Lady Gracelle returned to her seat, Still feeling flushed from the whirlwind of emotions. Gracelle sat beside Javier, holding her juice glass with slightly shaking hands. Her heart hadn't slowed down at all. She drank the juice quickly, hoping it would cool the fire in her chest.
Meanwhile, Liana watched the young lady and her young master. She could see it clearly—Gracelle was completely smitten.
All it took was one dance and a kiss? Unbelievable! This girl is already head over heels, isn't she?
Liana felt a tightness in her chest and a spark of irritation.
Hmph! Young master, if you're going to be this reckless, don't come to me later for a kiss or anything else. You'll get nothing! Just ask this noble young lady next time. I'm sure she'll be happy to oblige.
She kept her calm expression, but a mischievous idea formed in her mind.
Two can play this game, young master. Let's see how you handle this.
She stepped forward, looking calm and professional, and said sweetly
"Young master, how about inviting Lady Gracelle to stay with us for the whole week? I'm certain she would enjoy the hospitality of the Armand estate."
Javier blinked, surprised. "Stay for the whole week?" he repeated, looking at Liana. He noticed the glint in her eyes, a sign of mischief, but he couldn't figure out her plan.
Gracelle eyes widened, and her cheeks turned bright red and she stammered "O-oh, I wouldn't want to impose…"
"Not at all," Liana replied gracefully, with a soft smile. "It would be a wonderful opportunity for you and the young master to deepen your friendship. Wouldn't you agree, young master?"
Javier felt a bead of sweat on the back of his neck. What is she planning now? He looked between Liana, who seemed too pleased, and Gracelle, whose eyes sparkled with excitement.
"Ah… sure, why not," he finally said, forcing a grin. "Lady Gracelle is always welcome at the Armand estate."
Liana bowed slightly, her smile never fading. Checkmate, young master. Let's see how you like being cornered.
"Oh, that's wonderful," Liana said with her usual gentle smile, folding her hands neatly in front of her. "I shall inform Lady Francesca about the invitation. Surely, you would not refuse such a generous offer, would you, Lady Gracelle?"
Gracelle's face lit up right away, her excitement hard to hide. "O-of course not! I would be honored to stay," she said, her voice shaking slightly with joy. Without thinking, she moved closer to Javier, her eyes shining with determination. "Thank you so much, Young Master Javier. This means so much to me."
Javier froze. His mind raced as Gracelle excitement grew
Crap. What have I done?
He quickly glanced at Liana, hoping for some help, but her calm expression showed nothing except a hint of smug satisfaction.
This is bad. This is really bad, he thought, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. The whole point of kissing Gracelle was to see how Liana would react, not to get himself into this mess!
"Lady Gracelle," he started, trying to sound calm, "I sincerely appreciate your acceptance of our invitation. I trust your stay will be... both pleasant and comfortable."
"Oh, I have no doubt it shall be," Gracelle replied eagerly, her cheeks flushed. "It will be such a delight to spend more time with you, Young Master Javier."
Javier forced a smile, but inside, he was screaming. Liana, what have you done!!!!?
Behind him, Liana adjusted her posture. "Serves you right, young master. Maybe next time, you'll think twice before trying to test me."
"Now, if you'll excuse me, Young Master, Lady Gracelle," Liana said with her ever-gentle smile, folding her hands elegantly in front of her. "I must inform Lady Francesca about this arrangement. Oh, and… wouldn't it be more fitting if Lady Gracelle were to stay in the same room as you, Young Master?"
Javier nearly choked on the wine he was sipping. "Pardon?!"
Ignoring his reaction, Liana leaned closer to Gracelle and whispered in a sweet yet conspiratorial tone, "This is your opportunity, Lady Gracelle. You know… to establish yourself as a potential future bride."
Gracelle eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed. "Oh! Do you truly believe so, Miss Liana?" she whispered back, barely able to contain her excitement.
Javier felt the walls closing in around him. He couldn't say no—doing so would risk offending Gracelle and causing a scene. Yet agreeing would only complicate matters further.
He forced a polite smile, trying to maintain composure. "Ah, I believe that Lady Gracelle staying in my room might be… improper. Surely, we should consider her comfort as a guest and arrange a more suitable accommodation?"
"Oh, but I would not mind at all, Young Master Javier," Gracelle replied quickly, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. "If it would not be inconvenient for you, of course."
Crap. Crap. Crap. Javier's mind screamed as he felt the trap closing in. He glanced at Liana, silently begging for help, but her calm smile only grew.
"Well, uh… let's not make any hasty decisions," he stammered. "My mother, Lady Francesca should have the final say on this."
"Of course," Liana said, bowing gracefully. "I'll mention it to her. Don't worry, Young Master. Everything will be "arranged" perfectly."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving Javier to worry about his predicament.
This is bad. Really bad.
Lady Francesca was seated with Lady Silvia, Lady Gracelle's mother, at a table decorated with lavish adornments and a feast of delicacies. The two noblewomen were enjoying light-hearted conversation.
From the corner of the room, Liana approached gracefully, her steps measured and her expression calm. She stopped a polite distance from Lady Francesca and curtsied.
"Madam, pardon my intrusion," she began gently. "I have some delightful news to share with you."
Lady Francesca's smile brightened at the sight of Liana. "Oh, Liana, do come closer and tell me what it is. You always bring such interesting tidbits."
Liana stepped forward, lowering her voice for privacy. "It concerns Young Master Javier, Madam. It seems he has made his first significant connection tonight with Lady Gracelle."
Lady Francesca's eyes lit up, and Lady Silvia leaned in with interest. "Oh?"
"Yes, Madam," Liana continued smoothly. "Young Master Javier has invited Lady Gracelle to stay at the estate for the entire week. He believes it will be an excellent opportunity to strengthen ties between families."
Lady Francesca clasped her hands together, her face glowing with pride. "Oh, my sweet boy! He's growing up so quickly. Silvia, what do you think? Isn't it wonderful that our children are getting along so well?"
Lady Silvia chuckled warmly. "Indeed, Francesca. My Gracelle has always been a little shy, but it seems your son's charm has worked wonders. This could be the start of a wonderful alliance between our families."
"I couldn't agree more," Lady Francesca said, practically beaming. "Liana, ensure everything is prepared for Lady Gracelle's stay. Her comfort must be our highest priority."
Liana curtsied again. "Of course, Madam. I will see to it immediately."
As she stepped back, Liana felt a twinge of satisfaction. This should make things… interesting, Young Master. Let's see how you handle this.
Lady Gracelle, filled with excitement, rushed to her mother's side, where Lady Francesca and Lady Silvia were still engaged in cheerful conversation. She greeted Lady Francesca with a graceful bow and a warm smile.
"Lady Francesca, thank you for inviting us to this wonderful celebration. Happy birthday, and may your years ahead be as radiant as this evening," Gracelle said sweetly, her voice sincere.
Lady Francesca smiled warmly. "Thank you, my dear. You're such a polite and lovely young lady."
As Gracelle turned to chat with her mother about the invitation, Javier sat stiffly at his table. He could feel Liana's composed presence behind him, but her aura felt too smug for his liking.
I'm doomed. Absolutely doomed!!
Gathering his courage, Javier stood slowly, hoping for a quiet escape. Liana followed behind him, her expression serene, though he sensed a hint of mischief.
Approaching the table where his mother, Lady Francesca, and Lady Silvia were seated, he bowed politely. "Mother, Lady Silvia, Lady Gracelle. Excuse me, but I believe I'll retire to my room now. I hope you all enjoy the rest of the celebration."
He turned to Gracelle, managing a polite smile despite his internal panic. "Lady Gracelle, feel free to visit me later. After all, you'll be staying the week, and I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to discuss... anything you wish."
Gracelle blushed and nodded, her heart racing again. "Thank you, Young Master Javier. I'll look forward to it."
With that, Javier offered a respectful bow and quickly retreated. As he walked away, he whispered to Liana, "You planned this, didn't you?"
"Planned what, Young Master?" Liana replied innocently, though a faint smirk tugged at her lips.
This week is going to be a nightmare, Javier thought, quickening his steps toward the safety of his room.
( End of Chapter )