Chapter 02
“Not that way, this way.”
A slightly harsher tone than usual escaped my lips. The servant immediately realized their mistake and quickly bowed in apology.
“Oh, I’m so sorry! Truly sorry, madam.”
Even with the excessive apology, my irritation didn’t fade. It was likely because I had experienced this situation multiple times already.
I thought it was necessary to make things clear so this mistake wouldn’t happen again.
“It’s fine. It’s not like this is the first time, right, Marieanne?”
But before I could say anything else, Gloria accepted the apology on my behalf.
“That’s true. Why does this keep happening so often?”
I muttered as I glanced at Gloria’s neatly tied-up hair and indoor dress.
“I wonder why….”
Looking at her like this, it was no surprise that people often got confused. At some point, Gloria started wearing dresses and hairstyles similar to mine.
I couldn’t help but question whether this embarrassing situation was entirely the servant’s fault.
“So, what’s the matter?”
“The master has sent a telegram. It seems his work is taking longer than expected, so he won’t be coming home tonight.”
“I see. Understood.”
I nodded slightly, signaling that the servant could leave.
“This is too much. No matter how important work is, he should at least spend today with his wife, right?”
Gloria was more upset than I was, fuming as if this were her problem.
“It’s okay. It’s for business, so there’s nothing we can do.”
“Of course, there is! No, I can’t just let this go. You stay put. I’ll have a word with the Count when he comes back.”
“Don’t. There’s no need for that.”
“No, this is my duty. What are sisters for? I’ll scold him for you.”
“Enough, Ria.”
As Gloria’s childish complaints continued, I finally had to put my foot down.
For some reason, I couldn’t shake the feeling that she was trying to wedge herself between my husband and me.
When my expression hardened, Gloria’s eyes widened slightly. She looked both surprised and a little hurt.
“I’m sorry if I upset you, Marieanne. I just feel bad for you. A wedding anniversary should be celebrated by both spouses, but it seems like you’re the only one who cares.”
With that, Gloria quietly lowered her head.
“To be honest….”
She murmured, wiping at her now-reddened eyes.
“I just want you to have a happy marriage.”
Her words hit me like a heavy stone.
‘What am I even thinking about Gloria right now…?’
Gloria’s husband, Duke Herman Ernst, had been a brilliant naval officer. But two years ago, he tragically lost his life in the Central Continent War.
Just before the war ended.
The last anyone heard, his warship had sunk in the middle of the Afro Sea, and Gloria had become a widow at a young age.
“I’m sorry, Ria. I didn’t think about your feelings.”
I could still picture her, draped in a white wedding veil, swearing she would be happy.
‘She had wanted a joyful marriage so badly, only to lose her husband in an instant.’
A pang of sorrow pricked my heart.
“It’s okay. Maybe I was overstepping.”
A gentle breeze, carrying the scent of roses, brushed past Gloria’s cheek. She tucked a stray strand of golden hair behind her ear and forced a small smile.
“Gloria…”
Her family had suggested remarriage multiple times, but she always shook her head silently.
‘She must have truly loved him.’
Two years had passed since the war ended. Occasionally, survivors from the sunken ship were rescued and brought back to the Empire.
They all insisted that their commander, Herman Ernst, must still be alive. But as time went on, fewer people believed them.
Military experts claimed that the chances of Herman’s survival were practically zero.
No one spoke of his return any more.
“I’ve been a bit stressed lately, so I think I was overly sensitive. I know you meant well, Ria. I appreciate it.”
“Of course! I’ve always been on your side. And compared to all the times you’ve looked out for me, this is nothing.”
A year ago, after Gloria lost much of her fortune in a failed business investment, I brought her to the capital.
Instead of letting her stay in her neglected ducal estate, I made sure she could live comfortably in the Count’s mansion.
Since she loved flowers, I had the gardens kept beautiful all year round. Since she adored tea, I even purchased a high-quality tea plantation in the southern provinces.
“I should be the one thanking you, Marieanne.”
“Don’t be silly. You’re my only sister.”
I was relieved. At least I could take care of my precious family.
—
“The master has returned, madam.”
The butler’s report brought me back to the present. I rubbed my temples and removed my silver-rimmed glasses.
I glanced at the clock. It was already past 8 PM.
It was a little late for dinner, but I had been waiting for Cedric to return.
Of course, Gloria had waited with me.
‘She could’ve eaten first, but she refused.’
Even when I told her to go ahead, she insisted on waiting.
“Tell him I’ll be down soon.”
“Yes, madam.”
I hurried to put away my documents and stepped out of my study.
The night sky was now completely dark, and my tired face faintly reflected in the window.
I hadn’t had time to check my appearance all day. My once soft, glossy hair had long lost its shine due to accumulated fatigue.
I didn’t want to look unkempt—at the very least, I wanted to show respect for this special day.
I ran a hand through my hair and quickly made my way downstairs.
—
“Good work, Cedric.”
I was descending the stairs when I saw Cedric handing his coat to the butler.
Gloria, standing beside him, took the coat herself, carefully folding it before giving it to the butler.
“This jacket is expensive. You need to handle it properly.”
“Understood, madam.”
Ignoring the butler, Gloria smiled and turned to Cedric.
“You must be exhausted after traveling beyond the West River. Oh, and how was your meeting with the perfumer?”
As she spoke, she reached for Cedric’s tie.
“It was productive. He seemed interested in our contract, and his workshop was in better condition than expected.
With a few improvements, production efficiency should increase.”
Cedric let her undo his neatly tied tie without hesitation.
I stood frozen on the staircase, watching them.
‘I told her not to do that.’
Unlike me, Gloria was affectionate and social.
But sometimes, she crossed the line.
‘Even if we’re at home, she should be mindful of how this looks.’
If even I felt uncomfortable, what about others?
Sure enough, I noticed the butler’s expression stiffen.
“Oh, Marie. You’re here.”
Cedric and Gloria turned to me, looking slightly awkward.
“Did you have a good day, Marieanne? Have you eaten?”
Cedric asked.
“Not yet. I was waiting.”
“Marieanne and I both waited for you. We’re starving.”
“Ah, I didn’t mean to make you both wait. I should have hurried.”
Cedric chuckled lightly, but something felt off.
“It’s late. You should have eaten first.”
He seemed to have forgotten something important.
As I gazed at him, Gloria gently pressed his arm and spoke.
“Of course not. Today is your wedding anniversary.”
“Oh.”
Cedric paused, then turned to me with an outstretched hand.
“A little late, but happy anniversary, Marie.”
His voice was warm and gentle—yet distant, like a well-rehearsed script.
‘He forgot.’
I took his hand, accepting his escort to the dining room.
“I prepared a bottle of Ermaning 1952. I hope you’ll like it.”
“That’s a very expensive wine for just one meal.”
“I thought tonight should be worth it.”
Behind me, Gloria laughed softly.
When I turned around, she only smiled.
