Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 37

“Luce…?” Veronica stammered, utterly bewildered as her son offered a respectful bow and left the room without another word.

She sat there in stunned silence for a long time before burying her face in her hands. “That boy! Of all things, he had to inherit his father’s stubbornness!”

Lucius, after leaving the sitting room, headed straight to his own quarters. When a maid approached him to ask if he would like dinner, he curtly replied that he wasn’t hungry and instructed her to make sure no one disturbed him.

Inside his room, he tossed aside his jacket and lay down on his bed. Staring up at the ceiling with unfocused eyes, he placed a hand over his forehead and closed his eyes.

The events of the previous night replayed in his mind. After the opera, he had gone to find Brianna.

It hadn’t been difficult to learn where she lived. A quick inquiry with the theater staff who had spoken with her earlier had provided him with her address.

As he walked toward her home, Lucius tried to understand why he had made such a grave mistake. Even though the situation had seemed suspicious, it was unlike him to jump to such conclusions. Normally, he wouldn’t have cared who was meeting with whom or where.

But this was different—because it was Brianna.

The conclusion was painfully clear: it was nothing more than petty jealousy.

The moment he saw another man by her side, anger had flared up within him. When they had laughed together, he had wanted to punch the man and drag Brianna away from him.

How could he possibly stand as a witness at a wedding with such feelings? He realized now that he wouldn’t be able to fulfill Florian’s request. Seeing her by Florian’s side would undoubtedly stir the same emotions he had experienced yesterday.

As he dwelled on these thoughts, he suddenly spotted a familiar figure walking down a dimly lit alleyway.

It was Brianna.

She walked with her shoulders slumped, her gaze fixed on the ground. Seeing her like that, Lucius’s mind veered off in a different direction.

Does she walk through these dark, deserted streets alone every day? What if some unsavory character decided to follow her? She doesn’t even seem aware of her surroundings…

Lucius trailed behind her at a distance. As expected, she didn’t notice that someone was following her.

He wanted to stop her right then and there, scold her for not paying attention while walking, but he knew better.

If I did that, she’d probably think I’m crazy. After what I said earlier, how absurd would it be for me to suddenly worry about her safety now? Even if she slapped me, I couldn’t blame her.

As he massaged his throbbing temples, Lucius noticed the tiny footprints she left behind in the snow. He was struck by how small her steps were. Has she always had such small feet? he wondered, thinking of how she stood firmly on the ground, persevering through life despite losing her parents and the one person she had relied on.

At an age when others would still be coddled by their parents…

He lifted his gaze to watch her retreating figure, still moving slowly as if lost in thought.

What are you thinking about right now? Do you ever think of me? If I were to stop you now and confess that I’m drawn to you, what would you say?

Finally, he understood why Florian had been so afraid to confess his feelings.

“Brianna.”

The familiar voice broke the silence.

Up ahead, Florian was standing and smiling at her. Lucius quickly ducked behind a nearby building, out of sight.

Moments later, Brianna ran into Florian’s arms, and he let out a joyful laugh. It was the moment Florian’s long-held wish had come true.

And for Lucius, it was the moment he realized that it was time to truly let her go.

***

Brianna sat nervously in the drawing room, perched on the edge of her chair. Across from her, the Countess was carefully reviewing the contents of the recommendation letter. After meticulously checking the signatures, she looked up at Brianna.

“The previous tutor had nothing but praise for you, Miss Brianna. History, foreign languages, literature—you seem to excel in all of them.”

Brianna smiled and bowed her head modestly. “You’re too kind.”

After her work at the opera house ended, Brianna resumed her search for a governess position. Not long after, she was interviewed by a noble family seeking a tutor for their young son.

The Kirchner family. Known for their long history and tradition, the estate lived up to its reputation, with vast lands and numerous servants. Though not as grand as the Carlisle estate, it was clear the family wielded significant influence.

She had passed all the previous tests, and now the final hurdle was the Countess’s personal interview. Brianna desperately hoped to be selected. It was important, not only for securing her position but also for upholding the reputation of the Drevis family, who had graciously provided her with a recommendation.

The Countess, after checking the time, spoke up. “We don’t have much time; an important guest will be arriving shortly. I’ll ask just a few necessary questions.”

“Of course, please go ahead.”

“You only have a recommendation from the Drevis family, which makes me wonder—do you have no other work experience?”

The first question was the one Brianna had hoped to avoid.

It would be easier to simply say she had no other experience. That way, she wouldn’t have to explain why she hadn’t received a recommendation from the Countess Linares.

“…No, that’s not the case. Until recently, I served the Dowager Countess at the Linares estate for many years.”

But that would have been a lie, and Brianna didn’t want to deceive the Countess.

“The Dowager Countess of House Linares from Harzen, who passed away recently?”

“Yes.”

“Then why didn’t you bring a recommendation from them? Even though the Dowager Countess has passed, you could have obtained one from the Countess.”

Brianna tightened her fingers, which rested demurely in her lap.

“I did not receive a recommendation when I left the Linares estate.”

The Countess’s gaze immediately changed. The warmth from earlier had vanished, replaced by a cold, critical stare.

“…Now that I think about it, this recommendation is rather unusual. The Drevis family is known for their business ventures in Basel. If you’ve been living here, how did you obtain their recommendation? It would only make sense if you had lived abroad.”

Brianna knew then that her chances were gone.

“I didn’t work directly for the Drevis family. I met Mr. and Mrs. Drevis during their recent visit to Schwerin, and they were kind enough to give me a recommendation based on our interactions.”

“…There’s nothing more to discuss.”

The Countess dropped the recommendation letter onto the table with a sharp thud.

“I won’t hire someone with an unclear background to be my son’s tutor. You may leave now.”

With that, she turned away, and Brianna stood up.

“I understand. Thank you for your time.”

She bowed politely and left the drawing room.

As soon as she closed the door behind her, Brianna let out a long, shaky breath, clenching her fists to steady herself.

It’s okay, Brianna. There will be other opportunities.

She headed toward the front door, but before she could reach it, a servant rushed in from outside, calling out.

“Madam, Lady Adelheid! The second son of the Carlisle family is on his way here!”

The Carlisle family?

Brianna froze for a moment, but then she heard the sound of light footsteps descending the stairs. A young girl with golden hair came running down, her excitement evident.

“Mother! Come quickly! Lord Lucius is here!”

It was the same face she had seen at the opera house, the girl who had been so happy in Lucius’s company—Lady Adelheid.

No way…

Brianna clamped a hand over her mouth.

So her name is Adelheid Kirchner?

By now, the Countess had opened the door and joined her daughter in the foyer. She lightly scolded her for her enthusiasm.

“Adelheid, I’ve told you that a lady shouldn’t be so excitable.”

“But it’s the first time Lord Lucius has formally visited our home! I’m so thrilled!”