That night ended, with Audrey concluding it by leaving the dining table.
The next morning, Audrey was forced to accompany Lewis and bid him farewell. Lewis, that man, was still smiling sweetly at her. The only response Audrey gave was a lazy stare.
"We sincerely apologize for any discomfort you experienced while you were here. As for Audrey, I will ensure she recovers soon and returns to her old self." Jonathan looked at both Lewis and Audrey alternately.
Lewis smiled while nodding. "It's alright, Count. I will make sure to make Audrey like me again. No matter what it takes."
Audrey rolled her eyes lazily. Look at how good that man was at bragging. Just annoying.
"In that case, I'll take my leave, Count, Countess. Audrey, take care of yourself. I'll come to pick you up," Lewis added before taking a step away.
"For what? I don't want to be dragged straight to the wedding altar!" Audrey replied quickly.
Audrey got a chuckle. "We will go on a date; it seems your heart needs to be taken out for a walk to soften up again. See you all!" Lewis waved his hand and then got into the carriage.
Slowly, the carriage that Lewis was in left the front yard of Count Howgart's residence. Leaving that family in silence once again. Audrey was ready to spend her time alone again, but her steps were outpaced by her father's hand, which had already grabbed her to prevent her from escaping.
A slap flew right to her cheek, making Audrey's head almost lose control. The slap that Jonathan gave her really hurt, more painful than anything she had ever gone through before. More painful than merely being yelled at; Jonathan was a man she trusted deeply. However, this had never been part of her calculations.
"Father? You slapped me? Really?" Audrey's voice trembled.
"Why? You deserve it. For the past few days, I've tried to be gentle with you so you would understand. It turns out you are harder than I thought!"
Jonathan delivered another slap to the same spot. Once again, Audrey could only remain silent without dodging.
"Sweetheart, stop slapping her like that!" Anne tried to stop Jonathan by holding his tense arm.
"Let him hit me harder! Just strike me, father is just venting his frustration, right? Just because I was born a female doesn't mean I can't choose the partner I want to marry!"
"Audrey, your father is doing this for your own good too. Your father chooses Lewis for his goodness, for the good deed Lewis did, he saved you, Audrey," said Anne. She gestured to Delima to take Audrey to her room.
"If you insist on living your life as you wish, then leave this house immediately. I don't need a child who cannot repay their debts!" Jonathan's shout pierced Audrey's heart as she walked away. Tears streamed down her cheeks; it hurt so much to realize that her only family did not support her at all.
Delima helped Audrey clean the wound at the corner of her lip. Slightly torn and bleeding, Delima gently applied ointment to her lips.
"I think father has a point, Sis. He always wants the best for you; I believe he hopes you marry a good man. Like Master Lewis." Delima spoke up.
"Don't bring it up again. You heard, right? Father has kicked me out of here, which means I don't need to obey him anymore."
Delima was a little confused; she had always admired her half-sister. Although living with drug dependency, Audrey was always enthusiastic and a role model for her. Delima was also grateful that Audrey met Lewis, who was equally kind; she was sure they would be happy together. But after waking up from her treatment, Audrey's attitude had changed drastically.
This was like she was not herself, but Lewis explained that in this process of treatment,there will be strong side effects that we never expected. Perhaps, this is the side effect.
A servant knocked from outside the door, informing that a letter had arrived for Audrey. The woman immediately jumped up and stepped to the doorstep. Receiving the letter and hurriedly reading it.
"Finally! My plan is going well! Aha! Which outfit should I wear?"
So happy, Audrey forgot about Delima's presence in her room. She immediately returned to neutralizing her voice and cleared her throat. "It's nothing. You can go back to your room. I'll be going to meet someone for a moment."
Audrey carved a smile while closing her room door, even though she knew Delima might feel a bit hurt because Audrey didn't share her happiness.
Audrey had to get ready to meet that Duke Lawress soon.
***
Audrey was so enthusiastic, sitting quietly waiting for her target who would arrive soon. This restaurant was the place for their first meeting. Ah, it felt like Audrey's heart would burst from excitement.
Several waiters came to her table to write down what she would order. Like a true gentleman, Duke Lawress had ordered for all bills to be sent to his address. This made Audrey even happier. How many things made her heart nearly burst today?
Afterwards, Audrey's heart was pumped even harder. A man arrived and gently tapped her table, making her focus on the visual he possessed. His black hair contrasted sharply with his bright blood-red eyes. If possible, Audrey wanted to marry him right then.
"Miss Audrey Howgart?" he asked, his voice could even make Audrey lose control of her facial expression. How could she have missed such a handsome man before!
"Ah, yes. That's right, Duke. Please, I've ordered the menu."
Nervous, Audrey forgot when was the last time she felt this nervous. Their food arrived, Audrey invited Duke Lawress to enjoy their meal first before starting the conversation.
"So, what would you like to discuss when meeting me?" Duke Lawress spoke up as he was the first to finish his meal.
"Well, Duke. I know this may be a bit inappropriate, but the situation is really very urgent. I hope you understand and can think it over before making a decision."
"Go ahead." Duke Lawress took a sip of water to moisten his throat.
"Let's get married."
Upon hearing that, his throat immediately could no longer swallow the water he was drinking. The man choked due to surprise. "Excuse me?"
"I am proposing to you. I know you are still single, and perhaps at your age now you need a companion. I do too, so let's get married." Strangely, Audrey no longer felt nervous. In fact, she became more excited seeing Duke Lawress's reaction.
"Miss, marriage is not an easy thing. You could be deceived if you marry a man carelessly."
"I know. That's why I've chosen to propose to you."
Duke Lawress stood up from his seat. He stared deeply at Audrey. For a moment, Audrey felt that the gaze from his red eyes was somewhat frightening.
"I refuse."