SWNOVELS Chapter 32
Chapter 32
HENRIETTA
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The smell of freshly brewed tea greeted me as soon as I woke up. The morning sunshine freely poured down onto my bed, making me smile. I had forgotten to close the window last night and I started dreaming of someone coming in and watching me sleep. As I recalled the dream, Andreas’ face appeared inside my head.
My fingers played with the ring on my finger. The same ring Andreas used to propose to me. I suddenly remembered the day he proposed. The stone that seemed so unfamiliar now holds so much value. Niana had prepared the bath for me and I went on with my day as usual. I was not scheduled to meet with Andreas today so I have the day for myself.
I indulged in the books I bought just recently, reading in the corner of my chamber as Niana would occasionally bring me tea and biscuits. I would sometimes hear from her about Yvette and Myrna’s activities of the day. I couldn’t care less but I figured she thought I might feel uncomfortable going out and meeting them in the foyer or anywhere on the ground floor. So she’s telling me about them, in case I want to go out and not have to encounter them.
But I was not planning on going out today.
The day unfolded leisurely, and as afternoon shadows stretched across the floor, a beautifully adorned envelope with Lady Grace’s seal arrived at my doorstep. Niana brought it to me after bringing my second tea for the day. The first time I received this kind of envelope from Lady Grace was also the last time. Unfortunately, we don’t see
eye to eye.
That is why it was intriguing to see another one of her invitations. Intrigued yet cautious, I unfolded the parchment within. An invitation to a tea party at Lady Grace’s residence adorned with intricate calligraphy extended a polite request for my presence. I tried my best not to grimace.
As I tried to think of any reason why she would invite me again, Andreas flashed inside my
Of course. Her attraction towards my fiance was evident she did not even try to hide it in inviting me over tea would be because she’s interested to know more about Andreas.
head.
my presence. Her
I told Niana about it and she just chuckled and said, “There is nothing my lady should worry about.”
I scoffed. “I am not worried about anything.”
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Niana tried her best to hide her smile and said, “Of course, my lady.” And then proceeded to do my hair.
+5
As I entered Lady Grace’s opulent residence, the ambiance was nothing short of elegant. Exquisite teacups and delicate pastries adorned the table, a stark contrast to the subtle tension that lingered in the air as Yvette and the other ladies were also there. Lady Grace greeted me with a polite smile, but her eyes betrayed an inscrutable motive as she scanned me from head to foot, studying my dress. I could already guess what was running inside her head but I chose not to think about it.
I gave her my warmest smile.
“The ball last night was marvelous, Lady Grace.”
She let out a small smile and took a sip from her cup. “I wonder when you’d have the same kind of marvelous event, Lady Henrietta. Are we getting them soon? How are the wedding preparations?”
“Oh, I heard Yvette and Sir Andreas have not discussed it yet. Right, Henny?” Yvette chimed in and Lady Grace gasped with the other ladies who looked like they were just invited there to support Lady Grace.
The tea party unfolded with a delicate dance of words and e
Lady Grace maintained a facade of courtesy as she looked at me, waiting for my response, yet every interaction felt like a chess move in an unspoken game.
“We’re letting His Highness and Yvette marry first,” I answered and I could have sworn I saw a small smile on Lady Grace’s mouth.
T
“He is quite the enigma, isn’t he?” she remarked casually, her eyes searching mine for a reaction.
“Yes, he is,” I replied, choosing my words carefully. “A man of many layers and complexities.”
She chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down my spine. “Indeed. Layers that I find fascinating.”
Yvette chuckled. “Oh, Lady Grace. You must be careful. Sir Andreas is rather faithful towards Henny.”
The tension in the room escalated as Lady Grace attempted to mask her surprise. I maintained an unwavering gaze, my eyes locking onto hers, refusing to be swayed by her feigned innocence,
“I don’t appreciate veiled intentions, Lady Grace. If you have something to say, say it plainly,” I asserted, the atmosphere around us growing thicker with each passing moment.
Lady Grace waved a dismissive hand. “This is mere folly. Please, Lady Henrietta, don’t take it to heart. A man like
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him is a rare find. Your fiance is a fascinating man, and you would understand a lot of women flock around him. Even I find myself drawn towards him.”
I felt a surge of tension, my fingers involuntarily tightening around the teacup as I fear I would make the mistake of grabbing her locks instead. “What do you mean, Lady Grace?”
“I mean to say,” she continued with a sly smile, “that I would like to get to know him better. Much better.”
I took a casual sip of my tea and then placed it down. “You’re making it too evident that you’re fond of my betrothed, Lady Grace. Do you wish to marry him?”
She stared at me, durabfounded, and then she let out an awkward chuckle, trying to maintain the facade.
“If you want to marry him, you can ask him. I won’t stop you.”
“That is a bold assumption, Lady Henrietta, I must say–
“If you’re so curious then I shall tell you. I am going to marry Andreas in a matter of weeks. Days after Yvette gets married to His Highness.” I raised my hand to show the ring. “And he gave this ring to me as our engagement ring a few weeks ago. This may be an arranged marriage but I don’t intend to share my husband with another woman. I don’t think he’s keen on looking at another woman as well.”
Lady Grace stammered, “What are you talking about? I was merely praising Sir Andreas. Is it so wrong for me to compliment him?”
I leaned forward, my eyes narrowing, “Compliments don’t usually involve an invitation for tea. You invited me here because you want to find out about my and Andreas’ relationship. If your intentions are genuine, then fine. But I won’t tolerate any ambiguity or hidden motives. I suggest we put an end to this conversation and move
on.”
“Henny!” Yvette stood, eyes wide. I smiled at her.
“You might need to watch out for Philip too. You once took him. Don’t get too confident someone won’t take him away from you.” The satisfaction I felt when I saw her face pale was too satisfying.
I stood and looked at them one by one. “I’d rather not want to receive invitations with hidden motives. If one of you sends me one, expect they’d be burned to ashes. Furthermore, I was not fooling around when I said you can ask my fiance if you want to marry him. You can ask him. Be warned though,” I smiled. “Rejection is not for the weak.”
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I dipped my head slowly and smiled. “I enjoyed the tea. I hope there won’t be a next time.”
I grabbed my dress and walked out of the manor. A smile curved my mouth as I remembered the look on their faces. Satisfaction coursed through me.
Before, I used to remain quiet and let Yvette do all the talking. They must have thought I was the same Henrietta. They must have thought I have not changed. But over time, I saw the pattern of how they treated me just because I kept quiet most of the time. I recognized the pattern and broke it.
Had I known this is how it feels, I would have done it a long time ago.
As I walked down the stoned pathway, the sound of a horse’s hooves against the pavement echoed. At the same time, I heard Lady Grace and Yvette running after me, calling my name.
But I did not turn. Not because I didn’t want to turn but because my eye was fixated on Andreas who climbed down from his carriage.
He flashed a dashing smile and I heard Lady Grace stop a few meters behind me.
“I came to get you, my lady,” he said, grinning from ear to ear. I was thankful for his timing.
He stuffed his hands inside his pockets and peeked behind me where Lady Grace and Yvette were. Andreas let out another smile and dipped his head slightly. “Pleasant day, my ladies.”
I could already imagine what her reaction would be like as Andreas smiled at him.
A surge of possessiveness hit through me. I know I don’t have the right to possess him as this is merely an arranged marriage but I could not help but feel provoked at what Lady Grace said earlier.
So without saying another word, I walked towards Andreas until I was finally in front of him. He peered at me and grinned.
“Such a lovely mood after a tea party,” he remarked, noticing the crease on my forehead.
‘Kiss me,” I said, throwing away the last bit of embarrassment in my body.
His eyes widened, not quite believing what he just heard. He blinked and let out a small laugh. His eyes went to the ladies behind me, watching carefully. Then understanding crossed his eyes and he smirked.
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“Are you certain about your request, Henrietta?”
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I wanted to hurt him right there and then. “Yes. I give you my permission to kiss me in front of them. Now do it.”
He chuckled and the low sound skittled along my bones. “Impatient as always, my lady.”
A gasp escaped my lips as his arm gracefully snaked around my waist, drawing me closer. Every nerve in my body tingled with awareness, highly aware of the points of contact between us. I felt the gentle pressure of my chest against his firm torso, a sensation that sent a cascade of sensations through me.
As I swallowed hard, my gaze lifted to meet his. His eyes, filled with an intoxicating intensity, fixated on me. They roamed over my features, lingering on my lips and the subtle contours that were not overtly visible from his perspective. The air around us cra ckled with tension and I found myself caught in a moment where time seemed to pause, leaving only the silent dance of unspoken desire between us.
I felt the softness of his lips graze against my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.
“Every time,” he rasped, his voice filled with an intensity that matched the fire in his eyes. “Every time, you make things harder for me.” His breath hovered over mine. “I shall kiss you now, my lady.”
And then everything faded into a blur the moment his lips touched mine. I felt the tingle in my belly as he deepened the kiss, his two arms now coiled around my waist.
I found myself answering his kisses with the same intensity and I found myself getting drunk with every stroke of
his tongue.
When the kiss ended, I wanted to protest that I wanted more, but I stopped myself. However, I could tell Andreas noticed it as he let out a chuckle.
“Just when I thought we’re not going beyond just holding hands.”
I shot him a glare and he tipped his head back and laughed. I still wanted to kiss him but I turned to face the ladies behind us. They were all surprised to see how openly Andreas kissed me. I gave them the sweetest smile!
could muster.
“See you, ladies. I hope you enjoy the rest of your day!
Η
And with that, I turned around and walked towards the waiting carriage.
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Chapter 33