Chapter 3

3.

When my makeup was fixed and I stepped beside Austin in a magnificent, striking gown, he let out an astonished sigh.

"Faye, why did you dress so brightly today? It hardly looks like you. Though, you look much more stunning like this than in your usual plain clothes."

I curled my lips into a bitter smile.

Dressing plainly was never what I truly liked.

It was only because Lance had once casually mentioned that he preferred simple, modest women and disliked extravagance.

To please him, I had locked away my favorite vibrant dresses and spent seven years acting as the most modest young lady in the capital.

Now, there was no need for that anymore.

Exhausted in mind and body, I did not bother to explain.

When I looked up, I saw a face that used to be so familiar.

Lance Lockhart. After two years, he looked just as I remembered―tall, imposing, and looking every bit the noble gentleman.

My eyes widened, and before I could say a word, stinging tears spilled from my eyes.

Austin thought I was simply overcome with joy. He quickly caught my hand and laughed loudly. "Faye, the brother Lance you have been yearning for is finally back. Why are you crying instead?"

Lance's gaze deepened, showing what seemed to be genuine heartache.

He reached out to gently wipe my tears away and gave a low, warm laugh. "It has only been two years at the Northern Border. Does my Faye not recognize me anymore?"

His tone and gestures were as intimately familiar as ever. Even in front of everyone, his warmth showed not a single trace of deceit.

I swallowed the bitter lump in my throat and asked with a trembling voice, "How is the war in the North?"

Lance was caught off guard for a second before putting on a serious expression. "The Northern Border remains unstable, but your debutante ball is a major milestone. I rode day and night, running three horses to death just to make it in time."

His eyes curved affectionately. "You begged me so many times in your letters. How could I bear to miss your big day?"

My gaze turned icy in an instant. His smile sent a chill deep into my bones.

Lance, can your love and affection really be faked this easily?

There was no war in the North, nor were there three horses ridden to death for my sake.

During these two years, while Maisie kept him company by his side, did he ever spare a single thought for me, who was waiting like a fool?

Every letter I sent to the North had only traveled across a single street to reach his hands. And I had stared out the window day after day, waiting endlessly for a carrier pigeon to bring his reply.

I took a step back, barely keeping a strained smile on my face, wishing for nothing more than to flee.

Austin pushed me closer to him. "You haven't seen each other in two years, and the ceremony hasn't started yet. Why don't you two go catch up in the garden?"