappeared.

Catherine actively utilized the title of divorcee.

Joanna and Elbert worried about her, but Catherine changed the perception around her by openly acknowledging her shortcomings.

It would be a lie to say Catherine wasn’t hurt in the process.

They witnessed Catherine overcoming her wounds.

Sometimes, they cried together, drank, and criticized society under the guise of consolation.

After spending four years like that, the three of them had formed a strong bond of friendship.

“Sorry to interrupt, but the new residents have arrived.”

Catherine suddenly appeared between Joanna and Elbert. They each took a step back.

“Were you two talking about me?”

“No, Madam.”

Elbert straightened his face.

“It seems the topic of conversation was me.”

Unable to lie to Catherine, the two fell silent, and Catherine lightly laughed and pushed their backs.

“The new residents have arrived. We need to show them the warmth of the Catherine House, right?”

Catherine stood confidently in the path between the lined-up attendants, with Elbert and Joanna at the front.

She stood proudly, raising her head.

Three carriages entered, passing through the shaded path created by the neatly arranged garden trees.

The carriages carried Riena Brussel, Brooke Sillonz, and Lillie France.

The attendants of the Catherine House clapped in unison, and as the carriages stopped, the three ladies got out simultaneously.

“Welcome to the Catherine House.”

At Catherine’s greeting, the ladies elegantly lowered their heads.

Catherine smiled at each one, making eye contact.

She passed by Riena, exchanged glances with Brooke, and finally met Lillie’s gaze.

“Catherine!”

Lillie hugged Catherine tightly.

Then she whispered in Catherine’s ear.

“I’m going to marry Sir Edward.”

***

Lillie and Catherine debuted in society the same year. They met at a party and often conversed and mingled.

Lillie, the precious daughter of a distinguished Earl, had received so much love since childhood that she had no prejudices against people.

It was Lillie who first spoke to Catherine, who was subtly ostracized due to the rumors of her being an illegitimate child.

Catherine once thought she shared a genuine friendship with Lillie. Even if it wasn’t deep.

But in the first year of Catherine’s marriage to Hugo, Lillie came to see her. To be precise, she came to see Hugo.

– I like Sir Edward. No, I love him. Catherine, think about it. I can help Sir Edward better.

Lillie confessed that her true love was Hugo.

And she subtly pointed out Catherine’s background and demanded she step aside.

– That’s rude, Lillie. If you’re going to say unnecessary things, go back!

Catherine also loved Hugo. She firmly pushed Lillie away and got angry with her.

Nevertheless, Lillie secretly confessed to Hugo.

Hugo coldly rejected her, but Lillie lingered around, even getting a mansion in the territory.

‘It was like that for nine years. It was tiresome.’

Nine years with the feeling of a thorn under her nail.

Hugo looked at Lillie like she was a bug, so she couldn’t actively court him but didn’t give up either.

‘Regardless of Hugo’s rejection, she couldn’t be proactive. Hugo was always away.’

A woman with such a past suddenly came and said she would marry Edward.

‘Why do we keep getting entangled?’

Catherine bit the inside of her mouth.

She wanted to live without knowing Lillie, but the point of her return was right on her wedding night, so she had already formed a friendship with her.

So, she could somewhat understand Lillie’s welcoming attitude, but still!

‘Even if he’s my ex-husband, how can she say she’ll marry him so casually!’

She was getting more and more annoyed. Catherine clenched her teeth.