97 - Evil Husband (15th Anniversary Edition) Chapter 97
97
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Aileen scribbled on the paper as if doodling. It wasn't so much to record something, but more like fragmentarily releasing the complex thoughts tangled in her head. The sharp nib of the pen scratched the paper, and black ink etched letters.
[Nightmare? Death. Continuity…….]
Aileen, who had been writing down whatever came to mind, took a long breath. Judging from what had happened so far, Cesare seemed to be having nightmares about her death. Not only that, but there was also the possibility that Cesare had killed Aileen in the nightmare.
'Not a one-off, but a continuous nightmare.'
Perhaps due to the continuous nightmares, Cesare seemed to have strange memories. However, even assuming continuous nightmares, it didn't make sense that he had read her diary. There were many other questions as well.
'But does it make sense to have dreams continuously? Maybe he had a very long nightmare… But is it even possible for Cesare to be so shaken by just one nightmare, given his nature?'
It was Cesare, of all people. He hated unscientific things and didn't reveal his personal feelings well, so it didn't make sense that he was doing such strange things because of a nightmare.
She tried to reason as logically as possible, but as soon as her thoughts moved forward, she was immediately blocked. Aileen put down the fountain pen and sighed again.
'What does Cesare want?'
It was clear that he was hiding something. But Cesare didn't try to conceal his secrets. Rather, he seemed to want Aileen to dig into the secrets. He was leading Aileen, like scattering breadcrumbs to lure her into the deep forest.
In fairy tales, the children who followed the breadcrumbs were eaten by the witch. What would happen to her in reality? Even though she knew that he wouldn't harm her without a reason, her heart couldn't help but feel uneasy as she headed towards the center of the maze.
What if the truth at the center was something she didn't want at all…?
Terrible assumptions kept popping up. But until the truth was revealed, they were all just futile delusions.
Aileen eventually stopped speculating. She wanted to delve into it a little more persistently, but there was something important to do.
Aileen pretended to clench her fist alone. Today was finally the day to hold the Tea Party she had been diligently preparing for.
The Archduchess of Erzeht's first Tea Party was currently the most watched event in society. Aileen had invited only a small number of people, which was even more so because Ornella was included.
Gossip-loving tabloids were already talking about Aileen's Tea Party.
[What is the most noteworthy aspect of the Archduchess of Erzeht's outstanding beauty? It is the eyes where the elegant gold of the Winged Lion, the symbol of Traon, and the fresh green of the laurel leaves coexist.
The gold-green eyes, like a symbol of victory, are so ethereal that they captivate all who meet her gaze. One cannot help but anticipate the repercussions her beauty will have on society.
Whether a new lily will bloom in Traon and seize the crown of society, the moment of the first judgment is this Tea Party.
The magazine awaits the war of flowers that will take place at the Tea Party…….]
They were praising Aileen a lot, but in the end, it was about expecting Ornella and Aileen to have a fight. Some tabloids were openly disparaging Ornella.
It seemed that Ornella had many enemies as she had been the queen of society for a long time. Of course, Aileen didn't want to wear the crown.
Only to the extent that the position of Grand Duchess was not flawed.
This was Aileen's goal. She had no confidence even if someone put a crown on her head. The reason why she invited only a small number of people to this Tea Party was because she had no confidence. It was the first social gathering she had ever hosted. It was greedy to hold a large-scale Tea Party for her first experience.
So, with Sonio's help, she selected the attendees and invited only a few, and she had been diligently rehearsing until just yesterday.
'Still, I'm nervous…….'
It was when Aileen was fidgeting alone in her heart. A polite knock echoed in the Grand Duchess's office.
"Madam."
Sonio, who entered the office with Aileen's permission, had a stiff face. Sonio always had a kind smile in front of Aileen. It was rare for him to have such a stiff face, so Aileen looked at him with surprised eyes.
"Parbellini Duchess Young Lady has arrived."
"Yes? Already?"
She never expected her to come early, even if she was late for the Tea Party. It was an early visit enough to be considered rude. Sonio was clearly angry at Ornella's wayward behavior.
"She asked to see you, Madam, but you can refuse. There's no problem at all."
He seemed to want to kick Ornella out right away. But Aileen didn't want to appear to be avoiding her. She was also curious as to why Ornella had come to see her so early.
Ornella was well versed in the ways of society. She hadn't experienced her much, but if her purpose was simple harassment, she wouldn't do anything that would be criticized like this. She would subtly maneuver at the Tea Party and drive Aileen into a corner.
"I'll meet her. It seems she has something to say to me."
Sonio expressed concern about Aileen's decision, but in the end, he couldn't stop her and prepared to welcome the early guest. Aileen went down to the drawing room after a while to tidy up her clothes.
Ornella was sitting in the drawing room, where the sunlight was pouring in, in a noble posture. She hadn't touched the tea and refreshments in front of her.
As soon as she saw her, the first thing she thought was that she was beautiful. Ornella, with her platinum blonde hair draped elegantly, was undoubtedly a perfect blue-blooded aristocrat.
Her pride and confidence could be felt from her straight back. Ornella had so many things that Aileen didn't have.
'The lily of Traon…….'
Recalling her nickname, Aileen approached slowly. Ornella stood up from her seat and smiled brightly.
"Thank you for readily accepting me even though I came to see you so suddenly…… Aileen."
She gestured to Sonio, who was behind Aileen, and naturally requested.
"Can we talk quietly alone?"
Then Sonio looked like he wanted to call Cesare right away. Aileen gave him a look that it was okay.
As Ornella and she were left alone in the drawing room, silence flowed as if it were natural. Even though she had come first, Ornella didn't open her mouth. She crossed her arms over her chest, crossed her legs, and stared at Aileen.
Aileen swallowed hard due to nervousness, but she didn't avoid her gaze and looked back at her. Ornella blinked slowly and moved her plump lips.
"How is it? Are you enjoying being the Grand Duchess?"
Aileen didn't understand her question for a moment. While she hesitated because she didn't know what to answer, Ornella twisted her lips and smiled as she continued to speak.
"It seems like you're enjoying it very much in my eyes. So much so that His Grace the Grand Duke led soldiers to the Parbellini Duke's residence in the middle of the night."
She leaned back on the back of the armchair and said in a voice like a bird chirping.
"I wish His Grace had scolded me, but it's a pity that he couldn't."
Aileen couldn't understand anything Ornella was saying. Aileen dazedly repeated her words.
'Cesare went to the Duke's residence? Leading soldiers?'
Her head was dizzy at the story she heard for the first time. Ornella seemed convinced that it was something that happened at Aileen's request. She was just looking at Aileen's flustered reaction with a hateful look.
"I don't know what you're talking about……."
"Aileen."
Ornella cut off Aileen's words. She glared at Aileen with her blue eyes and said.
"I hate you."
At the absurd remark, Aileen retorted without realizing it.
"I, I hate you too."
