“Though I wonder-are you deliberately understating your appearance to avoid the spotlight?”
“Or perhaps saving your best for someone special?” A telling flush colored Corrine’s cheeks.
“What ridiculous suggestions you make.”
The implication of saving her best for someone special struck uncomfortably close to home
Karina’s eyes danced with understanding.
“Others might not see through you, but I certainly do. For someone as naturally reserved as yourself to display affection publicly-you must have found someone truly remarkable.”
“It was merely a chance encounter,” Corrine deflected, her tone deliberately light.
Yet privately, she acknowledged how swiftly and unexpectedly her relationship with Nate had evolved. She had chosen to yield to this forceful man’s persistence.
“That explanation might satisfy others, but not me!” Karina declared with conviction. She clasped Corrine’s hand, her voice softening with genuine concern.
“I’m glad you’re allowing yourself to meet new people. I just can’t help wondering who managed to capture your heart so soon after you broke up with that worthless Bruce.”
Bruce had spotted Corrine from across the room. After a moment’s hesitation, he approached their location, only to overhear Karina’s unflattering assessment of his character.
Following an awkward pause, he cleared his throat.
“Corrine.”
Karina turned to face him, her expression showing not a hint of embarrassment.
“Oh my, did you happen to hear me criticizing you?”
Before Bruce could formulate a response, she pressed on breezily, “Well, if you heard it, so be it. I prefer honest speech.”
Bruce’s expression darkened perceptibly, though he remained silent. With countless eyes upon them, engaging in an argument with a woman would only damage his carefully cultivated image.
“Corrine.” He addressed Corrine directly, pointedly ignoring Karina.
“I need to speak with you privately.”
Corrine’s features settled into an expressionless mask as she delivered her response with glacial precision.
“I have neither the time nor the inclination to entertain this conversation.”
As she pivoted to depart, Bruce’s fingers closed around her wrist with desperate urgency.
“Corrine, I understand our separation wounded you deeply. I’ve promised to make amends; why won’t you grant me that opportunity?”
“You expect forgiveness to flow freely after a simple apology, as though nothing transpired?” Corrine raised her gaze, her eyes piercing Bruce’s facade like winter frost. Her crimson lips curved into an expression of calculated derision.
“I’ve made myself clear-reconciliation between us remains an impossibility.”
Bruce’s grip tightened involuntarily, his voice acquiring an edge of frost.
“So you’ve resolved to regard me as nothing more than a stranger?”
“What alternative did you envision?” A current of bitter mockery threaded through Corrine’s words.
“Did you expect me to spiral into the depths of unrequited love, consumed by jealousy, only to unleash my accumulated bitterness upon Leah?”
Bruce’s features constricted at her pointed reference.
“Direct any grievances toward me. Leah remains blameless in this matter.”
Finding dark amusement in his declaration, Corrine wrenched her wrist free before turning away with decisive finality
Bruce observed her retreating form as she glided into the inner sanctum, his brow furrowing in confusion.
This newfound intimacy between Corrine and the Seymour family perplexed him. How had she secured such privileged access to the inner banquet area? While the Seymour family’s wedding celebrations welcomed Lyhaton’s elite en masse, a strategically placed screen delineated clear social boundaries. The outer chamber served for general socializing, while the inner sanctum hosted the exclusive banquet.
Those permitted beyond that threshold undeniably belonged to society’s uppermost echelon.
The attendant who had witnessed the confrontation addressed Corrine with measured politeness.
“Miss Holland, shall we arrange for Mr. Ashton’s departure?”
The diplomatic phrasing barely masked the implicit threat of forceful removal. Corrine regarded the attendant with careful consideration, her crimson lips curling into a faint smile.
Forming a smile both courteous and distant, Corrine replied, “Thank you.” Upon hearing her response, Karina released a subtle sigh of relief.
“What prompts that sigh?” Corrine inquired, genuine puzzlement coloring her tone.
“I feared your resolve might waver,” Karina admitted.
A soft laugh escaped Corrine’s lips.
“He hardly merits such consideration.”
As they traversed the inner dining area, Jules approached, his gaze sweeping critically over Corrine’s attire.
“What inspired this understated choice of dress?” While other women had adorned themselves in ostentatious finery, competing for attention, Corrine had opted for an elegant white suit that spoke of refined restraint.
Corrine arched an eyebrow in response.
“Does my choice not meet with approval?”
She maintained that another’s wedding celebration demanded tasteful discretion rather than attempting to eclipse the bride’s moment.
“Grandfather requests your presence,” Jules announced, indicating the direction with a slight tilt of his head.
Corrine transferred her glass to Jules’ care before proceeding with graceful poise toward Carl’s location.
Carl beckoned her forward with evident warmth.
“Corrine, come introduce yourself to Mr. Seymour.”
“Good evening, Mr. Seymour.” Corrine offered the greeting with appropriate deference.
Quentin’s response came wrapped in genuine warmth, his appraising gaze taking in her appearance.
“Corrine, you grow more captivating by the day. I wonder what fortunate young man will eventually win your affections.”
Such speculation about her romantic future left Corrine, still navigating her own path, with little recourse but to respond with a diplomatic smile.
Carl leaned forward, his protective nature evident in every word.
“She’s my only granddaughter, and I must choose carefully. Her future isn’t something to be decided lightly.”
“Indeed,” Quentin acknowledged, stroking his chin thoughtfully
“Though with Corrine’s prestigious background, our search in Lyhaton may prove more complex than anticipated.”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.