If You're Going to Sell Yourself, Sell It to Me - Chapter 56

H-how…

Georgiana’s face turned pale.

Willow, the seed of her misfortune, had a way of sprouting anywhere, feeding off the fear and anxiety of others. From the moment she heard his name yesterday, she had a feeling that trouble was on its way—though she hadn’t expected it to come this soon.

Even though she called her by her real name, the situation was still uncertain, so she decided to deny everything for now.

“What are you talking about, Lady Isabella?”

“What, does it feel strange to hear your original name after so long?”

Isabella’s smile was wicked, belying her youthful appearance.

“If you don’t want to cause trouble for Mr. Limberton, come quietly with me.”

“Why should I?”

If she showed any signs of wavering, it would be like admitting that Isabella was right. Georgiana fought to keep her composure.

“Because things could get messy if this gets out.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about. I’ll be going back to my cabin now.”

Despite her trembling legs, Georgiana held her head high and tried to walk past Isabella.

“Where do you think you’re going? Did you really think I’d come after you without any proof?”

Isabella jerked her chin toward a corner of the hallway. The man from yesterday was standing there, looking uneasy and avoiding her gaze. Georgiana had feared this outcome, but seeing him here confirmed her worst suspicions.

She had no idea how Isabella knew him or why she was being so hostile.

Georgiana regretted not telling Lockwood about this sooner.

“Should I bring him before everyone, or will you come with me quietly?”

“I don’t know that man.”

“If that’s a lie, it will only get worse for you when it’s revealed. He also claims there are others on this ship who know you and your brother. Should I make a grand search?”

In the end, Georgiana had no choice but to follow Isabella.

For the first time, Georgiana entered Isabella’s cabin, her eyes widening in surprise.

The first-class cabin was three times the size of hers, with a sitting room, reception area, two bedrooms, a study, and even a room for maids. Everything—furniture and decorations—was luxurious to the point where it was hard to believe they were aboard a ship.

The extent of Isabella’s wealth was more apparent than ever.

Lockwood’s indifference to someone of such influence seemed almost miraculous. Though she trusted him, she feared that someday he might not be able to resist.

Two maids who had been tidying the cabin hurried out at Isabella’s signal, the door closing softly behind them. Isabella approached Georgiana, her head held high.

“A commoner from Humblelum pretending to be a noble?”

Hands on her hips, Isabella spoke to her as if she were a mere servant.

“I wasn’t pretending. I used to be a noble, and selling the title didn’t change my origins.”

“Once a king loses his throne, he’s no longer a king. You know impersonating a noble is a crime, don’t you? Consider yourself lucky I haven’t reported you to the authorities.” Isabella smirked.

“What do you want? I assume there’s a reason you haven’t exposed me publicly,” Georgiana asked, and Isabella took a small note from her handbag, handing it over.

“Tomorrow evening at six, come to the location written here. Tell no one. If you inform anyone, I’ll drag that man to the middle of the party hall.”

It was just before the start of the onboard party.

“I refuse. I have no reason to do this. Tell whomever you want.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

Who knew what might happen if she went where Isabella instructed—especially knowing that Isabella had arranged for her kidnapping. Whatever she had planned would undoubtedly be dangerous.

And Georgiana knew too well that these kinds of threats wouldn’t end after just one incident—Willow had done the same.

The next threat would likely be even worse.

There was just one day left before they would disembark. It seemed wiser to tell Lockwood and find a way to resolve this together rather than put herself at risk.

Isabella grabbed her as she turned to leave.

“No wonder you’re so oblivious and shameless. What noble would do business with Mr. Limberton if they found out his wife was not only a commoner but from the notorious Humblelum? Business deals should match in status. Nobles despise commoners who don’t know their place.”

“……”

Georgiana wasn’t ignorant of these facts. She had spent enough time among noble families to understand their rules better than anyone. They would never share what they had with commoners.

But what did that have to do with her?

Having spent her time hiding and fearing exposure, Georgiana’s anger began to rise as Isabella tried to use Lockwood against her.

Even the smallest creatures would fight back if pushed. Especially when faced with such senseless harassment.

She wanted to ask Isabella what business it was of hers, why she was doing this. She wanted to grab her by the collar and shake her. Though violence repulsed her—Willow’s violence had scarred her deeply—at this moment, she wished someone would punish the woman before her.

The key point was that she had had no say in Lockwood’s decision to introduce her as Juliana. If she wanted to distance herself from the situation, she could easily claim that it had all been Lockwood’s doing.

After all, once they disembarked in a couple of days, the future was uncertain. Though they had planned to talk once they reached their destination, things could change at any time.

She wasn’t in a position to care about what anyone thought.

Of course—this would only be possible if she didn’t care about Lockwood.

But she did.

Suppressing her growing anger, Georgiana clenched her fists.

As much as it pained her, Isabella wasn’t wrong. The rumors wouldn’t stay confined to the ship—they could easily spread throughout the New World.

And if the truth about their fake marriage came to light, Lockwood’s reputation would be ruined.

Georgiana couldn’t allow that to happen.

In the end, she reached out and took the note.

Isabella’s eyes glinted with triumph as she watched Georgiana accept it.

Georgiana’s heart felt as heavy as lead as she walked back to her cabin, her steps slower than usual.

***

She spent the entire night tossing and turning, unable to sleep.

Should I just tell him?

Her indecision lasted until morning. Locke, perceptive as ever, asked several times what was wrong as he noticed her troubled expression, but Georgiana denied that anything was amiss.

By morning, the note had been crumpled and smoothed so many times that it looked like an old manuscript. Part of her wished the writing would fade away so she wouldn’t have to worry about it anymore.

Though she had no appetite, she forced herself to eat, not wanting to make Locke more suspicious. The food felt like a lump stuck in her throat, but she tried to act as usual.

Their conversation after breakfast only heightened her inner turmoil.

Lockwood put down his half-empty cup of bitter coffee and spoke cautiously, “Georgiana, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

He had never asked her for anything before, so his request made her tilt her head in curiosity.

“Please don’t ask why, but I need you to leave the ship with Henry before the party tonight.”

“What? But we aren’t supposed to arrive until tomorrow.”

“Something has come up, and I need you to disembark a day early. I’ll follow you as soon as my business here is done. I’ll explain everything later.”

His serious expression told her he wasn’t joking.

“You really want me to leave the ship first?”

“Yes.”

“What time?”

“Right after sunset.”

The time he mentioned coincided with the time on Isabella’s note.

Since she couldn’t tell him about the note, she nodded for now.

Why were two people, for seemingly different reasons, trying to get her off the ship at the same time?

She had to choose one of them, but neither option felt right.

Georgiana’s face darkened further.

Regardless of which choice she made, one thing was certain: she wouldn’t be attending the party. She went to find Sarah to say her goodbyes, as it seemed likely they wouldn’t be able to meet the next day.

It wouldn’t be a permanent farewell, as they had promised to keep in touch through the Mayfield office in the Northwest. Still, Georgiana wanted to give Sarah a proper goodbye, just in case.

She returned to her cabin, feeling that tonight would be unusually long.