Chapter 10
Adeline withdrew her hand and, after getting into the car, didn’t ask any further questions.
She was curious about where they were going and what preparations were needed, but she didn’t feel like she had the right to ask.
She knew well enough that royal and noble marriages required a considerable amount of money.
Thinking about her current lack of funds made her feel even more small.
She held her breath, her gaze fixed on the rapidly passing scenery outside the car window.
Since she was about to leave soon, she just wanted to stay quiet and leave without drawing attention.
“Welcome, Lady Adeline. I’ve been waiting for you since I heard from Michael.
Michael, this is the first time you’ve come here for something like this,” said a lady with a warm greeting as she extended her hand toward Michael. The elegantly dressed woman seemed to be very familiar with Count Meitner.
Michael, with his usual smile, responded with a casual hug. “You look more beautiful than ever, Lady Salt.”
“I know you’re just saying that, but I’m not upset to hear it.”
The woman glanced at him, shaking her head lightly. Michael looked very much like his father, Count Meitner, although his mother, who was a close friend from childhood, had passed away under tragic circumstances.
The news of her suicide, particularly right after her son had gone to a vacation home, shocked everyone.
Michael had witnessed the heartbreaking incident, and now even Count Meitner himself was gone.
The worried gaze of Lady Salt turned to the young couple sitting together.
Although she was helping with the wedding preparations at Michael’s request, she wasn’t entirely happy about the match.
“Of all the men, why did Marquis choose Michael for Adeline?”
she thought at first, believing it was just a rumor. But it turned out to be true.
After criticizing Marquis for being devious, Lady Salt looked at Adeline.
Although she wasn’t fond of Michael as a match for her, she had to admit Adeline’s appearance was impressive.
Having seen many young women in high society, she couldn’t help but notice Adeline’s well-balanced figure, slightly above average height, with feminine curves that were exceptional. She also had long, graceful arms.
When she wore the new spring dress trending in Aden, her charm would be even more evident.
“Such a gem should be shown to the public at a debutante ball,” Lady Salt thought regretfully.
Nonetheless, Adeline’s appearance was impressive enough, and while marriage wasn’t just about looks, it did matter.
Compared to the scandalous Valentina Terne, Michael’s bride seemed to be a much better choice.
With a quiet sigh, Lady Salt composed herself.
This marriage had been proposed by the king, and Adeline had accepted it.
There was no other option.
“I heard from Michael, Lady Adeline. We need to finalize the wedding details quickly, as we don’t have much time.
We won’t have enough time to arrange everything properly, but I will do my best,” Lady Salt said.
“Thank you,” Adeline responded, lifting the corners of her lips as she understood the reason for this meeting.
“Let’s get started.
We should go through some catalogs and head to the boutiques quickly,” Lady Salt said, showing several catalogs she had prepared.
Wedding dresses, jewelry, and other preparations were all part of the decisions that had to be made.
Surprisingly, Michael didn’t offer any input on the matter.
After watching for a while, he stood up.
“Where are you going?” Lady Salt asked.
“I have an appointment. I’ll leave everything to you two, Lady Salt and Lady Adeline.
It’s better if you two discuss things among yourselves, don’t you think?” Michael said, sounding like he didn’t need to hear a response.
“You still need to make some decisions, Michael…” Lady Salt began to protest, but it was pointless. Michael had no interest in discussing the wedding.
“Your car is ready, Lady Adeline. I’ll see you next time,” Michael said, leaving without waiting for a response.
Adeline, trying to maintain a calm demeanor, listened to his footsteps fade away.
Michael Meitner was an unpredictable man.
He appeared proper and polite, but he could easily show another side of himself.
It wasn’t clear if it was because he didn’t feel the need to act formally around her or if it was a general lack of manners.
“Sometimes, having a man around doesn’t help in situations like this, right, Lady Adeline?” Lady Salt said, breaking the tense atmosphere. “A woman’s lifelong marriage should be decided according to her own will to avoid regrets.”
Lady Salt seemed to feel some sympathy for Adeline, who had been sent to a foreign land and had ended up here after many struggles.
“At least it’s a blessing you’re not marrying that rogue Lars,” she thought.
Adeline’s impressive focus, as she rapidly flipped through the catalogs, caught Lady Salt’s attention. She was working efficiently and thoughtfully.
Adeline placed the last catalog down and looked up at Lady Salt with a clear expression. “I think this is enough.
What do you think, Lady Salt?”
