The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 59
Chapter 59
“Are we having meat?”
“Sandwiches, right?”
Randy’s lips trembled under the weight of their intense gazes. Unable to meet the eyes of either woman, she darted her gaze back and forth before stammering, “I… I’d like a meat sandwich.”
It was a perfectly balanced compromise between Selena, who craved meat, and Lucy, who preferred sandwiches.
‘Did I say the right thing?’
Randy’s heart pounded. Selena and Lucy exchanged a look, then, thankfully, both nodded.
“Hmm, a meat sandwich. Not bad.”
“I know a good place. I’ll go grab some.”
“Great, Lucy. Randy, want to come along?”
“Yes, boss.”
Randy, having once again successfully navigated the lunchtime negotiations, surreptitiously wiped away a bead of sweat and stood.
Clutching the purse Selena handed her, the two flung open the door.
“Oh!”
A woman standing just outside the door startled and stepped back. Randy and Lucy, equally surprised, hesitated for a moment before Lucy recovered and spoke. “Hello. Are you here to visit Serenade?”
“Ah, yes. I am Gemma, a handmaiden of the Verrilyn family.” Gemma clasped her hands politely and bowed.
Lucy, the name of the family sounding vaguely familiar, returned a small bow as she pondered where she’d heard it.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Gemma. Do you have an appointment?”
“No.”
“I see. Unfortunately, Serenade operates strictly by appointment. Could you please book one and come back?” Lucy offered a professional, gentle smile.
Gemma’s expression turned slightly troubled as she glanced behind her. A small, youthful girl with an anxious face stood there, shaking her head as if on the verge of tears. It seemed the client wasn’t Gemma, but the girl.
“I apologize. We didn’t realize it was by appointment.”
After confirming the girl’s wishes, Gemma bowed her head apologetically and continued. “However, my lady was referred here by Her Highness the Princess. Is there anything you can do?”
“The Princess…?”
Lucy’s eyes widened. Even with their strict appointment policy, royal recommendations changed everything. Furthermore, Princess Gabriella had recently become quite close with Selena.
“One moment, please.”
Excusing herself, Lucy closed the door and approached Selena, who was sitting on the sofa.
“What is it, Lucy?”
“We have a walk-in referred by the Princess. What should we do?”
“Referred by the Princess? Hmm… Let them in.”
Despite it being lunchtime, Selena couldn’t turn away someone sent by the Princess. Lucy returned to the door and opened it wide.
“Please, come in.”
Stepping aside, she ushered the girl and Gemma inside. Selena led them to her office, which also served as a consultation room.
Randy brought in a small refreshment tray. “Hello. You were referred by the Princess?”
“Ah, yes. Hello, Lady Irving. I am Lyla Verrilyn.”
Gemma took a position standing by the wall, while the girl, Lyla, sat demurely on the sofa and introduced herself. Selena’s expression flickered with surprise at the mention of Lyla’s surname.
“Ah, Lady Verrilyn.”
The Verrilyn were the Margrave family, guardians of the empire’s northern border—the Shield of the North. Generations of service had earned them considerable prestige within society.
However, they were known for rarely visiting the capital. This was the first time Selena had met a member of the Verrilyn family.
‘So that’s why she looked unfamiliar.’
Selena regarded Lyla with curiosity. “And what brings you to Serenade?”
“Well… I heard from the Princess that you’re a specialist in… unrequited love.” Lyla, clearly nervous, spoke hesitantly. “I was hoping you could help me… with someone I have feelings for.”
“Of course. Helping people find love is what Serenade does.”
Selena smiled warmly. The friendly gesture eased the tension from Lyla’s face. Studying Lyla’s small stature and rounded features, which made her appear quite young, Selena asked, “If you don’t mind me asking, how old are you?”
While Serenade didn’t discriminate based on age when it came to love, they generally avoided taking on clients who were underage or involved in relationships with significant age gaps.
If Lyla was underage, Selena would have to politely decline.
“I’m eighteen this year.”
“I see.”
Fortunately, Lyla was of age. Eighteen was the legal age of majority in the empire. Naturally, Selena’s next question concerned the object of Lyla’s affection.
Just who had captured the heart of the Margrave’s daughter?
“Could you tell me who it is you have feelings for?”
“Well, he’s… quite well-known.”
“Yes?” Selena offered an encouraging smile, inviting her to continue. Emboldened, Lyla shyly confessed,
“Duke Ratliffe.”
“…I’m sorry?”
Who?
“Duke Noel Ratliffe. I… I’m in love with him.”
A blush crept up Lyla’s cheeks. She covered her face with her hands, overcome with shyness. Selena, taken aback by the unexpected name, was speechless.
‘In love with the Duke…?’
She pictured Noel: his handsome, almost fairytale-like features, his gentle smile, his melodious voice, his kind demeanor. He had inherited the dukedom at a young age and had distinguished himself in war, making him arguably the most eligible young nobleman in the empire.
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