“We’ve arrived,” the coachman announced. I snapped out of my thoughts and looked outside to see that we had arrived at Baroness Xavier’s atelier.
As I stepped out of the carriage, Rivet paid the coachman. Only after she finished the transaction did I head inside the atelier.
“Welcome. Do you have an appointment?” an employee asked as they approached. I recognized them from previous visits. The employee, realizing who I was, quickly bowed deeply.
“I’d like to see Baroness Xavier. Is she in?”
“Yes, I’ll show you to her.”
The employee knocked on a door at the back. A voice from inside granted permission to enter.
“Please go in. Would you like some tea?”
“No, thank you. I just had some.”
“Very well.”
After the employee stepped aside, I entered the workshop. It was filled with extravagant dresses and suits.
“Who…?” Baroness Xavier, who had been cutting fabric, turned to look at me and froze.
“My goodness. Cecilia?”
“It’s been a while, Monica.”
I gave a bright smile to the stunned Baroness Xavier. She was a renowned designer running this atelier in the capital and had been my friend since childhood.
We shared a brief hug, and I could see the worry etched on her face.
“Have a seat. It’s been three months, hasn’t it?”
“I’m sorry I couldn’t come by more often.”
“No, it’s fine. I’ve heard about you… the divorce…”
“Yeah…”
“Are you doing okay?”
It was a standard question, but I wasn’t foolish enough to miss the concern behind it.
“I’m fine. Better than I thought I would be.”
“That’s a relief.”
Seeing her relieved expression, I gave a warm smile.
“So, what brings you here? I doubt you came just to see me.”
“I did come to see you. And to get a dress made.”
“Ha, you wouldn’t have come if you didn’t need a dress.”
“Sorry.”
I couldn’t deny her words, so I gave her an apologetic look.
“It’s fine. Let me guess, it’s for the imperial ball?”
“Yes.”
“Do you really need to go? You probably won’t hear anything nice.”
“I can’t avoid it forever. Once I show up a few times, the gossip will die down.”
“…True.”
Muttering with a troubled expression, Baroness Xavier shook her head and stood up.
“Alright, let’s get your measurements first. I’ll make sure you have a dress that stands out at the ball.”
“Thank you.”
I sincerely thanked her for her genuine care.
After quickly taking my measurements and deciding on the fabric, color, and general design of the accessories, I got up to leave. Given her reputation as a famous designer in the capital, she likely already had many orders for the imperial ball. I couldn’t keep her any longer.
“I’ll be going now.”
“Alright, I’ll send the finished dress and accessories to Viscount Marves’ estate.”
“Thank you.”
After a final farewell, I left her atelier. There were only a few days left until the ball. Since it would be my first ball since the divorce, I felt a slight flutter of anxiety.
* * *
The dress and accessories arrived in the afternoon on the day of the ball. I had been worried because they hadn’t arrived earlier, but the dress was so beautiful that my worries seemed unfounded. Baroness Xavier’s promise to make me stand out was no lie.
The light blue off-shoulder dress highlighted my neckline and collarbones, and the full skirt swayed gracefully with even the slightest movement. With Rivet’s help, I put on the dress and paired it with the matching sapphire necklace and earrings.
“You look stunning, madam!” Rivet exclaimed in admiration as she helped me dress. Even though I knew it was flattery, it still made me smile.
“Thank you for saying that.”
“Now all that’s left is for you to go.”
By the time I finished getting ready, it was already past six. The ball started at six, and the Emperor usually made his appearance around eight. I couldn’t afford to be late to the Emperor’s birthday ball. It took about 30 minutes by carriage to get from the estate to the palace, so if I left now, I wouldn’t be late.
“Is the carriage ready?”
“It’s waiting out front, madam.”
“Good. Let’s go.”
I placed my hand on Rivet’s shoulder as a gesture of thanks before stepping out of the estate. Once I was settled in the prepared carriage, Rivet joined the coachman in the driver’s seat.
“Let’s go,” I instructed.
“Yes, my lady,” the coachman replied.
The carriage began to move. I closed my eyes, anticipating the exhausting events ahead and trying to rest, even if only for a moment.
When I arrive at the ball, I’ll undoubtedly attract attention… I knew that even though these people didn’t truly affect me, it wouldn’t be easy to ignore them. This time, I’d just show my face for a couple of hours and then leave. I hoped no one would approach me, and I tried to calm my nerves as we set off.
Finally, the carriage passed through the palace gates and stopped in front of the ballroom. With Rivet’s help, I stepped out and looked at the grand entrance. Before my divorce from Ains, back when I was the Duchess of Graham, this ballroom had never felt daunting. With the Graham name behind me, everyone had been courteous. No one dared to offend me; they only whispered sweet words.
But things were different now. I was no longer the Duchess of Graham, having divorced Ains. Now, I was entering as Viscountess Marves, my original title. This ballroom wouldn’t be as warm or welcoming as it once was. I reminded myself not to expect anything or rely on anyone. These people had never truly cared for me, so I couldn’t blame them for turning away now.
Taking a deep breath, I slowly exhaled and started walking. I followed the familiar path through the corridor until I reached the ballroom entrance, where a footman was checking names. I approached him.
Rivet presented the royal ball invitation and my identification as Viscountess Marves. The footman verified the list and bowed to me.
“Everything is in order. Please, go ahead.”
I glanced back at Rivet. She couldn’t accompany me beyond this point.
“I’ll wait outside,” she said.
“Alright. I won’t be long.”
“Yes, my lady.”
I smiled at Rivet before turning back. As I stood at the door, the footman opened it and announced loudly, “Viscountess Cecilia Marves!”
The bustling ballroom fell silent as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown over it. As I stepped inside, I felt all eyes turn towards me. I hadn’t expected my mere presence to draw this much attention. It seemed my divorce from Ains was a bigger deal than I had anticipated.
Feeling the sharp gazes on me, I kept my back straight and walked into the ballroom with confidence. Every step I took was followed by the eyes of the attendees. In the midst of the orchestra’s music, my footsteps were the only sound that stood out.
Trying to act natural, I moved to one side of the ballroom and picked up a glass of wine. I needed to appear occupied, or else the stares would continue. Standing in a corner, sipping my wine, I noticed the attention gradually shifting away from me. The ballroom, which had fallen silent, began to fill with the buzz of conversation again.
However, just because the stares had shifted didn’t mean the interest had waned. I could hear snippets of conversations around me: “Duchess of Graham,” “divorce,” “scandal,” “alimony,” “dare,” “out of her league,” “inevitable.” Even without listening closely, I could guess what they were talking about.
I pretended not to hear and quietly sipped my wine. Normally, people would have flocked to greet me, but now, no one approached. It felt a bit empty, but at least no one was coming over to mock me.
As I stood in the corner, waiting for time to pass, the ballroom doors opened, and the footman announced loudly, “Duke Ains Graham!”
