KMKS 27

chapter 27

The Spencer Count’s residence was overflowing with distinguished guests who had gathered from all over to attend this social gathering.

Overwhelmed by the dazzling chandeliers and the elegant music filling the air, Sarah unconsciously tightened her grip on Aiden’s arm.

It was a meaningful day for her—her first step into society since marriage—so it was only natural that she leaned on Aiden for support.

Of course, Aiden understood. He smiled gently, as though to reassure her.

“Shall we go in, then?”
“Yes.”

With lighter steps, the couple walked in together—until a familiar voice called out from behind.

“I didn’t know the two of you would be coming together.”

It was Olga, arriving right on time.

Wrapped in a dazzling array of jewels, she couldn’t conceal the meaningful look in her eyes as she regarded Aiden and Sarah.

Her gaze inevitably drifted toward Sarah’s pale hand clutching her son’s arm—an arm encircled as if it belonged to her alone.

“Oh, you’re here, Mother.”
“If you’d told me in advance, I could have… prepared myself.”

By “prepared,” she likely meant steeling herself to witness such a sight. Hiding her feelings, Olga raised her fan and covered her lips.

“Isn’t it only natural for husband and wife to attend together?”

Natural. That was the word Aiden used.

It almost sounded like a rebuke to Olga for not expecting them to arrive as a pair.

Olga had wanted to enter proudly by her son’s side.

But Sarah’s presence thwarted that desire, and naturally, her expression soured.

Forcing her features into composure, Olga took the lead.

At the very least, her son was undeniably a fine man.

As they entered the banquet hall, a mustached gentleman stepped forward to greet them.

Since Sarah didn’t recognize him, Aiden leaned in and whispered quietly—it was Count Cordelia.

“Welcome, Viscount Spencer.”

Count Cordelia extended a hand to Aiden, but his attention soon shifted to the lady at his side.

“And this must be…?”
“My wife.”

Aiden stepped back, allowing Sarah to introduce herself.

“Hello, I’m Sarah Spencer.”

Even without trying, her voice carried natural beauty.

Count Cordelia gave her a polite kiss on the hand and apologized.

“Ah, pardon my rudeness. Today, a special area has been prepared for the ladies out on the terrace. I shall guide you there.”
“Oh dear…”

Aiden pressed his fingers against his forehead, looking troubled.

He hadn’t expected that they would be separated.

Sarah, however, understood what really worried him.

He feared for what might happen if she were left on her own.

Especially since even Aiden did not trust his mother, Olga, to look after her properly.

“It’s all right. I’ll manage.”

Sarah whispered softly to him.

“…Very well. If anything happens, please call for me.”

After their quiet farewell, the men and women parted ways under Count Cordelia’s guidance.

Aiden glanced back at her several times, offering reassuring smiles to ease her tension.

“Anyone would think he was going on a long journey,” Olga muttered, fluttering her ornate fan, her eyes sharp.

All the while, she criticized Sarah’s attire as they walked.

“Is that a new dress? Don’t tell me you had it made because you gained weight?”

In truth, it wasn’t about weight at all. Sarah had simply lacked a proper gown suitable for such a social event.

How could she, when even her jewelry had been taken by the servants?

Before her husband’s accident, she had never even been given separate living expenses.

It had been such a long time since Sarah had anything new of her own.

“Do you even know how much that cost?”
“…”
“You should have taken care of your body. Spending money you don’t earn, indulging in every luxury…”

Clicking her tongue, Olga added with a sigh:

“Really, this isn’t like you.”

Her words sparked a small doubt in Sarah’s mind.

What exactly is “like me”?

Soon, they reached the terrace where noblewomen had gathered. Olga’s complaints subsided.

“Lady Melton!”

Olga’s eyes lit up as she rushed toward someone.

“Lady Spencer!”

They embraced warmly at once—it was clear they were close.

Settling right next to Lady Melton, Olga completely ignored Sarah, chatting animatedly as if she’d forgotten her presence.

Lady Melton seemed well-connected; even without Olga, she was surrounded by people vying for her attention.

There was no seat for Sarah in that circle.

So Sarah sat a little apart, quietly observing the atmosphere.

Even if she had joined them, she wouldn’t have known what to say.

Unlike the other women, who were seasoned attendees of such gatherings, Sarah was here for the first time.

Still, not everyone overlooked her.

A young lady with a sweet voice approached and sat beside her.

“May I sit here, madam?”

Sarah gave a small nod, and the young lady eagerly offered her a plate of treats she had brought back.

“Please try some. I’m Cordelia. You must be Viscount Spencer’s wife!”

Her short golden hair shimmered against her neck, her double-lidded eyes framed by thick lashes, and her dimples deepened as she smiled.

It was Lady Cordelia herself—her lively steps and natural friendliness making her shine all the more.

“Is this your first time at one of these gatherings?”
“Yes…”
“I thought so! You don’t show up often—I wondered if you’d been unwell. You look healthier than I expected, thank goodness!”

Another might have taken offense at such words.

But Sarah, simply grateful for the friendly approach, failed to notice the barbs hidden in them.

“Would you like a drink?”

Sarah wasn’t fond of alcohol, and meant to refuse—

“…Just a sip, then.”

But she couldn’t turn down Lady Cordelia’s pleading eyes.

“This wine is newly imported. I chose it myself—the fragrance is lovely. I plan to drink only this for a while.”

Without hesitation, Lady Cordelia fetched a glass, filled it, and handed it over.

“It really does smell wonderful.”
“Doesn’t it? Oh, but I suppose it’s hard to find such fine wine where you’re living now, isn’t it? Cheers!”

Their glasses clinked pleasantly.

From then on, Lady Cordelia chattered nonstop.

“How long have you been married? Oh, I remember—they said it’s been quite a while.”

Sarah’s answers didn’t seem important to her.

And since Sarah wasn’t talkative by nature, Cordelia’s lively chatter helped ease her nerves.

She never pressed Sarah to answer awkward questions, either.

Before long, Sarah’s cheeks had flushed red from the wine.

Her gaze naturally drifted across the hall—to Aiden.

Though not the largest among the men, he stood out to her instantly, as though glowing on his own.

When their eyes met, they both smiled as if it had been arranged.

“…He should be arriving soon.”
“You’re waiting for someone?”
“It seems word hasn’t spread about where he’s staying yet. But you’ll see him shortly.”

Cordelia’s dimples deepened as she sat straighter with anticipation.

From her hint, Sarah quickly guessed the man’s identity—Duke Winston.

[“I heard Lady Cordelia has been seeing Duke Winston lately?”]

Olga had once dropped that remark casually when visiting the viscount’s house late at night.

“Aren’t you curious what he’s like?”
“…”
“You can’t imagine how charming he is. The fact that even I have fallen for him says it all, doesn’t it?”

Sarah managed to dodge another awkward question.

Normally, a young lady would keep such feelings hidden, but Cordelia spoke her mind openly.

Sarah couldn’t yet judge the duke’s charms, but she was beginning to see Cordelia’s own appeal.

Then, commotion stirred at the entrance.

Sarah set her glass down at once.

The flush on her cheeks cooled instantly, sobering her in a heartbeat.

Cordelia hastily fixed her hair and straightened her dress. Sarah could already tell.

He’s here.

And indeed, moments later, a familiar figure appeared—Duke Leo Winston.

All eyes turned as he entered, striding confidently toward them.

Sarah’s gaze met his, only briefly.

“Duke! Why are you so late?”

Cordelia rushed forward, voice lilting, and threw herself into his arms.

“I missed you so much.”
“Seems I kept you waiting longer than I should have.”

Onlookers sighed in admiration at the sight—a towering duke embracing the fairy-like young lady.

They were quick to call them a perfect pair, showering them with praise.

Leo bit his lip hard, tasting blood.

For while everyone gazed at him with envy—

Only Sarah Spencer was not.

The more he realized it, the tighter his arms wrapped around Cordelia’s waist, almost possessively.

“My lord, really! Is this how you apologize for being late? You’ll embarrass me!”

Cordelia laughed and teased, but Leo hardly heard her.

Something unbidden welled up inside him, beyond his control, his grip unconsciously tightening.

He didn’t even notice how Cordelia’s delighted expression stiffened in his embrace.

His eyes remained fixed—unyielding—on Sarah.