The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 66

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Chapter 66

So, Lyla simply wished to confess her feelings to the man she admired, at least once in her life while she was still unmarried and free.

Especially considering her timid nature and the struggles she had endured in her past life, constantly being pushed around in the North. Just once, she wanted to be brave.

“Alright. Then I’ll arrange an opportunity for you to confess.”

“Really?”

“Yes, but don’t get your hopes up. Arranging the meeting is different from guaranteeing a successful confession.”

“Of course!” Lyla’s round face flushed a rosy hue, resembling a perfectly ripe apple. Selena calmly explained her plan. “First, I’ll arrange a dinner engagement with the Duke.”

“Truly? Are you acquainted with the Duke, Lady Irving?”

“Ah, yes, well… my work relies heavily on networking.” Unable to divulge the details, Selena offered a vague explanation and quickly continued. “I’ll tell you the date, time, and place. You’ll ‘happen’ to be there alone and greet me as if by chance.”

“Yes, yes. And then?”

“Subtly mention that you’re dining alone and the restaurant seems hesitant to seat you. I’ll then suggest that you join us.”

“Alright, I understand.”

“Then, I’ll discreetly excuse myself. That’s when you’ll seize the opportunity and confess your feelings to the Duke. How does that sound?”

“Perfect!” Lyla replied enthusiastically. The mere thought of confessing made her heart race with anticipation and nervousness, imagining sleepless nights ahead. Trying to contain her excitement, Lyla grasped Selena’s hand. “Thank you so much, Lady Irving.”

“It’s too early for thanks. You haven’t even confessed yet.”

“No, it’s not. I’m so grateful that you’re creating this opportunity for me.”

Lyla continued to express her gratitude profusely until she finally departed. Once she was gone, Selena sighed wearily and retrieved a pen and paper. It was time to send a letter to Noel and arrange their dinner.

‘It’s a bit underhanded to use the dinner this way.’

But it was the most efficient way to handle two troublesome matters at once, so she decided to embrace her temporary ruthlessness.

Securing the dinner with Noel proved easy. There was a brief tussle over who would make the reservation, but Selena prevailed. After all, she had to win for the sake of her commission. She bribed the restaurant manager and staff to ensure Lyla’s seemingly coincidental arrival at their table and to create the impression that she was having difficulty being seated alone.

Meticulously calculating the timing of the meal courses to coincide with Lyla’s entrance, Selena finalized every detail.

‘Perfect.’

On the evening of the appointed dinner, Selena dressed simply and headed to the restaurant. A waiter led her to her reserved window table, where, to her surprise, Noel was already waiting.

“Your Grace.”

“Lady Irving.” Noel turned, a welcoming expression on his face. He wore a formal uniform adorned with intricate gold embroidery, as radiant as his hair. His already dazzling appearance seemed further amplified by the ornate attire.

The golden embroidery, echoing the hue of his hair and eyes, only served to enhance his striking features. For a moment, Selena was captivated by Noel’s radiant presence, his features so compelling that even a thousand jewels wouldn’t diminish their brilliance. She quickly collected herself.

“Oh, when did you arrive? Have you been waiting long?”

“Not at all. I just got here myself.” Noel rose and gallantly pulled out her chair. Slightly flustered by the excessive courtesy, Selena sat down, glancing at her own attire. She had deliberately chosen a simple outfit for Layla’s confession.

Noel arrived looking dazzling, as if attending a royal ball, making Selena feel not just plain but downright shabby in comparison. Embarrassed, Selena lowered her eyes.

“You look… very dashing today, Your Grace.”

“Haha, do I? Thank you, you look lovely as well, Lady Irving.”

“I’m… rather simply dressed today.”

Selena chose her words carefully, desperate to convey that she hadn’t dressed carelessly. Lyla was coming too, and Selena didn’t want to reveal the charade she’d orchestrated.

“Is that so? You look the same as always, so I hadn’t noticed.”

Silence hung heavy in the air.

‘He thinks I look the same as always? No, I dress much better than this usually…’

Just as Selena was about to be truly offended, Noel continued, “Perhaps it’s because I always think you look beautiful.” Selena cleared her throat and turned her head, a blush rising on her cheeks. “Just so you don’t misunderstand.” Noel smiled brightly at her.

They ordered their food, and a brief quiet spell settled between them. That’s when Lyla appeared.

“Oh, my. Oh, good, Lady, I, mean.” Lyla’s awkward acting stunned Selena. Today, Lyla, whose face was usually sweet and girlish, was dressed in a mature, sophisticated style. Selena could guess her intentions, but the look simply didn’t suit her.

“Ah, haha. Lady Verrilyn? What brings you here?”

“I, I, I, I, came, to, to, eat.” Lyla stammered, a stark contrast to her previous choppy delivery. Selena glanced at Noel. He was simply watching the scene unfold, a knowing smile playing on his lips.