Chapter 9: A Night Alone.
Camille turned and walked back to her car, her movements fluid and purposeful, while Evelina stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing.
As Camille and Ambrose's car pulled away, Evelina swallowed hard and stepped into her own vehicle.
As her car drove down the road, the cool night air seemed to press in from all sides, its chill creeping into her bones despite the warmth of the luxurious interior. Her fingers tightened on the seat, her mind racing. Camille knew. And Evelina wasn't entirely sure how to handle this.
How long has she known? Evelina wondered, her grip tightening. The weight of Camille's words echoed in her ears, I will come see you tomorrow morning. We have a lot to talk about...
Her thoughts were interrupted as the car veered into the quiet streets, its tires humming against the asphalt. The rhythmic sound was almost soothing, but it couldn't calm the storm brewing in Evelina's chest. Camille's visit was not an invitation—it was a command, a warning. Evelina didn't doubt for a second that whatever Camille planned, it would be far from pleasant.
Evelina allowed herself a small moment of introspection. What am I going to do?
Camille is no fool.
Soon, the car slowed as it approached the gates of the Hargrave estate. The chauffeur glanced at her through the rearview mirror. "We're home, young Madam."
Evelina nodded absently, her gaze distant as she stared out the window. She needed a plan—something to put Camille off, at least for a while.
The chauffeur drove into the estate after camille and Ambrose car drove in.
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As the car came to a stop in front of Leone's wing, Evelina's gaze shifted toward the dark silhouette of the building. The architecture was imposing yet elegant, standing tall against the dimming sky.
'As expected of the richest family in the country,' she thought, her eyes taking in the grandeur of the estate.
The chauffeur, sensing her hesitation, opened the door. Evelina stepped out onto the cobbled path, the sharp click of her heels against the stones echoing in the night air. Before she could make her way to the entrance, a soft voice called from behind.
"Madam Evelina."
Turning, Evelina saw the maid—young, poised, and carrying an air of quiet professionalism. She approached with measured grace, her steps light and fluid.
"Please, allow me to guide you to your quarters," the maid said politely. "It's a bit of a walk from here."
Evelina nodded, her silence heavy with the weight of the night's events. She followed the maid through the estate, passing tall, regal columns and softly lit corridors. The sprawling wings of the grand house seemed endless, but after a time, they arrived at her designated space.
As the door to her wing opened, Evelina stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room. Soft sconces bathed the space in warm light, the delicate fabrics draped over the furniture added an air of refinement, and the overall elegance was unmistakable. The maid led her toward the bedroom.
"I shall take my leave now," the maid said, offering a final courteous nod before leaving Evelina alone.
Evelina walked to the grand mirror by the vanity and began to untangle her long hair, the weight of the day pressing on her. As her fingers worked through the strands, she caught her reflection in the glass. The wedding dress, still pristine, now seemed heavy.
She paused for a moment, her thoughts drifting to her husband, Leone.
Will he spend the night here? she wondered, her cheeks warming at the thought.
Slipping into her nightgown, the cool silk fabric brushed against her skin as she moved to sit by the window. The moonlit garden outside stretched out like a quiet dream, but inside, the silence of her room was suffocating. She stared out at the garden, waiting.
Is he not coming here? Her fingers tightened around the edge of the window sill, her pulse quickening. We should at least have our wedding night. Or... don't tell me he's going to ignore this too?
Her thoughts spiraled, a tangle of confusion and frustration. The night was meant to be theirs, a moment of connection, a beginning. But instead, it felt like just another day where Leone would retreat into his silence, ignoring the bond they were supposed to share. She had come all this way, married into this family, and yet there was no warmth in his actions—no recognition of the promise they'd made to each other.
Evelina sighed, turning away from the window, feeling the emptiness settle in.
At the very least, even if this is an arranged marriage... there should be some level of respect between us. Both parties should fulfill their duties.
The soft scent of fresh linens filled the room, but it did nothing to calm the restless energy that churned inside her. She moved away from the window and lay down on the large bed, staring at the ceiling as her thoughts continued to race. What was going through Leone's mind? Did he even care about her? Or was she simply another obligation, another duty to be ignored?
Her eyes fluttered closed, but sleep eluded her, leaving her alone with her thoughts.
As the hours passed, the soft sounds of the estate at night filled the air—the rustling of trees outside, the faint footsteps of staff in the hallway—but still, there was no knock on her door. No sign of her husband.
Evelina felt a wave of frustration crash over her, and her eyes fluttered closed, but sleep wouldn't come. Not yet.
The minutes stretched into hours, and Evelina could feel the anticipation growing with each passing moment. The silence of the room seemed to grow louder with her thoughts. She opened her eyes and glanced toward the door, as if willing Leone to appear. But no knock came. No footsteps.
A heavy sigh escaped her lips, and she rose from the bed, her nightgown flowing as she moved to the small bell by the side of the bed. She rang it softly.
Moments later, the maid appeared, her steps light and hesitant as she entered the room.
"Madam Evelina, is there something you need?" the maid asked, her voice polite but tinged with an undercurrent of uncertainty.
Evelina straightened, trying to mask the growing frustration in her voice. "I've been waiting for quite some time, but…" She hesitated for a moment, before adding, "When is my husband, arriving? Aren't we supposed to be sharing a room or at least spend this night together?"
The maid's expression faltered, her eyes briefly shifting away before she met Evelina's gaze. For a moment, there was a long silence, as if she were carefully choosing her words.
"Madam…" The maid's voice was soft, almost apologetic. "Young master Leone... will not be coming tonight."