Chapter 17….
The Real Beginning
“Aileen!”
“Ethan, oppa.”
At the familiar voice, Aileen immediately turned around. She had been sitting quietly until now, but when she jumped to her feet, Jane bustled about nervously.
“I got a little lost on the way, so I’m late.”
“It’s okay. Where are Mom and Dad?”
Holding Ethan’s arm, Aileen glanced around. She wanted to see her parents just as much as she had wanted to see her brother. And almost as if answering her wish, Count and Countess Claudia entered the room. The moment Aileen saw their faces, tears welled up from the surge of emotion.
She approached her parents first. Enveloped in the Countess’s arms, the familiar scent made Aileen feel like she might cry. The Countess gently smoothed down Aileen’s veil.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t be there to take care of you.”
“I was the one who left to get married. What’s there to apologize for? You should scold me for getting married so suddenly.”
Aileen’s voice held a hint of playful complaint. No matter how busy they’d been and how little time they’d had to care for their children, her parents were always her parents. They had always showered them with love, patting their heads and telling them how much they cared. The reason Ethan and Aileen grew up safe and sound was largely because of them.
“You didn’t do this on purpose,” Count Claudia said, resting a hand on her shoulder.
“I spoke with His Grace. He told me he was sorry for how suddenly this marriage came about.”
“…His Grace did?”
The moment she heard the word His Grace, the turbulent emotions inside her settled like they had been a lie. At least she wouldn’t have to worry about her makeup running from tears.
“Yes. It was the first thing he said when we met that day.”
Aileen recalled the day her parents came to the Grand Duke’s residence for dinner. She hadn’t known that after the meal, he had spoken with them privately.
She had thought he always believed the world revolved around him, and that when he decided something, everyone else simply had to follow. It was unexpected.
“He also said he’d make sure you wouldn’t lack anything, so I decided to trust him.”
“Father…”
Aileen covered the Count’s hand on her shoulder with her own.
That Grand Duke is going to war, he won’t be able to care for me at all, she wanted to say, but she swallowed the words, closing her eyes to savor the warmth of his hand.
“It’s time to go now,” Jane whispered, having checked the situation outside. Aileen reluctantly pulled away, casting one last glance at her mother.
“Go on, dear,” the Countess said as she lowered the veil over Aileen’s face. Through the hazy veil, Aileen could make out her mother’s gentle smile, and she pressed her lips tightly together. Even though after today she would become the Grand Duchess, her mother’s expression seemed to say she was always welcome home. Aileen’s throat tightened, and she could only nod silently in response.
As Aileen walked toward the ceremonial hall, she turned around again. Her parents and Ethan were standing right where she’d left them. They should have gone inside already, but seeing them still there made her slow her steps. She was marrying to protect her family, yet it hurt to leave them behind. If only I could spend a little more time with them. If only I could go back just a bit further…
“At this rate, the ceremony will be over before you even get there.”
A voice at her side made her turn her head. At some point, Lloyd had appeared, matching his pace to hers.
“I’ll hurry,” Aileen said, picking up her pace. But the weight of her gown made it difficult. Seeing her unsteady steps, Lloyd clicked his tongue.
“It’ll be quite a show if you trip.”
“I just have to walk carefully.”
Aileen thought he truly had no consideration for anyone’s feelings. But then Lloyd shifted his body slightly and extended his hand toward her.
“Take it.”
She glanced down at his hand at the curt order. Even through the veil, she could see his gloved hand clearly.
“Don’t regret it after you fall,” he added.
Aileen looked around. At some point, countless people had turned their attention toward the bride and groom. Only then did she realize why Lloyd had offered his hand.
If I fall, he’ll be embarrassed too.
She obediently placed her hand in his, and his fingers slid between hers, interlocking tightly. She hadn’t expected him to lace their fingers together, so it startled her.
“Once we step inside, there’s no going back,” Lloyd murmured softly so that only she could hear. She glanced at his side profile. His face exuded the aura of a ruler, full of confidence.
He had always been like that. Whatever he said, he carried out. He acted as though there was nothing he couldn’t do, and everything in the world bent to his will.
Maybe that’s why — his words didn’t sound like an offer to run away if she didn’t want this. They sounded more like: It’ll be easier if you just follow.
As if there was no chance for her to choose otherwise because he had already decided.
“You’re completely caught now,” he said lazily, his voice laced with a subtle warning.
Was that really necessary? Aileen thought irritably. She was already in turmoil, and his words only sparked her stubbornness. He might think he was the one who chose her, but the truth was different.
The one who had changed his bride was Aileen herself. She had stopped the marriage to her brother and accepted Lloyd’s proposal of her own will. She had even secured her freedom a year later on her own terms. Even if Lloyd hadn’t said those words, she wouldn’t have chosen differently.
The moment she saw her family and felt herself waver, her resolve hardened.
“I’ve already prepared myself for that,” she replied firmly.
She had chosen this path. So she would bear the responsibility herself.
Lloyd’s lips curved in amusement at her determined answer.
“Reliable,” he said.
“Thank you.”
“Eyes forward.”
Having confirmed her resolve, Lloyd pointed ahead.
The doors to the ceremonial hall opened before them. Beyond, packed with guests, lay the wedding aisle. Aileen, arm in arm with Lloyd, began to walk slowly down the aisle.
This is where it really begins, she thought, her eyes gleaming with determination.
“Do you swear to remain by each other’s side for all eternity?”
Standing before the officiant reading the declaration of marriage, Aileen’s mind wandered. The veil covered her face, but it didn’t block out the murmuring of the guests. Still, all her focus was fixed on her hand, clasped tightly in Lloyd’s.
He had held her hand from before they entered the hall and hadn’t let go once. Even through the gloves, she could feel his warmth because of how long he held it. As the officiant droned on, she could think of nothing but his hand.
“Please face each other. We will now proceed with the exchange of rings.”
At the officiant’s words, Aileen finally released Lloyd’s hand. So we’re finally letting go, she thought, turning to face him. Since he was to place the ring on her finger first, she extended her hand.
Lloyd looked down at her hand, then slowly reached out. His pace was so deliberately slow that she glanced up at him in confusion — and in that moment, his hand shifted direction and lifted her veil.
“Now I can see you clearly,” he said with satisfaction at her surprised expression.
“I’ve been curious about your expression this whole time,” he added in a whisper so quiet that even the officiant couldn’t hear. Are you filled with regret? Or with expectation?
“I’m not exactly thrilled… but it’s not bad,” Lloyd said casually, grinning at her shocked face.
“……”
Now she could see his face perfectly too. Come to think of it, she hadn’t properly looked at him all day.
Of course, as the groom, he’d been the busiest person in the hall. People were constantly approaching him, and he had endless matters to handle.
Even so… This is the first real look I’ve had at him today.
That was why she was momentarily dazed — not because she was captivated, but because she hadn’t had the chance to brace herself. His slicked-back hair revealed his smooth forehead and perfectly balanced eyebrows. His long, graceful eyes framed his jet-black pupils that sparkled brilliantly. His high, elegant nose and firmly set lips gave his features a striking harmony.
Aileen lowered her gaze as she felt the cool metal of the ring slide onto her finger. If not for the ring, she might have kept staring at him.
She steadied her breathing, then slipped the ring onto his finger in return. She had always acknowledged Lloyd Rihast Grand Duke’s extraordinary looks. But today, she added one more thing to that list — his hands were surprisingly warm.
