Chapter 38: The story (2):

"So, what do you guys think the point I'm trying to make it?" I asked whilst pouring myself a cup of tea. Linda looked at me with her shiny eyes and gently muttered "get yourself a caring fiancé," with her words I almost spitted my tea out. She is a young girl who wants to fall in love. No wonder why she chose to kill herself when my soon-to-be brother married someone else. I smiled weakly at her and muttered "yes, but no,". I turned my attention towards Marquis Ravert and Madam Ravert and indirectly gestured for them to answer. Madam Ravert looked at her husband and signed. Madam Ravert walked up to Ryan and knelt at his eye level. "Ryan, I'm so sorry. I didn't realise I was excluding you. Don't be angry anymore. I promise I'll try and change for the better in the future," Ryan stood up to help his mum up, as marquis walked up to him, they all had a family hug.

Aiden looked at both of them and muttered I don't understand. I looked at him and as I was going to explain it to him Damian beat me to it. "What she meant was you should cherish the people around you now and not do anything you will regret later on. Don't you understand that?" he answered. I couldn't have said the first bit better however the second sentence offended Aiden. I stood in front of Aiden and gave him a short curtsy whilst quickly explaining how Damian did not mean it. "On the fact that this young lady is Ryan's friend and you're her friend, I'll just forgive you for now," Aiden announced as Damian grew more furious, he looked as if he wanted to retort, however, I stepped on his foot hardly which made him return behind me in pain I thanked Aiden with a smile however his words led me into confusion. Where was the sweet angle? The gentleman who is always willing to do anything for Eveline. Perhaps he is only kind to Eveline and no one else. Also, why was Damian so angry with Aiden? They just met. I mean they haven't become love enemies yet. So why the off-key? I'll ask him later if we will have enough time later to do so. "Since the crisis here is already resolved then I believe it's best if we head home," The grand duke announced as the Marquis headed off to show us the way out. Before we left the manor, Madam Ravert pulled me aside and asked for my name and who I was. I wasn't sure if I meant to tell her my identity, so I smiled and replied "My name is Camilla mam. I believe we will formally meet in a few weeks,". Answered the question with politeness but also hiding who I am. As the famous saying goes, I killed 2 birds with a stone.

I walked away from Ryan and his whole family however Ryan ran back to me and hugged me. Weren't men in this era meant to be more conserved? Why would he just suddenly hug me? I gently tapped him, and he released me quickly. "What's wrong," I asked as I noticed both Damian and Uncle Robert glaring at me. Why the heck are they angry? "I just wanted to say a thank you," he muttered shyly. "No need. However, I suggest you not do that again. Your parents seem to care for you. And I suppose you would be receiving their attention more in the future," I suggested whilst he nodded sheepishly. "So on Sunday, I'll go over to the grand duke's mansion to wait for you. Is that alright with you?" he asked whilst I nodded. I gently patted his shoulders and gestured for him to go back. The other two looked ready to kill Ryan. What for though? I too turned around and stepped inside the carriage. I only noticed that Ryan headed back inside after I got inside the carriage. Aww, how sweet. Like a boyfriend waiting for her lover. Why am I thinking about that though? We're just friends. Just friends.

Inside the mansion:

The marquis and madam had dismissed all of their children and servants and were finally spending time with their second son to get to know him better and to just generally talk. When the topic came up to Camilla's identity, Ryan only shook his head in reply.

Inside the carriage:

I immediately noticed Uncle Roberts's gaze on me as soon as I entered the carriage, but he only spoke up now. "Camilla sweetheart, it's not good to get into a relationship with another boy so early. They might end up hurting you," advised Uncle Robert. Is this the traditional father-stopping daughter from marrying a man scene? But it was replaced by an uncle instead. I never felt this sort of love in my first life, but now I can finally experience the overprotective fathering figure. I wonder what that will be like. I nodded to Uncle Robert's statement but said nothing more.