The Three Are Living A Married Life — Chapter 1. Anger (1)
Translator: Atlas / Editor: Eyljee
It was Rihanna’s fourth wedding anniversary.
“Lady, the guests are arriving.”
Like her previous wedding anniversaries, Rihanna organized a modest party, inviting only those close to her residence. Mrs. Venigans, the housekeeper of Royde Mansion, asked quietly.
“Are you ready?”
“Yes, it’s almost done.”
Rihanna, who was getting her hair done, got up from her seat.
Before leaving the door, she asked by chance.
“Have you heard from him? Where is he now?”
“I don’t know.”
“Has he already gone out in the garden?”
“I don’t think so. I was in the garden and I didn’t see him.”
Mrs. Venigans asked cautiously.
“Do you want us to find out?”
“No. I’ll look for him. Please check again if anything is missing from the preparations.”
“Yes, Lady. Understood.”
As soon as the conversation was over, Rihanna left and headed for the chambers of her husband, Count Royde.
But when she knocked on the door, she heard none from inside. Surprised, Rihanna opened the door and entered his chambers. As she expected, all was quiet. Rihanna went to her husband’s office and called his name.
“George?”
But again, she got the same result. Apparently, he wasn’t here.
‘So where is he?’
As Rihanna turned around to leave, something caught her attention.
‘…What is it?’
It was on her husband’s desk. Rihanna’s hand went to a flat box, which was on the desk.
She opened it carefully and found a beautiful Peridot necklace inside. The delicate diamond border enhanced the elegance and brilliance of the necklace even more. Rihanna stared at the necklace, fascinated at the sight.
‘…Peridot. He has a good sense of taste.’
The Peridot is the birthstone of the month of May, which symbolizes the happiness of the couple. It was the perfect gem for the Count and Countess Royde, who had married in May. Rihanna enthusiastically lowered the box of the necklace. She thought it was a wedding anniversary present her husband had prepared for her.
‘I was worried that he had been a little distant lately.’
Today marks exactly four years since they were married. In an aristocratic society where marriages are usually arranged and political, Rihanna married her husband out of love. After breaking up with a man she was meeting due to unavoidable circumstances, she opened her heart to George, who was actively courting her. After a brief period of romance, they got married as soon as the coming of age ceremony was performed.But after their third year of marriage, Rihanna noticed that her husband was beginning to change. The time they spent talking together lessened and their relationship seemed to be simply a compromise. More importantly, his eyes that once sparkled when looking at her became dull.
If George had been behaving strangely whilst often venturing outside, she might have suspected that he has another woman. But George had stayed home faithfully, so it is unlikely that he had time for an extramarital affair. So she could only assume that this was a period of boredom.
‘I have to try harder.’
For that reason, she had carefully prepared her wedding anniversary party for today. She hoped it would serve as a turning point in her distanced marriage. Although it was still a secret to George, she was thinking about how to make this night a success.
Under these circumstances, she was happy and moved to know that George had prepared such a present. She thought there was still room for improvement in their relationship.
‘I’m going to pretend I didn’t see anything.’
Rihanna even took off the necklace she was wearing, in order to leave her neck available for the present she would soon receive.
Then, she left George’s chambers with lighter steps than when she entered.
As she was leaving, she exclaimed in surprise as she spotted the person standing at the door. “My goodness! You frightened me, Lisbeth.”
“Oh, sister.”
It was Rihanna’s twin sister, Lisbeth. Lisbeth’s eyes got bigger, probably because of the surprise too.
Lisbeth spoke in bewilderment.
“I didn’t think you’d get out of here.”
“I was looking for George.”
“George is here?”
“No, he’s not. He must be somewhere else.”
Rihanna responded with a shrug, then asked.
“What about you? What are you doing here?
“Me? Oh, I was just looking for you, sister.”
“Me? Why? What’s going on?”
“Nothing has happened.”
Lisbeth spoke warmly to Rihanna.
“I think our guests are anxious to see you. You are the protagonist of the party today, sister.”
“The word ‘protagonist’ is a little embarrassing.”
“You are the protagonist, aren’t you? Today is your wedding anniversary party, sister.”
Lisbeth whispered softly to Rihanna.
“Happy fourth wedding anniversary, sister.”
“Thank you, Lis.”
Rihanna smiled slightly and kissed her sister on the forehead.