The Three Are Living A Married Life — Chapter 2. Anger (2)
“Why don’t you come out first? I’ll find George and go later.”
“Yes. It would be nice to see you both arrive together today. I’ll be waiting for you.”
“I’ll attend to the guests before the party starts.”
“Don’t worry, Mrs. Venigans is great at that sort of thing.”
“Good. See you later, then.”
After separating from her sister, Rihanna moved again to find George.
Although she looked everywhere, she could not find George.
‘It’s strange. I haven’t seen him anywhere.’
It was already time for the party when she checked. Rihanna eventually stopped looking for George and went outside.
Spring as resplendent and bewitching was blessed in May. Sweet fruits were growing on the trees, and the fresh scent of blossomed flowers was wafting all over the place. It would be silly to have a wedding anniversary party in the banquet hall of the mansion, having such a beautiful setting.
Enjoying the bright sunshine, Rihanna went to the garden where the party was held. From a distance, it seemed that most of the guests had arrived. Rihanna continued walking towards the guests, wondering how she would explain her husband’s absence.
‘…Huh?’
She saw a familiar face. It was George. He was with some of the guests next to him.
Rihanna smiled and walked over to the group where George was.
“What? You were here?”
“Oh, Rihanna.”
“I’ve been looking for you for a while. I wondered where else you might be.”
“I was looking for you, too. Our paths have not crossed.”
After speaking, George kissed Rihanna lightly on the forehead. It had been a long time since they had made physical contact in public, so long that Rihanna was surprised for a moment. But soon, she smiled as if nothing had happened.
“Congratulations on your fourth wedding anniversary, Lady Royde.”
“Thank you, Lady McCarthy. I’m glad you came.”
“I have a present for you, but I’m not sure you’ll like it.”
“Oh, you didn’t have to bring a present. I even mentioned in the invitation that you should come empty-handed.”
“How could I do that? It’s my close friend’s fourth wedding anniversary.”
Then, Lady McCarthy motioned to the maid behind her. The maid quickly approached Rihanna and handed her something. It was a flat black box.
“Please open it. Though I’m not sure you’ll like it.”
“I am grateful only for your kindness.”
Without much thought, Rihanna opened the box she had been given. Inside was a necklace made of seraphinite. For a moment, Rihanna made a puzzled face.
‘The present that George prepared is also a necklace’.
But even so, Rihanna could not look worried, so she smiled cheerfully as she held Lady McCarthy’s present.
“It’s very nice, Lady McCarthy. Where did you get this necklace?”
“I kept it in a special way. They say it is a jewel that allows you to communicate with the angels.”
Lady McCarthy added, looking at Rihanna’s beautiful white neck.
“You went out without a necklace today. Did you know I would give you a necklace as a present?”
“No, that’s not why…”
This time, Rihanna took a look at George. But George seemed indifferent.
Rihanna stared at George for a moment, then quickly turned around.
“Anyway, I’m glad I didn’t wear a necklace. Although I didn’t expect to receive such a beautiful present. Thank you so much, Lady McCarthy.”
Rihanna turned, and asked her husband.
“Can you help me with this, George?”
“Yes.”
George immediately accepted with grace. Then, Rihanna carefully moved her hair aside, so that George could put the necklace on her more easily. After a brief moment, George put the necklace on her, and only then did Rihanna move her hair back to its original position.
Seeing Rihanna, Lady McCarthy exclaimed.
“Geez, it looks so good on you!”
“Really?”
“Yes! In fact, even before I gave you the present, I thought it would suit you. It turns out I was right.”
“Thank you, Lady McCarthy. I will use it with enthusiasm.”
“But more importantly, does the Count have any presents ready for his wife?”
At that moment, Lady McCarthy spoke to George in a voice of disgust. At the unexpected question, George seemed nervous, but then spoke casually.
“Of course I do, Lady McCarthy.”
Rihanna knew what the present was. She asked George excitedly.
“Did you really prepare one? What is it?”
“It’s still a secret, Rihanna.”
“Since you won’t be giving it to me at the party, I guess it’s a very desirable present, isn’t it?”
“Maybe. But what if my present disappoints you?”
“I don’t think so. I’ll probably like it…”
“Ah, sister. You were here.”
A familiar voice interrupted Rihanna’s words at that moment.
With a smile on her face, Rihanna turned to greet Lisbeth. No, she was planning to do that.
“…Lisbeth.”
Before looking at the beautiful peridot necklace around her neck.