Chapter 228: An uninvited guest
Venus was taken aback by Serena’s unexpected revelation. Her eyes danced with disbelief, and her hands quivered uncontrollably. In an unforeseen moment, the teacup slipped from her grasp, the scalding tea staining her dress. The sound of shattering porcelain echoed ominously throughout the room, sending a wave of anxiety among the onlookers.
"Venus, are you alright?" Serena’s voice was laced with worry as she hastily rose from her seat.
Venus, regaining her composure, stood up and reassured her, "I’m fine." However, the beads of perspiration on her forehead and the tremor in her hands betrayed her calm facade.
The maid, sensing the urgency, swiftly began to clear the broken shards of the cup, while the head maid gently admonished Venus to be more cautious.
Serena approached Venus, her steps soft and measured. She gently took Venus’s hands into her own, her touch as light as a feather. "Venus, my dear, please find your peace," she implored, her voice a soothing balm. "Everything is under control. I want nothing more than for you to be a part of my wedding. However, I ask that you remain inconspicuous among the guests. I wish to avoid any unnecessary gossip. You are my cherished friend, and your presence at my wedding would mean the world to me," she affirmed, her fingers tenderly stroking Venus’s hands.
Unbeknownst to them, the head maid had been observing the exchange. She had discerned Serena’s subtle attempts to cause emotional distress to Venus.
Venus, gathering her courage, managed to stutter out a response. "I-I will attend your wedding," she promised.
Serena informed Venus that she needed to depart, as there were numerous wedding arrangements awaiting her attention. Venus accompanied her to the carriage, offering a farewell wave as Serena was whisked away. Once Serena was out of sight, Venus retreated to the living room.
The Head Maid, her expression stern and disapproving, confronted Venus. "Miss Venus, are you certain that her visit was solely to extend an invitation? I regret to say this, but it seemed as though your friend was attempting to shatter your resolve," she remarked, her tone laced with concern.