Chapter 55: Too close for comfort
The Danbury’s manor glowed with bright lights making the cold winter night lively, its frost-covered walls glinting in the moonlight. Soft classical music from the violins and piano could be heard from a distance. Abrielle was a bit nervous knowing this was the first time she was going to be attending a public event since her transmigration.
She knew she would be fine because the real Abrielle was a socialite, and she had most of Abrielle’s memories, so everything would be like.
"Don’t tell me you are nervous." Cedric sneered from her side, drawing her attention to Cedric, who was dressed in a matching outfit like her. "I am not nervous." Abrielle retorted then added. "It is the first public appearance I am having after the wedding."
"I know you will be great. Just put on your best fake smile," Cedric taunted; he understood her concerns were because of his reputation. Sigh, this was the first time he thought about the fame around his name which is thanks to the queen.
Cedric stepped out of the carriage first, adjusting the cuffs of his black coat lined with gold and red embroidery. His lips quivered into a faint smirk as he turned back, extending a gloved hand toward Abrielle. From an outsider’s view, they would look like a perfect couple. Abrielle scoffed at the thought.
She hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edges of her fur-lined cloak. Hazel despised moments like this, it seemed like so many eyes were on them. One of the reasons she became an avid reader and later a writer was because of her social anxiety.
But the watchful eyes of the gathering crowd left her no choice. With a reluctant sigh, she placed her hand in his and stepped down from the carriage.
Her stunning gown shimmered in the torchlight, a perfect match to the glittering tiara pinned into her ginger hair. Despite her unease, she was stunning, and she knew it. She caught Cedric’s lingering gaze and immediately looked away, her cheeks flushing. There was something in his gold eyes that felt intense. What has been wrong with her lately? Get your thoughts together.
"You look stunning tonight, dear wife," Cedric said, teasingly with a weird warmth in his voice Abrielle could never get used to.
"Save your flattery for when the guests are around," Abrielle muttered, pulling her hand free as soon as they reached the steps.
"Ah, but it’s so much more fun to watch you blush," Cedric replied, falling into step beside her. His tone was light, but there was a glimmer of mischief in his gold eyes that set her nerves on edge. Sigh this was the other side of Cedric that rarely shows when the devil within is asleep.