FWTR Chapter 47

Chapter 47: Soon-to-be Married

Estelle was currently sitting atop Michael’s waist, her chemise slightly exposed.

Of all things, the linen fabric only added to the suggestive atmosphere.

It was a situation ripe for misunderstanding, with no room for excuses.
Not that an excuse would change the fact that they had been kissing…

Regardless, she had to find a way to smooth things over.

“Estelle? Is something wrong? Are you in trouble?”

“Liliana, just a moment. I’m fine. Please wait outside for a little bit.”

Hearing Liliana’s worried voice, Estelle hurriedly responded, buying herself some time.

‘I can’t leave her waiting outside forever. First, I need to put my dress back on… Should I just say Michael happened to wander in by accident?’

It was a ridiculous excuse, but better than saying nothing at all.
Liliana wasn’t the type to spread rumors, so maybe she would let it slide.

Meanwhile, Michael casually reached over and smoothed out Estelle’s tousled hair.

“Your Highness, this is not the time for that.”

Breaking away from him, Estelle hastily slipped her dress back on. Her hands trembled in her rush.

“We’re going to be married soon anyway. Does it really matter?”

“Your Highness. Regardless of our relationship, this is the Marquis of Aslan’s estate.
The issue isn’t what we were doing—it’s that we were doing it in someone else’s home.”

Michael, who had been whispering languidly, tapped her lips lightly with his long, pale fingers.

“Your lips.”

It was as if he was telling her to stop biting them and calm down.

With a faint smirk, Michael helped tie the ribbons on her dress.

Then, without a hint of hesitation, he stood up and walked toward the exit on the left.

‘Oh… There was another way out?’

Only then did Estelle realize why Michael had remained so composed the entire time.

He had never been worried in the first place—he had just been toying with her.

She felt foolish for getting so anxious.

‘He could’ve just told me he was going to leave that way.’

Michael wasn’t exactly cruel, but he wasn’t all that kind either.

Swallowing her complaints, Estelle opened the door and let Liliana in.

“Estelle, what were you doing that you needed me to wait outside?”

“Uh… I dozed off for a bit and had to tidy myself up. Sorry for making you wait.”

“You fell asleep? But I heard voices… You weren’t with someone, were you?”

Liliana eyed her suspiciously, pressing for answers.

“You must have misheard. I was really alone.”

“Hm… Maybe I did imagine it. Oh, but that’s not important right now. Take off your dress—I’ll treat your injury.”

If she undressed now, Liliana would see the bandages Michael had wrapped.

‘I should’ve just said a maid treated me instead of claiming I was alone.’

It was too late to take her words back, so Estelle quickly waved her hands.

“I’ll see a doctor as soon as we return. It’s not that I don’t trust your skills—it’s just that I don’t want to make it worse by moving carelessly.”

“Wait… Estelle, are you embarrassed? Alright, fine. But make sure you get proper treatment.”

Liliana smirked playfully, teasing her.

As a noblewoman, Estelle was expected to maintain modesty, so it seemed Liliana understood.

“But I have to say, I’m a little offended, Estelle.”

“What…?”

“Aren’t we friends? We’re both women—why are you acting so shy?”

Liliana crossed her arms and turned her head away with a huff.

“How adorable.”

If it had been Melody, she would’ve been annoyed, but with Liliana, it was just endearing.

“You think calling me cute is going to make me drop it?”

“You already have, Liliana.”

Liliana dramatically tightened her crossed arms, but the faint smile tugging at her lips gave her away.

“Liliana, how is Lady Charel? She didn’t seem to be in good condition.”

“Estelle, you got hurt because of her, and that’s what you’re worried about? Even a saint wouldn’t be this kind.”

Estelle could tell that her sharp tone was fueled by concern for her, so she answered softly.

“It’s not like Lady Charel pushed me. I chose to save her. It’s just a small injury, and it’s better than something terrible happening…”

“I know. It could’ve been a disaster. Still… I guess she felt guilty, because she asked me to pass on a message—she wants to visit and personally thank you later. She said she owes you a great debt or something like that.”

Estelle hadn’t done it expecting gratitude, so Lady Charel’s grand way of putting it felt a little excessive.

“Anyway, let’s go back now. I’ll escort you to the carriage.”

“Okay. Thanks, Liliana.”

Liliana carefully held Estelle’s hand as they walked.

“Estelle, your shoulder smells like disinfectant…”

Liliana sniffed the air, making Estelle flinch. At that moment, she spotted Olivia standing nearby with a cold expression.

“Vivi, what are you doing here? You must have been shocked too. Just go and rest—the guests have all left.”

Ignoring Liliana, Olivia stepped in front of Estelle.

“You were… together?”

She was probably referring to Michael.

“Are you talking about Liliana?”

Estelle had already lied to Liliana, and she didn’t want to provoke Olivia unnecessarily.

“This is so frustrating… Why her of all people? What could he possibly lack that he would choose you?”

Tears welled up in Olivia’s eyes as she glared at Estelle like a woman who had just been heartbroken.

“Olivia Aslan. Just like when you decided to invest in the mine—you’re being incredibly rude.”

Liliana snapped at Olivia, clearly upset on Estelle’s behalf.

“Liliana, my shoulder hurts. I just want to leave.”

“Olivia, we’ll talk later.”

Estelle gently pulled Liliana away.

She could still feel Olivia’s piercing gaze on her back.

“Estelle, did you and Olivia get into a fight? No, wait—that’s more like something Melody and I would do…”

“What makes you think that?”

“I’m not defending Olivia, okay? But I know her personality well.
Even when a maid broke something she cherished, she didn’t get mad. Even if she disliked someone, she never showed it.

But with you, she’s different.”

Liliana’s point was clear—Olivia, who normally hid her emotions well, seemed especially hostile toward Estelle.

‘I suppose it’s natural for Liliana to be curious.’

Estelle hesitated. Explaining her relationship with Olivia would inevitably mean revealing her upcoming marriage to Michael.

But thinking about it, she’d have to tell Liliana sooner or later.
Even if she didn’t, the news would reach her eventually.

‘I want her to hear it from me first.’

If their roles were reversed, she knew she’d feel a little hurt hearing about Liliana’s marriage from someone else.

“I’ll tell you, but you have to keep it a secret for now.”

“Of course! My memory is terrible anyway—I’ll probably forget in no time. You don’t have to worry.”

Liliana thumped her chest twice, promising she could be trusted.

“The truth is… I’m getting married to His Highness Michael next spring. Olivia must already know.”

Liliana’s eyes widened in shock, but she soon nodded.

“I had a feeling. Olivia has… well, she’s liked the Second Prince since we were kids.”

“That’s why I don’t think it’s right for me to react too strongly. It must be complicated for her.”

Lilliana’s expression softened.

“You’re too kind for your own good, Estelle. It worries me. When you’re upset, you should show it. Otherwise, it’ll just build up inside.”

‘I’m really not that kind.’

Estelle considered correcting her but decided against it.

“Are you worried that people will think it’s strange if you get angry?”

“Huh? No, that’s not—”

“If you get mad often enough, people eventually get used to it.
Look at me—I’ve caused so much trouble that my parents don’t even bother anymore.”

“That’s not them giving up—it’s because the Marquess of Garnet adores you.”

Hearing that, Liliana couldn’t quite deny it, rolling her eyes instead.

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she clapped her hands together.

“Oh, right! Have you found someone to scatter the flowers?”

During the ceremony, it was customary for someone to toss colorful petals ahead of the bride as a blessing.

‘Usually, it’s done by a mother, a sister, or a close friend…’

Since she had no mother and didn’t want to ask Melody, she had considered skipping the tradition altogether.

“Estelle! Obviously, I should do it! I’m hurt you didn’t even consider me. I thought we were close!”

“I’d love for you to be my bridesmaid, Liliana. But I was worried it might cause trouble with Lady Aslan…”

The reason she hadn’t considered Liliana in the first place was because of Olivia.

“Estelle, I may be Olivia’s cousin, but I’m also your friend. Let me do it.”

“Then, I’ll leave it to you.”

Liliana’s face lit up with joy.

‘She doesn’t seem to care at all, yet I was the one worrying too much.’

“Take care, Estelle. Everyone was so shaken that there won’t be any sorority meetings for a while. Get proper treatment and rest well—I will come check on you!”

Liliana helped Estelle into the carriage, shouting her goodbyes.

Thankfully, it seemed she had completely forgotten about the smell of disinfectant.

‘I did get hurt a little, but…’

Estelle touched her lips, remembering the warmth of Michael’s kiss.

She opened the window, letting the cool wind soothe the lingering heat.