After a few hours, Madam Luo was declared dead. The older woman died in the arms of her grandson, smiling. While this was enough to make everyone sad, Lily and Zhou Jingren, even Claude knew that her death was the best outcome that they could possibly have. Madam Luo’s remains were immediately cremated and were given to her grandson, who chose to stay inside the palace for his own safety.
Since not many people knew that Madam Luo and Claude stayed in the palace, the Duke told Leandro and the others that the old madam died in Belgium. And that Claude wanted to spend some time to mourn alone.
Days passed.
Today, the twins will turn twenty-four. And just like every birthday celebrant, Eliza was ecstatic. She knew that the topic of marriage would soon arise in this dinner. And she was excited to see Harringfort’s reaction.
“What do you think?” Eliza beamed as she asked Lily about her necklace. “This is something that my maternal grandfather just gave me when he arrived. It belongs to my late grandmother. He said this is a family heirloom.” She clutched the penta star pendant. “This is handcrafted by my great great great great grandfather and is made of one of the oldest diamonds in the world.”
Lily raised an eyebrow at the interesting fact. She smiled. “Happy Birthday. The necklace is exquisite. Something that suits you very well.”
Eliza smiled and walked towards Lily’s mirror. She looked at the necklace for the umpteenth time. Seeing this, a mysterious glint flashed in Lily’s eyes before she stood next to Eliza and gave her a small box. “Our gift. It’s small. I hope you won’t mind.” The box was only as big as Lily’s palm.
“Thank you! I know I will love it.” She said as she opened the box. Her eyes immediately widened at the key. “What is this?”
“A small vacation house in the Caribbean. I know how you love— ” Before she could finish her words, Eliza already pulled her for a hug.
“Stomach…” Lily managed to say. “My stomach.”
“Oh! My!” Eliza covered her mouth with her hand. “I’m sorry… I’m sorry!”
“It’s fine.”
Eliza immediately thanked Lily for the gift. Lily knew how much she loves the outdoors. “I will treasure this gift forever.” She started beaming.
“So… Mr. Neeson will attend the dinner tonight?” Lily asked as she fixed her dress.
“He is always here for our birthday.”
“And… your fiance?” Lily asked.
“I…” Eliza immediately avoided Lily’s gaze. Guilt flashed in her eyes. For some reason, the fact that she is using Lily as an inspiration is making her guilty. Was it because… she didn’t let Lily know about her plans? “I am actually here because I wanted to inform you about something important.” She cleared her throat and slowly pulled Lily towards the couch.
“Did something happen?”
“I— I decided not to cancel my engagement.” Eliza responded. “But… But… for some reason, I think you already know that.”
Lily stopped herself from laughing at the latter’s reactions. “Why would you think that?”
“I don’t know.” She shrugged. She always thought that Lily’s eyes could read people. And she is brilliant. She was the exact opposite of her.
“This is weird.” Lily said. Why does it sound like Eliza is asking her permission like… she was her mother? Lily wanted to laugh, but she knew it would only make Eliza think she was making fun of her. “If you really love him then… what’s stopping you?”
“I— I … oh my god… this is a misunderstanding. I don’t even like him.” Lily must have thought that she is marrying him because she is actually hiding some feelings for him! Eliza immediately started explaining. “I decided that I will abandon the Royalty just like your grandfather did!”
“I’m sorry?”
“You heard me right! I will leave the royal family!”
Lily stared at Eliza in disbelief. So what does this have to do with the marriage? As if sensing the questions in Lily’s mind, Eliza continued.
“At first, I will follow my father’s words, then divorce him! Then… out of embarrassment, I will declare that I no longer wanted to become a princess and will travel the world to atone for my failed marriage!”
Lily blinked. Then… she blinked again. Seeing the certainty in Eliza’s eyes, Lily finally nodded and smiled. “Is that… Is that your plan?”
Eliza nodded with a huge smile on her face. This is the only way that she could think of to get out of the responsibilities that she currently has. She could use her broken heart as an excuse to stop working for her family. She was sure that her savings would be enough to last her a lifetime! She could buy a cabin in the mountains and spend her life camping somewhere! She could stay in the house that Lily gifted and try fishing and surfing and maybe even paint the sunset!
She had a chance to be happy! All she needed to do is marry that man first!
“I think this is the only excuse that I could use to avoid issues. I don’t want to drag my family into this.” Eliza added.
“Did you tell anyone about this?”
She shook her head in response. “No. I was a little hesitant to tell mother about this. I tried talking to Levi, but we ended up talking about computer games instead. So… the only person who knows my plan is you and me.”
Lily nodded. A flash of understanding can be seen in her eyes. “If that’s what you want… then… you have my support. I would be thrilled to help you out if you need a job.”
“You would?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you… that is wonderful!” Eliza beamed as tears started pooling in her eyes. This… this is by far the best gift that she received today! However, Lily was actually thinking about Levi right now. Since Leandro is considered corrupted… then who will be the next Duke? Mikaela is also compromised. And since Eliza is planning to leave… that would make Levi that only one that would inherit the seat.
Grand Duke Levi….
1/5
