Chapter 3The Dream Wife

Looking at Julian now, he had lost the wild arrogance of his youth. The black brocade of his tunic made his handsome face seem almost pale, like carved jade. He didn't resemble the gruff, burly Marquis; he favored his late mother.

There was a time when I, too, had been captivated by his good looks, secretly thrilled by our betrothal.

But that was a lifetime ago.

Julian faltered for a second under my gaze, then a smile touched his lips. He strode towards me.

I turned to Isabelle, whose expression was grim. I knew then that no invitation had been sent to the House of Blackwood. To arrive uninvited was a serious breach of etiquette.

Julian first bowed to Isabelle, then turned to me, his tone intimate. “You’ve returned, and didn’t send a word? I would have ridden out to meet you. The snows have been heavy in the capital; the roads are treacherous.”

He spoke with a familiar, complaining air, as if we were back in the old days, before a third person had ever come between us.

I narrowed my eyes, a flicker of irritation rising within me. Julian knew better than anyone how crucial a lady’s reputation was. A woman whose engagement had been broken, even through no fault of her own, was subject to endless gossip and ridicule. For him to act now as if nothing had happened… I couldn’t help but question his motives.

Seeing my prolonged silence, Julian gave a wry smile and cut to the chase.

“I was too young then, too reckless. I hurt you, and it was all my fault.”

“That is why I have shamelessly come here today. I only wish to beg for your forgiveness.”

He waved a hand, and a servant hurried forward with a box containing a pair of magnificent Eastern pearls. They were a special reward from the Emperor to the Marquis for quelling a rebellion. As a gift, their value was immense.

Julian held the pearls up, his eyes filled with hope. “Seraphina, we grew up together. All those years of affection… you will forgive me, won’t you?”

I glanced around. People were beginning to whisper.

A few young nobles, eager to curry favor with the House of Blackwood, stood up.

“Lady Seraphina is hardly one to hold a grudge. The young Lord worries for nothing.”

“Lord Julian is a man of talent and virtue, unrivaled in the capital. For him to humble himself so… surely Lady Seraphina’s anger has subsided.”

“It’s been three years! Let bygones be bygones! Lady Seraphina, be generous and forgive our young lord.”

Hearing the chorus of agreement, a smirk played on Julian’s lips.

My eyes swept over each person who had spoken up for him. These were the same faces, the same mouths, that had mocked me for being jilted, that had laughed at my family for failing to raise a proper daughter, that had placed bets on when I would break down and storm the Blackwood estate…

And now they were telling me to be generous!

Why should I be generous? Why should I forgive?

I suppressed the rage simmering in my heart and, meeting Julian’s expectant gaze, I bloomed into a radiant smile.

“I thank the young Lord for his concern. I have heard that you and Lady Eva have been married for two years now, your greatest wish fulfilled. I was unable to send a gift for your wedding, so please, take these pearls back. Consider them a wedding present from me, by way of your own generosity.”