Greetings drifted past her ears, but they didn’t register.

“Theodora, it’s been so long...!” “I’m not sure if you remember...!”

Theodora pushed away the approaching nobles with a gentle yet firm hand. Should I move closer? The distance between Maxime and Theodora seemed far greater than it actually was. Nobles moved between them, forming a human barrier, separating the two.

Maxime, catching sight of Theodora's lost gaze, quickly turned away. Watching any longer would only stir up complicated emotions. Yet Theodora's eyes followed him. It wasn’t an accusatory stare; it was sad and filled with tangled emotions.

Theodora moved forward. She slowly made her way through the crowd, brushing aside those in her way, steadily approaching Maxime. With every step, the gazes of the crowd followed, then broke away.

“Maxime?”

There was no one left to block her path. Theodora stood there, simply looking at Maxime, with a stranger, some distant relative, standing between them as if guarding him.

Maxime’s eyes weren’t focused on Theodora. But she heard her name in the soft voice of the stranger.

Of course, he wouldn’t want to see me.

Theodora’s mind went blank. Why did I come here? What was I trying to achieve? She didn’t know. She could hear Maxime’s low voice as he spoke quietly to Marion.

They’ve never met before.

And then Marion’s shy voice responded.

“Yes... I haven’t met many other nobles...” “Not even your relatives?” “Yes...”

Theodora stood frozen. She didn’t know much about Maxime’s relationship with Marion. But from the way Maxime looked at her, Theodora knew he didn’t hate Marion. It wasn’t the look he used to give her. It was different—this was the gentlest look Maxime’s now-dead eyes could muster.

Marion didn’t know what Maxime and Theodora had once been. And Maxime wasn’t planning to tell her at the engagement party. There was no reason to bring up something so unpleasant. Marion, feeling Theodora's gaze, shifted nervously and looked up at Maxime.

“Should I go greet her?”

Marion’s voice was hesitant as she asked Maxime. He glanced over at Theodora, who flinched. How much does she know? With a sigh, Maxime led Marion toward Theodora. The eyes of the nobles trailed after them, urging them forward.

Particularly the keen-eyed ladies and their mothers, who took in the scene with great interest. They whispered behind their fans, letting their imaginations run wild—speculating about secret affairs and supposed infidelities. The younger noblewomen and older ladies alike indulged in their private gossip, casting furtive glances.

If they exchanged pleasantries, it would lessen the scrutiny. If they didn’t, it would make the situation even more suspicious. Theodora seemed to understand this, and she started walking toward where Maxime and Marion were standing.

“Engage...ment...”

Theodora faced Maxime and spoke hesitantly. There was something she needed to say first. She needed to apologize, to say she was sorry. Yet, for some reason, Theodora felt like a guilty child. She stood there with a pale face, unable to utter the words.

Go on.

She urged herself, summoning her courage to offer her congratulations to Maxime and Marion.

“Congratulations on your engagement. I truly hope the both of you will be happy together for a long time.”

Her voice faltered intermittently.

Was she always this anxious? Maxime heard the tremor in Theodora’s voice. They were standing close enough to reach out and touch, but it felt like they were worlds apart. There was no bridging the gap between them now.

“...Marion.”

Theodora called Marion’s name softly. She didn’t resent her or envy her, despite the complex feelings that simmered within. She had no right to.

“...Yes, Lady Theodora?”

Marion replied in a timid voice. The only thing Theodora knew about Marion was her name. She didn’t understand why Marion wore a mask, or why she and Maxime, in what seemed like a forced marriage, appeared so close.

Similarly, Marion only knew Theodora’s name. Yet, seeing the deep, painful emotions in Theodora’s eyes as she looked at Maxime, Marion had a vague sense of what had once been between them.

“This is the first time we’ve met.”

Her voice was hollow, empty. Marion met Theodora’s gaze directly. Though she looked a bit gaunt, Theodora was strikingly beautiful. Her gray eyes, clouded like stormy skies, were filled with sorrow as they gazed at Marion. Marion nodded quietly.

For some reason, she felt it would be wrong to avert her eyes, as if doing so would break some unspoken rule.

“Yes... It’s a bit embarrassing, but I’ve rarely gone out in public...”

Marion met Theodora's gaze directly.

“It’s only today that we’ve had the chance to meet.”

Theodora’s expression tightened. As she took a step closer, Marion instinctively moved nearer to Maxime.

“How are your siblings, and Baron Bourdain and the Baroness? Are they well?”

She asked about Marion’s family. Marion’s voice grew more subdued as she replied. It wasn’t a topic she particularly wanted to think about.

“Yes. They’re all doing well.”

They’re doing well. Except none of her siblings had bothered to attend her engagement, aside from her parents. But Marion wasn’t upset by it. If they had shown up, it would likely have caused more trouble than it was worth.

“I’m glad to see you’re happy.”

Theodora said, looking at Marion’s face. Marion, still feeling shy, smiled faintly at the comment. Although the mask covered half her face, the warmth in her smile was unmistakable, beautiful in its fragility and sincerity.

“Yes, I’m happy.”

Marion’s smile and her words were difficult for Theodora to bear.

“This is... probably the happiest moment of my life.”

Marion clasped her hands over her chest. The sapphire ring on her left hand gleamed, a perfect match for her blue eyes. The sunlight shone down on her, as if offering a halo. The blue of her eyes and the white of her dress blended harmoniously with the green summer grass.

Theodora felt like she was the sudden winter wind, intruding on this peaceful summer day. She was an outsider, standing in the wrong place. All that was left was to confess her sins to Maxime and beg for his forgiveness. Maxime looked at her with a flicker of concern in his eyes. But Theodora didn’t know how to respond to his expression.

“I’m... really glad.”

Glad.

It was the best word Theodora could muster. Even though she wanted to say more, her words got stuck on her tongue.

Maxime is a good person. He’ll be happy. As long as no one interferes, nothing will cloud the smile on Marion’s face—the smile that reminded Theodora of a summer flower.

May your future be blessed.

Theodora said quietly. After speaking with Marion, she found it even more difficult to face Maxime. She turned her back on them. Deep down, she wished Maxime would stop her, even though she knew she didn’t deserve it. She wished he would thank her, even if his words meant nothing at all. She just wanted to hear his voice.

But no voice came.

She knew.

If Maxime called her back now, the eyes of the nobles would be on them, and it would create trouble for everyone involved. Theodora’s face hardened as she walked away. The nobles, sensing the tension, split into groups—some flocked toward Theodora, while others gathered near Maxime.

“Theodora...” “Did she speak to Lady Marion or her fiancé?”

Theodora didn’t even know why she had been invited. Did she just want to see Maxime again? Or was there another reason?

She pushed her way through the approaching nobles and began looking for Emil Bourdain.

If anyone knew the depths of Maxime’s situation, it would be him. The nobles at the party didn’t seem eager to leave Theodora’s side, despite the cold aura she exuded. They were curious as to why the eldest daughter of the Count of Benning would attend the engagement of a minor noble like the Bourdain family. Did she even have an invitation?

“Count Benning's daughter is here...” “Excuse me,”

Theodora coldly called out to one of the nobles. Startled, the noble quickly bowed and approached her.

“Yes, how can I assist you...?” “Do you know where Baron Bourdain is right now?”

The noble glanced around nervously, clearly trying to gauge the situation.

“Well... were you looking for him because of something important...?”

Theodora shot him a piercing look, and the noble recoiled, shaking his head rapidly.

“My apologies. The Baron was standing over there a moment ago...”

He gestured toward the area where Maxime and Marion had been. Theodora frowned.

“And now?” “I’m not sure.”

The voice came from directly behind her. Theodora suppressed the sharp tension that arose and turned around.

Emil Bourdain stood there, holding a delicate glass of translucent fruit wine, bubbles slowly rising to the surface.

“You seem to have business with me, Miss Theodora.”

The noble, realizing the situation, quickly withdrew.

“Yes, I have a few questions.”

Emil glanced dispassionately at the party, where the nobles continued to exchange pleasantries and dance to the rhythm of the minuet. Light footsteps and the carefree twirls of noble ladies in their gowns created a scene of graceful movement.

A cynical smile appeared on Emil’s face as he watched.

“Very well. Let’s discuss this in the drawing room.”

At Emil’s signal, a servant stepped forward.

“You called for me, my lord.” “Escort the lady to the drawing room. I’ll join her shortly.”

The servant nodded, bowing as he led Theodora into the mansion.

The shaded back entrance of the mansion felt like a different world, cutting her off from the bright summer sun. The noise from the party seemed like a distant memory. All the servants in the Bourdain estate were busy with the festivities, and the drawing room was eerily quiet. Here, not even the faintest sound of the party could be heard. In the oppressive silence, Theodora clenched her fists.

“Is there anything you need, my lady?”

The servant asked cautiously.

“No. You can leave.”

Theodora dismissed him curtly. The servant bowed and left. Isolated from the outside world, Theodora sat, thinking of the words she needed to say. She didn’t expect Emil to give her the answers she sought, but she couldn’t just sit in silence.

She clenched her palms tightly.

If he won’t speak, I’ll make him talk.

Emil Bourdain entered the drawing room, looking as immaculate as ever. Despite having had his share of drinks, there was no sign of inebriation, nor even a trace of alcohol on him. He moved with the poise of a nobleman, sitting down across from Theodora.

“...”

Theodora stared at him, suppressing the hostility rising within her. Emil wasn’t taunting her like he did with Maxime. Theodora sighed briefly.

“You know why I’ve called you here.”

Her voice was cold. Emil raised his eyebrows slightly and nodded slowly.

“You’ve found out, then.”

“Is this really something to take so lightly?”

Emil sighed in response.

“It’s unfortunate, but I anticipated something like this might happen.”

“Was this all part of my father’s plan?”

Theodora’s voice trembled as she pressed him. Emil’s expression remained unchanged as he nodded again.

“What were you thinking... How could you...”

Emil opened his mouth to speak, but Theodora cut him off.

“Don’t even think about blaming Maxime for any of this.” “Your father wanted this, nothing more.”

Emil shrugged nonchalantly. Theodora’s anger began to rise.

“He asked you to break us up. It’s not as though words alone would have ended things.” “...You...”

Emil’s tone hardened.

“The Count has always had your best interests in mind.”

My father...

Theodora gritted her teeth, holding back the words she wanted to scream.

“Why use such a vile method as a curse?”

Emil shook his head.

“I didn’t want you to dirty your own hands.” “Don’t talk nonsense...!”

Just as Theodora’s anger was about to boil over, Emil’s calm voice interrupted her.

“Did you really think that curse was only meant to take his life?”