Chater 5
For a while, the Duke of Felterwyn’s household had been plagued by scandal — whispers that they were relying on an illegitimate son’s money to keep the family afloat.
Eventually, the Duchess’s cousin, the Imperial Princess, personally stepped forward and declared that the duke’s second son was indeed the Duchess’s legitimate child, merely in poor health and undergoing treatment. Only then did the rumors finally subside.
“They say the new Winters Hotel also belongs to that second son.”
Chloe leaned forward across the table, lowering her voice as though sharing a secret.
“But really, ‘Winters Hotel’? Who names a place that? Don’t you think it sounds a bit like you? Maybe the owner’s someone related to you?”
“Of course not.”
“Still, it’s not exactly a common word people use.”
She tilted her head curiously.
I smiled lightly and shook my head. It was true that the name had caught my eye once or twice, but there was no conceivable link between me and the Felterwyn family.
“They say he still doesn’t have a fiancée yet. Everyone’s dying to know who he’ll end up marrying.”
I couldn’t help wondering where Chloe heard all these things — but still, I listened.
As I cut into my salmon steak, I met her gleaming dark-brown eyes across the table.
“Rumor has it he’s terribly unattractive,” she continued with relish. “No title, no good looks — that’s why he’s been making money like crazy, just to find someone willing to marry him. Haven’t you heard anything? You go to social gatherings all the time.”
I didn’t want to feed the gossip, so I simply shook my head. Chloe laughed, dipping her vegetables into the butter sauce.
“Whatever the truth is, I’d die happy just to see that mysterious second son’s face once.”
“True. I am curious, too.”
“Then you’ll take me with you to the banquet this time, right?”
“The banquet?”
The fork in my hand froze midair.
Chloe widened her eyes pitifully, blinking at me.
“Come on, Winter! Who knows? Maybe that Felterwyn heir is my fated love. I can’t fall in love without meeting him first, can I?”
She giggled at her own joke.
“Please, just take me with you this once! I can’t go alone, but if I go with you, you can introduce me around. Please, Winter—pretty please!”
For a commoner like Chloe, there were only two ways to attend a royal banquet.
Either by receiving a direct invitation from the palace — which was nearly impossible — or by accompanying a noble acquaintance.
In truth, she had already attended several gatherings under the Wolfheize family’s name. The only condition was that she had to attend as part of our party.
I’d never particularly enjoyed banquets.
And ever since I’d become the “Marchioness of Wolfheize,” they’d felt even more suffocating — occasions of pure etiquette, not enjoyment.
“I really want to find a good man this time, Winter. Please, give me this chance. Maybe if I get married, those creepy fans who leave notes at my door will finally stop.”
Her mention of the stalker again made me waver. I hesitated — then nodded slightly.
Chloe let out an excited squeal.
“Yes! You promise, Winter?”
Her face lit up with pure delight, her big eyes folding into bright crescents. She looked as though she’d already forgotten all about the frightening notes that had been left at her door.
“Then let’s go shopping after lunch! I need a dress and accessories for the banquet. It’s the last one of the season — I have to look stunning!”
“Alright.”
I nodded, not wanting to dampen her excitement.
“It’s been ages since we went to the department store together. If Hayden has time, we can grab coffee, too — the three of us. That’d be fun!”
As her cheerful voice filled the air, I took another bite of the salmon I’d cut earlier. The rich, buttery flesh melted softly in my mouth.
I wasn’t thrilled about attending the banquet, but it felt like a fittingly peaceful way to end an ordinary day.
The final royal banquet of the season was always more crowded than usual.
It was the last chance for the unmarried men and women who hadn’t yet found partners — a glittering marketplace of opportunity.
And because it was the last, even nobles and nouveau riche who rarely attended throughout the year would make an appearance.
Seeing the grand ballroom of the palace overflowing with people made my palms damp with sweat — a nervous habit I’d developed since becoming a marchioness.
“Wow! So many people tonight, right?”
Chloe’s voice sparkled with excitement.
She wore the outfit we’d picked together — a rosy-pink off-shoulder gown made of shimmering fabric, accented with a pearl necklace and earrings from Délapaux.
Bright, vivid colors always suited her perfectly.
Chloe knew exactly what her charms were — and how to wield them.
The flutter of her long lashes, the graceful ballerina-like steps, the soft gestures of her hands — every movement drew the gazes of countless men around the room.
She basked in the attention with a satisfied smile.
I clutched the hem of my own dress for no reason at all.
The ivory gown that reached up to my neck was carefully chosen to reflect the dignity of a marchioness.
It wasn’t my taste — nor was it particularly fashionable — but it was designed under the supervision of my mother-in-law, Melinda, with Hayden’s approval.
Next to Chloe’s flamboyant attire, mine looked rather plain.
But wearing a dress like hers wasn’t an option. I was supposed to be the proper wife of a marquess.
‘Still, it’s a good thing I didn’t wear my pearl earrings today.’
Ever since seeing Chloe wear a similar pair last time, I’d stopped wearing mine. Some vague feeling of guilt had kept me from it.
I touched the ruby earrings I’d chosen instead.
“You haven’t changed at all, Chloe. Still love being in crowded places, huh?”
Hayden said with a warm smile as he gently wrapped an arm around my shoulders.
Chloe pouted at his teasing, shrugging playfully.
“I can’t help it if I enjoy it.”
“Good thing you became an actress. Otherwise, I don’t know what you’d have done.”
“Stop nagging! I’m here to have fun tonight.”
She turned away and took a glass from a passing waiter, handing one each to me and Hayden before downing hers in a single gulp.
“Chloe, don’t overdo it.”
“I want to get drunk, so don’t worry.”
“What are you planning to do if you do?”
“I’ll be fine! You and Hayden are here, aren’t you? I’m not wasting this chance — it’s the palace, after all! I’m going to enjoy this last night of the season.”
Her eyes sparkled as she scanned the hall, meeting the occasional gaze of a young man — each one flushing and quickly looking away.
Hayden chuckled softly beside me.
“It’s been a while since the three of us were together like this.”
“It really has,” I said. “Back in the academy, we were inseparable.”
“Thanks to the two of you graciously letting a lowly man tag along.”
“True. After we got married, we didn’t get to meet all three of us much.”
Chloe pursed her lips and looked between us.
“I still can’t believe it sometimes.”
Her tone carried a touch of complaint. I thought she must be feeling a little awkward about how our relationships had changed.
“Anyway, enough reminiscing,” she said, clapping her hands. “Go on, you two — dance! I’ll find some handsome gentleman to dance with while you’re gone.”
“A handsome man? You really think you’ll find one?”
Hayden laughed teasingly.
“With your impossibly high standards, I doubt it.”
Watching the two of them banter made my chest ache faintly.
‘So much has changed since then.’
They still treated each other the same way they always had — but for some reason, it made me uncomfortable.
‘Was Hayden always this playful?’
He had always been kind and gentle, but now I saw a mischievous side I’d never noticed before.
Maybe it was me who’d changed, not them.
Chloe and Hayden still interacted like old friends, but I treated Hayden as my husband — with the formality expected of a marchioness.
Even the way I spoke to him had changed.
Following my mother-in-law’s strict guidance, I’d begun using honorifics with him after the wedding — to “set a proper example.”
“Please. Are you saying there’s no man here handsome enough to ask me to dance?”
“Impressive confidence.”
“Of course! But fine, if no one meets my standards by the time you’re back, I’ll even consider giving you a chance.”
“If Winter allows it, I’d be honored.”
“Ugh, you two lovebirds,” Chloe said, laughing and playfully tapping my shoulder. “You’re ridiculous.”
(To be continued…)
