2. Attraction (Part 1)

“Cecilia.”

About ten days had passed. At some point, Ethan had started calling Cecilia by her name. Instead of pointing it out, Cecilia simply smiled faintly.

“Good morning.”

“Yes, good morning.”

The smell of freshly baked bread wafted from the dining room at the end of the long hallway. Walking side by side with Ethan, Cecilia asked, 

“What are your plans for today?”

“This morning, I promised to be Violet’s art model, and in the afternoon, I’ll help Merilyn with her Hessian language studies.”

“Isn’t that troublesome? They’re good kids, but not exactly easy to handle.”

“Not at all. It’s fine.”

Ethan Hoffman was an exemplary guest. True to his military background, he handled most things on his own and seemed like someone who didn’t even know how to complain. He wasn’t picky about food, nor did he make any unreasonable demands. It was no surprise that the entire staff at the Godwin Estate had become half-enchanted by him.

The two young ladies of the estate were no exception—they seemed utterly captivated by Ethan. Violet, in particular, appeared almost lovestruck. In Ethan’s presence, she would imitate the demeanor of a graceful and elegant lady, which Cecilia found immensely gratifying. It spared her the exhausting task of pacifying Violet.

Merilyn also showed her fondness for Ethan. Gifted in languages, he often helped her practice pronunciation, proving to be far better than most private tutors.

“I didn’t mean to saddle our guest with tutoring duties, but it has certainly lightened my workload.”

As a gesture of gratitude, Cecilia lightly touched Ethan’s arm before letting go. It was a brief moment, lasting no more than a second, but the tips of Ethan’s ears turned red. He responded with the expression of an obedient boy.

“I’m very glad to be of even a little help.”

Cecilia shook her head. 

“Still, I’d feel guilty if things stayed this way. I’ll make sure to reward you properly, so let me know if there’s anything you want.”

“A reward…”

After a moment of thought, Ethan spoke. 

“May I say it now?”

“Yes, go ahead.”

“This evening, I’d like to take a walk in the garden.”

“A walk?”

Cecilia’s eyes narrowed at his unexpected request. As her guest, Ethan was free to roam anywhere on the estate.

“That’s something you can do anytime…”

Ethan interrupted her. 

“With you, Cecilia.”

Her steps came to an abrupt halt. Ethan also stopped walking and turned fully toward her. Their gazes collided in the air. In Ethan’s radiant golden eyes, Cecilia’s startled face was reflected.

“Just the two of us?”

“Yes.”

When Ethan tilted his chin slightly, the shadows on his face deepened. In that moment, the boyishness in his features faded, replaced by a strikingly masculine presence.

“That’s…”

Cecilia hesitated. She wasn’t naive enough not to understand why Ethan was making such a request. From the moment they first met, he had been unable to take his eyes off her, blushing even when their clothes brushed.

It was a sentiment she could never reciprocate. It would be best to show no opening, keeping things clean and straightforward. Just as Cecilia decided to speak, Ethan’s voice broke through.

“Is that not possible?”

A trace of anxiety appeared on Ethan’s otherwise composed face. Cecilia’s blue eyes wavered. It was just a walk—nothing more. Yet, why did he look so desperate?

‘He’s like a puppy. No, more like a big dog.’

The resolve to draw a firm line began to waver. After all, it was just a walk. These feelings would dissipate like a mirage soon enough. When summer ended, and he returned to where he belonged, everything would go back to normal.

In the brief moment her mind raced with excuses, Cecilia nodded.

“…I don’t see why not.”

A soft expression spread across Ethan’s face, as bright as the early summer sun. His sharp eyes softened into gentle curves.

“I can’t wait for evening to come.”

Cecilia started walking again, a step ahead of him. 

“We haven’t even had breakfast yet.” 

She said, giving him a light scolding. A faint smile flickered at the corners of her lips.

***

‘Indeed. I can’t wait for evening to come.’

Tap, tap.

Cecilia’s fingernails lightly drummed against the warm surface of her teacup. She sat at a tea table on the balcony, staring at the half-cooled tea swirling in her cup.

Across from her sat Matthias Philip Wessex, the Earl of Wessex. His gleaming silver hair and violet eyes were striking. Though there was nothing particularly unattractive about him, his face had a sly undertone. From head to toe, he was adorned in the finest garments, and as if that wasn’t enough, he had placed a pocket watch encrusted with a large ruby on the tea table.

Matthias was the second son of the Duke of Pinterheim, known for owning multiple mines. He was a man with more money than he could ever spend. Even today, he seemed intent on flaunting his wealth.

“…This year’s mining yield is slightly lower than last year’s, but it’s nothing to worry about. You know, Cecilia, even if we stopped mining for the next ten years, our family would still be thriving.”

“I see.”

Cecilia stirred her tea, though she hadn’t added anything to it. She was passing the time, letting Matthias’s words go in one ear and out the other. Although she tried not to appear too bored, it wasn’t easy.

Suddenly, Matthias fell silent. Sensing a shift, Cecilia set down her teaspoon and met his gaze. Matthias leaned forward slightly, introducing a new topic—one that was essentially his main point.

“So, have you given any thought to what I mentioned last time?”

Feigning ignorance, Cecilia raised an eyebrow. Matthias leaned even closer to the table and said, 

“Marriage.”

“Ah.”

As Matthias’s gleaming face drew closer, Cecilia leaned back uncomfortably. Folding her arms in front of her, she responded calmly, 

“I need more time to think.”

“It’s already been a month. How long are you planning to drag this out? We both know what the answer is going to be.”

“Do we?”

Irritated by Cecilia’s brief, emotionless responses, Matthias furrowed his brows. His irritation spilled over into sarcasm as he said, 

“You do realize that at twenty-five, a woman is already way past her prime, right? Only worthless men would be left.”

She had heard enough of these comments about her age to last a lifetime. Without the slightest flinch, Cecilia nodded serenely. 

“That’s probably true.”

“And yet, here I am proposing to you. Can’t you see the logic in this?”

“Oh, I see it clearly.”

“If you marry, your sisters will have much better prospects. Proper suitors will line up for them. People will clamor to form ties with a Duke’s family. Don’t you get it?”

Matthias brought up Cecilia’s weak spot—her younger sisters. It was clearly an attempt to sway her, but instead, it only grated on her nerves. In a faintly annoyed tone, Cecilia replied, 

“I understand. That’s why I said I’ll think about it.”

“What exactly do you need to think about, and for how much longer?”

Frustrated that the conversation wasn’t going the way he wanted, Matthias raised his voice. His booming tone echoed across the balcony, reverberating throughout the entire Godwin Estate.

Instinctively, Cecilia glanced around. Looking down at the lush courtyard below the balcony, her eyes landed on a man staring up at her. Even from a considerable distance, his golden eyes pierced through her like arrows.

Ethan was dressed casually in a light cotton shirt and comfortable pants. It was likely that his outfit hadn’t cost much at all. A man so indifferent to his strikingly handsome appearance wouldn’t have any interest in shopping for clothes. Yet, he somehow outshone Matthias, who was adorned from head to toe in jewels.

Tearing her gaze away from Ethan with difficulty, Cecilia turned back to meet Matthias’s violet eyes. In a softer tone, she offered him tea. 

“You’re overly excited right now. Please calm down and finish your tea before it gets cold.”

“I can tolerate a bit of playing hard to get. But you need to evaluate yourself objectively.”

Still visibly upset, Matthias locked eyes with Cecilia and continued, 

“You’re not young anymore. You’re not exceptionally beautiful like your sister Merilyn. Your reputation precedes you as the Ice Witch of Belfort. You’re stiff, with no charm to speak of.”

“Lord Wessex.”

“I’m offering to save you.”

Save her.

Those two words stabbed Cecilia in the chest. Matthias’s words poked at her vulnerabilities and crushed her pride into the dirt. She had never expected much from him, so she thought she could brush off whatever he said. But when someone deliberately aimed to wound, there was no defense.

Seeing Cecilia’s expression turn icy, Matthias cautiously tried to gauge her reaction. 

“Of course, you’re your own way of beautiful. You’re intelligent and wise, unlike those silly girls. That’s why I want to marry you.”

“…”

“I’ll provide financial support, and your sisters can do whatever they want. I’ll leave the management of the Godwin Estate entirely in your hands, if that’s what you wish. I’ll even have it notarized if you want.”

Cecilia bit down on her lower lip. He was an insufferably arrogant and detestable man, but she couldn’t completely dismiss him. As much as she hated to admit it, his proposal was undeniably advantageous. Marrying him would bring countless benefits.

‘If I think of it as a transaction, it’s nearly ideal…’

Sensing that Cecilia’s resistance was softening, Matthias smiled warmly. 

“I like you, Cecilia. That’s why I’ve been patient and waited this long.”

Cecilia swallowed a bitter smile. Knowing that he probably meant those words sincerely only made her feel worse.

“Alright, I understand you need more time. Will one more month suffice?”

“Yes.”

“Fine. Once you’ve decided, send me a letter.”

“I will.”

Having said his piece, Matthias slowly rose from his seat. He left a light kiss on the back of Cecilia’s hand. As soon as he withdrew, Cecilia discreetly wiped her hand on her skirt.

A stifling breeze blew across the balcony. The weather was growing hotter by the day. Matthias pulled a neatly folded handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed his forehead lightly.

Thud. The handkerchief, having served its purpose, was tossed onto the table. Cecilia’s gaze lingered on the delicate butterfly embroidery on the white fabric.

“Let’s see each other again after this wretched summer is over.”