Chapter 5: Meeting (2)
Yesterday, Francis Brooks turned up at the McMillan mansion without any prior word. Realiana, who had been taking a stroll outside, greeted him with a stern face. “Lord Brooks, what brings you here? I wasn’t aware that you came to visit.”
“Oh, Raeliana, you’re my fiancee, aren’t you?” Smiling flirtatiously, the crow’s feet around his eyes brightened.
Ugh, he gives me goosebumps.
“The closer we are, the more we should be courteous to each other. Please leave.”
Rubbing the goosebumps on her arm, Raeliana chided him harshly and turned to leave when Francis Brooks grabbed her wrist.
“Raeliana, I do not understand why you’re suddenly acting this way towards me.”
“Wh-what are you doing?”
“We may be betrothed for the sake of our families, but I believed that we had something deeper between us, or was I the only one under such impression?”
His voice was desperate.
Contrary to Park Eunha’s will, Realiana’s heart sank.
Raeliana, the original owner of this body loved Francis. Though the family suffered due to the head of the house having a poor sense of business, the House of Brooks was of a renowned nobility that would not have even set its eyes on the nouveau-riche such as the McMillans back in its glory days.
Francis Brooks was the eldest son of the Brooks family. On the outside, he was a gentleman, but his inward personality was not so kind. He had planned to poison her behind her back while maintaining an amicable smile. The innocent and sheltered Raeliana fell for that outward kindness of his. It was the sole reason why the McMillans enthusiastically welcomed her engagement to Francis.
Perhaps… this body still holds some feelings for him…?
She smiled bitterly. The body belonged to her now.
Francis Brooks will stop at nothing to manipulate Raeliana’s heart and body, her life ending with a poisoned red tea. She could not have that.
“You’re mistaken, Lord Brooks.” Rather than make a scene, Raeliana spoke in a low voice. The charismatic tone from her tiny lips made his shoulders flinch. “Please let go of me.”
He had come to realize that Raeliana had changed. She was not the shy whom who would blush whenever they had small talks. Her voice was so soft that he could barely hear.
After she postponed their dates because of her sickness, she came back to him as a completely different person. He had planned to sweet-talk her into submission, but he had failed. He clenched his teeth as she slapped away his hand to leave; he instinctually grabbed her shoulder and stopped her.
“Raeliana, listen to what I have to say first.”
Raeliana raised her brows high.
“No matter how much feign this act of yours, it’s no use.”
“What are you talking about?”
“This child’s play is over. What the McMillans need is the prestigious status of the House of Brooks. Do you think that a nouveau riche family of yours with only money to boast can find a better suitor? We’ll be married soon. So before that, it’d be good to familiarize yourself on how to better serve your future husband.”
His eyes glimmer similar to a beast.
Raeliana clenched her fists until her nails dug deep enough, causing them to bleed.
***
In a way, she had to thank Francis. Getting married to another man was an alternative solution. She already knew her death flag was Francis, so all she needed to do is avoid him and defend herself.
Though she’ll have to live with all kinds of threats.
She would not be able to eat without the looming fear behind her back. Maybe she could lie low until she finds a safe haven, but could she do that? Could she live independently in this unfamiliar world?
Curled up in the corner of her bed, Raeliana thought, What if Francis Brooks drops dead by the time I wake up tomorrow? Yes, let’s kill him. I should kill him before he kills me.
With her head buried in the pillow, various thoughts came to mind. Using a knife or poison could lead the trail back to her so she needed to opt for the innocuous yet serious stunt.
She recalled the case she once heard of a man who died of cerebral meningitis from an infection while pulling his nose hairs by the hand.
I should pluck his nose hair…
She would pluck a handful of his nose hair until he dropped dead. No evidence would remain and she could pull off a perfect crime.
It’s perfect! Let’s pluck it..!
Dreaming of various schemes, Raeliana almost pulled an all-nighter before she finally fell asleep.
When she opened her eyes, it was already afternoon with the maids busily preparing for the ball. The maids did her hair and dressed her up skillfully.
Her soft hair was pulled up in a bun, revealing her delicate nape and the dark red dress that accentuated her creamy skin.
Everyone praised her repeatedly, saying she was beautiful as a rose, but Raeliana kept her lips sealed, lost in her thoughts.
As she entered the ball escorted by Francis Brooks, the noble ladies fluttered their fans and exchanged cheerful words. Raeliana stood dazed like a frozen pillar until that man walked in.
The hall suddenly lit up in commotion.
The young ladies all looked to the spot as the man entered.
In the center of everyone’s attention, stood a man.
The man’s beauty rendered those around him as ugly as gnomes while a halo seemed to glow around his face.
With a gentlemanly smile, he sincerely accepted the greetings of the nobles.
The man’s name was Noah Volstaire Wynknight. He was the duke of the kingdom and the male lead of this novel.