Chapter 10 – Part 3

“What? Eliana!”

“Whatever relationship Calix and I may develop is our decision and based on our feelings. It’s not something others can decide.”

“Hah, you’re even more short-sighted than I expected. I gave you that advice for your own good, and you throw it back in my face?”

There was no way Linda had said any of this for Eliana’s benefit. Clearly, she was trying to protect herself and the version of the Vartica family she envisioned.

“Judging by your stubbornness, you’ve taken my advice poorly.”

“…”

“I understand now why people said you were headstrong when your engagement ended.”

“Lady Linda, I haven’t been stubborn. Just because I’m not immediately following your wishes doesn’t mean I’m being difficult.”

Eliana responded calmly, though every word she spoke seemed to catch Linda off guard. Linda’s breathing grew more uneven.

“I was only warning you so you wouldn’t get hurt again, but it seems you don’t know how to take advice from an elder.”

“…”

“One more thing. No matter how you act around Calix, I will find someone sweet and pure, a perfect match for him. You seem to think that having childhood memories with him is a big deal, but to me, it’s meaningless. I can guarantee that Calix will have no issue with the person I introduce.”

With a look of certainty, Linda finished her statement. She seemed to want to say more but rose abruptly from her seat, leaving as though she could no longer stand in the room.

Eliana stared at the two cups of tea, barely touched. She had been dismissed by someone she’d only met for the second time, treated as though she deserved it.

“Hah.”

Eliana sighed softly.

“No matter how you act around Calix, I will find someone sweet and pure, a perfect match for him. You seem to think that having childhood memories with him is a big deal, but to me, it’s meaningless.”

Linda’s parting words lingered most in Eliana’s mind.

‘A perfect match?’

With the Vartica family’s vast connections, it was probably true. The late Duke had always enjoyed meeting people, after all.

If there was indeed someone kind that could be introduced to Calix, it would be a joyful thing. Eliana had thought so as well.

But for some reason, she didn’t feel entirely happy. Even though she knew it was contradictory, her heart felt somewhat heavy.

“My lady.”

At that moment, Mila’s voice interrupted her thoughts.

“When I saw you hadn’t come out even after the lady left, I got worried and came in.”

“I was just about to get up.”

Mila observed Eliana’s expression. She didn’t look well. Earlier, when they had been house hunting, Eliana had seemed so happy.

‘Did she hear something unpleasant?’

In the past, Eliana would’ve cried when someone said something hurtful. Lately, however, she no longer cried and instead stood up for herself. She had done so even with the count and the madam, whom she used to find so intimidating.

‘I don’t think today would’ve been any different, but her expression is quite dark.’

“I need to finish what I was doing. I want to finalize everything before the real estate office closes.”

Eliana deliberately used a cheerful tone. Without a word, Mila followed her out.

***

Eliana chose the last of the three houses. Her reason was simple: the windowsills would allow her to place flower pots that would thrive in the sunlight. After seeing the house one more time, she quickly signed the contract.

“If you come by tomorrow at the same time, I’ll have your keys.”

“Sounds good.”

“When are you planning to move in?”

“As soon as possible.”

“The house is vacant, so you can move in whenever you wish.”

“That’s perfect.”

She had finally secured a place to leave her family behind, a family that had done nothing but repeatedly hurt her. She wouldn’t have to see their faces again.

‘I’ll tell Father as soon as I get back. He’ll oppose it, but he can’t stop me anymore.’

She overheard a familiar voice as she left the real estate office and was about to head toward her carriage.

“Did you, Duke?”

“Yes, that’s exactly what I said.”

Eliana turned her head toward the voice. Calix stood at the end of her gaze, with Logan beside him as always.

Usually, she would’ve approached him, but she hesitated this time.

‘I’m still thinking about his confession… and that his aunt visited me earlier.’

She knew she should tell Calix that his aunt had come to see her.

‘It’s not just about me—she might treat someone else the same way in the name of “looking out for Calix,” and that’s not right.’

As she was about to step forward, Logan moved aside, revealing two more people. One was Thompson, and the other was a woman she had never seen before. She was a beautiful woman with pale skin and long brown hair whom Eliana had never encountered at noble gatherings.

Even from a distance, Eliana could tell that the woman’s gaze was fixed on Calix, smiling at him the entire time as she conversed with Thompson.

“…Please take me with you, Duke, won’t you?”

Though she hadn’t heard the start of the conversation, the woman’s friendly voice followed.

“I will find someone sweet and pure, a perfect match for him.” Linda’s voice echoed in Eliana’s mind.

‘Could she be the one?’

Mila had also noticed Calix. She thought Eliana would immediately approach him, but instead, Eliana stood still, seemingly hesitant. When she visited the Vartica estate, she was in high spirits and even returned with a box of chocolates. But now, she was hesitating, likely due to the incident with Calix’s aunt. Something had happened between the two of them.

“My lady, the Duke is over there.”

“Yes.”

“Are you going to pass by without saying hello?”

“…”

“Shall I call the carriage over here?”

Mila asked, trying to be considerate.

“No.”

If she left without greeting him, it would seem like she was avoiding him. And there was no reason to avoid him.

‘It feels awkward after everything that’s happened, but I can’t avoid him forever, nor do I have a reason to.’

Eliana had turned down his confession. Since she had rejected him, it was only natural for someone better suited for him to take her place. The timing was quicker than she expected, but it wasn’t Calix’s fault or the other woman’s; it was his aunt’s doing.

“Let’s just greet them briefly and go.”

Eliana walked toward Calix and his group.

“Lady of the Leiberte family.”

Logan was the first to notice her. Thompson recognized her as well and greeted her.

“Eliana.”

Calix stared at Eliana as she approached him. Was it because she had finally realized that the peculiar intensity in his gaze hadn’t been just her imagination?

‘His gaze feels so intense.’

She suddenly became aware that Calix had been looking at her like that for quite some time, even when she hadn’t noticed. The fact that he didn’t say anything after calling her name only made the weight of his gaze feel even heavier.

“I’ll give you two some privacy to talk,” Logan, ever perceptive, moved to leave.

“No, no, that’s not necessary. I just wanted to greet you quickly and leave. I don’t want to intrude.”

“How could you ever be an intrusion? You’re someone we always want to spend time with,” Logan replied kindly.

“Thank you for saying that.”

Eliana shifted her attention back to Calix.

“Did you get enough rest? Are you feeling tired?”

Calix asked, checking if she had recovered from her visit to her family.

“Yes, I’m fine.”

“Were you in town for a meeting?”

“I had some business at the real estate office. What about you?”

“My aunt asked me to take care of something.”

“Oh…”

The woman standing nearby glanced at Calix, as if waiting for an introduction. Calix briefly looked her way before speaking again.

“I’m sorry for the late introduction. This is Violet Harvey. She’s an acquaintance of our family. She lives abroad but is visiting Moira. And this is Eliana Leiberte, a childhood friend of mine.”

Calix introduced the two women to each other.

“Hello,” Violet greeted Eliana first.

“Yes, it’s nice to meet you.”

The puzzle pieces fell into place for Eliana.

‘If Calix’s aunt asked him for a favor, it must have something to do with Violet Harvey. That’s probably why Logan and Thompson are here, too.’

Eliana was sure now—Violet was the woman Linda had mentioned, the one she intended to introduce to Calix. Realizing this, Eliana thought it was best to leave quickly.

‘I shouldn’t interrupt their meeting.’

“I’ll be going now. Enjoy your time together.”

As soon as she spoke, Calix’s eyebrows furrowed slightly.

To Logan, the conversation between the two felt unusually dry, starkly contrasting the warmth they had shared at the mansion.

“Wait. I still have something to say.”

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