If I was Going to Regret It Anyway

Cecilia’s face turned pale at the shocking declaration. Daryl left Cecilia, who was frozen in shock.

 

“What the hell are you talking about, Daryl! Wait, Daryl!”

 

Cecilia chased after Daryl belatedly. But she stumbled over her cane in her haste. Cecilia fell to the floor with a scream, and her cane rolled across the hall with a dull sound.

 

But Daryl didn’t stop or look back. Cecilia stared blankly at his retreating figure.

 

****

 

The day of the exhibition arrived. Eleanor got up early in the morning and started preparing for the palace. There was no maid specializing in dressing up at Townsend Manor, so a person brought by Marianne did her hair and makeup.

 

Eleanor felt awkward with the makeover after a long time. But Peggy seemed very excited and happy to see her miss dressed up like an ordinary lady.

 

“Oh my, Miss. You’re so beautiful!”

 

Peggy exclaimed several times before the makeover was even finished. Her eyes sparkled as if she was genuinely impressed. It was cute, but it also made Eleanor feel sorry.

 

“I’m sure you were very beautiful at your wedding. I wanted to see you in a wedding dress…”

 

“…I’m sorry.”

 

“It’s not something you should apologize for, Miss! But next time, I won’t miss it. Even if I’m kicked out, I’ll sneak in and see.”

 

Eleanor knew that Peggy was deliberately saying this, knowing that Eleanor had decided not to marry for life.

 

These days, Peggy was subtly urging Eleanor to get married, like a mother with an old daughter. A few days ago, she suddenly praised Benjamin as a good gentleman. She said there must be a reason why he was still single, and kept glancing at Eleanor, making her laugh.

 

“Oh, you shouldn’t do that again. I’ll take responsibility and arrange a place for you then, so don’t worry.”

 

Marianne intervened and Peggy brightened up.

 

“Really, Madam? You promise!”

 

“Of course. It’s going to be the happiest and most beautiful day of Eleanor’s life, it’s unthinkable to miss it.”

 

Marianne winked at Eleanor in the mirror.

 

“…..”

 

Eleanor smiled awkwardly without a word. She had a hunch that if she answered incorrectly here, she would be caught in an inescapable trap.

 

Eleanor had previously asked Marianne to prepare a dress that was suitable for a formal occasion but also comfortable to move in, as she would have to draw in front of people on that day.

 

True to her request, Marianne chose a dress that was simple yet very sophisticated. Despite being much less decorated than a typical party dress, it didn’t feel like everyday wear at all. The calm blue color that matched Eleanor’s skin tone gave off an artistic atmosphere. The necklace and earrings were also small and not flashy to match it.

 

“Don’t be nervous and do well, Miss.”

 

Peggy held Eleanor’s hand tightly and said. Although she said so, she looked more nervous herself. Eleanor smiled quietly at Peggy.

 

“Don’t worry, Peggy. I’ll be back soon.”

 

“Please come back, Madam.”

 

Peggy and Emily, along with the other servants, bowed their heads at the same time. Eleanor took Benjamin’s hand, who had come out to meet her, and got into the carriage.

 

****

 

The exhibition was set up inside the banquet hall. As Eleanor entered, a small commotion arose among the spectators who had already arrived. She could hear whispers from people who recognized Eleanor to those who didn’t.

 

Of course, they probably didn’t know yet that Eleanor was Marcus Miller. Nevertheless, the mere fact that Eleanor appeared at this event was enough of a topic. She had been a woman suspected of being the illegitimate child of the late Duke of Griffith until three years ago, then became a duchess overnight, and now she was divorced and alone. The gossip was endless.

 

As she became aware of people’s gazes, she felt her heartbeat quicken. Eleanor closed her eyes and took a deep breath.

 

‘It’s okay. It’s not a big deal. I didn’t do anything wrong. I’m upright and confident.’

 

Eleanor opened her eyes again. And she calmly looked back at the people staring at her. And she carefully examined each and every face. There were men and women. There were older people and those who looked younger than Eleanor.

 

The reason Eleanor had been afraid of them until now was because they were a crowd. But when she looked at them one by one, they were all just individuals with their own characteristics.

 

There was no need to be scared of faceless gazes and voiceless criticisms anymore.

 

Because they don’t exist.

 

Eleanor made eye contact with a woman who was staring at her intently, and gave her a slight smile. The woman seemed startled and averted her eyes.

 

“Miss Townsend, are you okay?”

 

Benjamin asked in a worried voice from the side.

 

“Yes, I’m fine.”

 

“Please let me know immediately if you feel unwell. I will take immediate action.”

 

“Thank you, Viscount Brooke. But I don’t think that will happen anymore.”

 

Benjamin looked slightly puzzled at her voice, which was more confident than ever.

 

“Marcus Miller!”

 

At the loud and booming voice, not only Eleanor but all the people in the hall turned their attention. Prince Aaron was approaching with his arms wide open.

 

“Finally, we meet like this. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you’re here to grace this occasion. It’s a really meaningful day.”

 

The surroundings became chaotic with people’s murmurs. Most of the gazes were directed at Benjamin. They seemed to think that he was Marcus Miller.

 

“I am deeply moved and honored that Your Highness has personally created this occasion.”

 

Eleanor bowed her knee in greeting. Aaron smiled and looked around.

 

“Now, everyone. Let me introduce you. The beautiful woman you are looking at right now is the famous painter, Marcus Miller.”

 

There was a commotion among the people. Some women screamed in surprise, then quickly covered their mouths.

 

“As you all know, it’s extremely rare for a woman to work as a painter under her own name. So it was an inevitable choice for this lady to have hidden her identity behind a pseudonym until now. If I hadn’t created this event today, the identity of Marcus Miller would never have been revealed. I hope you all send your respect and gratitude to her for making such a difficult decision. Miss Eleanor Townsend.”

 

Despite Aaron’s words, people were just looking at each other, unable to show a proper reaction. Then, the sound of someone clapping was heard from one side of the hall.

 

It was Jin Miles. Unlike a few days ago when she visited Townsend Manor in a simple and neutral outfit, today she was perfectly dressed in a party dress. It suited her well.

 

Soon, one by one, they began to clap in unison with Miles. The entire hall was filled with applause. Eleanor bowed her head as if to return the favor. Aaron looked at her with a satisfied smile.

 

“Well, everyone, continue to appreciate the masterpieces of this century. There’s a surprisingly amazing event prepared in a while, so it’s good to look forward to it.”

 

Even as people scattered here and there as Aaron said, they couldn’t take their eyes off Eleanor. Eleanor stood with her usual upright posture and calm expression.

 

“Thank you for coming. You’re even more beautiful today.”

 

Aaron said with a grin.

 

“That’s an overstatement.”

 

“Have you thought about the picture you’re going to draw? I’ve prepared everything flawlessly. Take a break and let’s start in about an hour.”

 

“Yes. I understand, Your Highness.”

 

“Marcus.”

 

When she turned around at the unfamiliar call, Jin Miles was approaching. She kissed Eleanor on both cheeks alternately.

 

“You’re not surprised that I called you Marcus, are you? If it’s okay with you, I’d like to call you that from now on.”

 

“Call me as you wish, Miss Miles. Either way is fine with me.”

 

Miles smiled broadly and looked at Aaron and Benjamin.

 

“Your Highness the Crown Prince. Viscount Brooke.”

 

“I didn’t know you were acquainted with Miss Townsend. How did you find out?”

 

“There’s always an unseen alliance among women. Especially among those with such special talents.”

 

At Miles’ words, Aaron burst into laughter.