The Reason Why She Can’t Get Married - Chapter 67

Schedule: Thurs and Sun

Chapter 67

“I see. Are you dining alone?” Selena, determined to proceed as planned, inquired. Lyla swallowed noticeably before responding, “Yes… I am. It’s rather awkward, actually.”

“Oh my, why?”

“The waitress said it would be difficult for me to dine alone.”

Though she spoke without pausing for breath, Lyla conveyed her predicament as agreed upon. Selena covered her mouth with her hand, her eyebrows drooping in a sympathetic expression.

“That’s truly unfortunate. If you were turned away from here, Lady Verrilyn’s reputation would…” Selena trailed off, glancing at Noel. Their eyes met—his, a sapphire blue—and she felt a momentary flicker of surprise, but quickly composed herself, asking with a carefully crafted air of concern, “Excuse me, Your Grace. If it wouldn’t be too much trouble, might my friend, Lady Verrilyn, join us?”

“Hmm. Very well, if you wish it.” Noel shrugged, a cryptic smile playing on his lips. Had he noticed the two ladies’ concerted acting efforts?

Selena felt a prickle of unease, but without hesitation, she summoned a waiter for another chair, placing it between herself and Noel for Lyla.

“Now that we’ve met like this, we must introduce ourselves, mustn’t we?”

Selena nudged Lyla gently under the tablecloth. Lyla, in turn, offered a timid greeting, her voice barely above a whisper. “H-hello, Your Grace. I am Lyla Verrilyn.”

“It’s a pleasure, Lady Verrilyn. Noel Ratliffe.”

Lyla’s face glowed at Noel’s concise, formal greeting. To be face-to-face with him, exchanging greetings, after having only admired him from afar, felt surreal. “D-do you remember me? I…” Before Lyla could impulsively reveal their past connection, Selena intervened.

“Oh, we must order for Lady Verrilyn, too!” She smoothly interrupted, cutting Lyla off mid-sentence.

‘That card we cannot play just yet.’

As she signaled for a waiter to take the additional order, Selena gestured discreetly under the table for Lyla to calm down. Lyla, her face flushed, pressed her lips together, though her eagerness to speak was palpable.

“Lady Verrilyn has also recently arrived in the capital, just like Your Grace.”

“Indeed?”

Selena calmly initiated conversation, highlighting common ground between the two. Noel, his gaze shifting between them, gave a slow nod. “I imagine you two will find quite a lot to discuss…”

“How did you become acquainted with Lady Irving?” This time, Noel interrupted Selena. He looked at Lyla, whose neck had turned crimson, and who could barely lift her gaze.

Even a fleeting glance at Noel’s flawless face sent a thrill through Lyla, making her heart pound.

“Perhaps you could share the secret with me, Lady Verrilyn?”

“…Pardon? Oh, um…” Distracted by Noel, Lyla’s reaction was delayed. She hadn’t expected him to ask about her friendship with Selena.

She was at a loss for words, as their acquaintance was also the result of her commissioning Serenade. “No matter how hard I try, I cannot seem to become close to Lady Irving. I would be happy to simply be her friend, but she doesn’t seem receptive.”

“Oh…”

As Noel rested his chin on his hand, speaking casually, both Lyla and Selena’s eyes widened. Selena felt a bead of sweat trickle down her spine at his words, which could easily lead Lyla to a grave misunderstanding. “—Lady Verrilyn and I, as fellow noble ladies, naturally have much in common. We quickly became friends because we connect so well.”

She attempted to salvage the situation. Lyla, playing along, nodded in agreement. Noel narrowed his eyes, observing them both before letting out a soft chuckle and leaning back slightly.

“Indeed, shared interests often lead to swift friendships.”

“Precisely. Your Grace and Lady Verrilyn will likely become fast friends as well, given your shared experiences.”

“And Lady Irving and I have none?”

“…It would seem so.”

Unable to lie convincingly, Selena answered honestly. The arrival of their meal provided a welcome interruption to the conversation.

‘Lucy should be here soon.’

The plan was for Lucy to interrupt a few minutes later, feigning an urgent matter that required Selena’s attention. Selena deliberately slowed her pace, cutting her meat slowly and taking small sips of water, drawing out the silence.

She wanted to avoid any further conversation with Noel, lest she give him any reason to detain her. Fortunately, Noel seemed lost in thought and remained silent. Soon enough, as planned, Lucy arrived, feigning urgency.

“I apologize for the interruption. I have something urgent to tell you, Lady Selena.”

“What is it, Lucy?”

Selena, as if on cue, set down her cutlery and looked at Lucy. Lucy leaned in, whispering with a serious expression, “I bought your favorite apple pie from the dessert shop nearby. You can have it when we return.”