There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 67

Vivian, who had safely finished her performance, had no trouble maintaining a composed act until she received praise from the Queen. But as the Queen’s gaze shifted to Edwin and she began speaking to him, Vivian’s consciousness started to blur. The wine had hit her so hard that even Edwin’s replies to the Queen sounded muffled in her ears.

Edwin naturally escorted Vivian back to their seats. The moment her tension eased, Vivian collapsed onto the chair like a structure crumbling, gasping for breath as she stared blankly up at Edwin.

She had many questions she wanted to ask, but the alcohol had tangled her thoughts so thoroughly she couldn’t form them coherently.

To this Vivian, Edwin extended his large hand. Past his pale palm, she fixed her gaze firmly on his calm blue eyes.

The man destined to become another woman’s husband. And yet, he’d brazenly threatened to keep her by his side as his mistress.

She couldn’t accept his hand. She didn’t want to align herself any further with such wickedness, such wrongdoings.

When Vivian turned away from Edwin, he gave a soft chuckle and withdrew his outstretched hand. In that moment, Alice, unable to hide her joyous smile, stepped between them.

“Your Grace, I thoroughly enjoyed your performance. I hadn’t realized you were also skilled at the piano. Everyone’s heard that piece for the first time and is terribly curious about it. They’ve all been asking me which piece it was—I had no idea what to tell them!”

“Vivian will know.”

As he passed the credit to Vivian, Alice’s spring-flower-like smile turned toward her. Then, upon seeing Vivian’s intoxicated state, Alice couldn’t suppress her shock.

“Oh dear! Miss Ebelline, are you alright? Your eyes are so unfocused… Are you really okay? Shouldn’t you go rest right away?”

Alice crouched before Vivian, voicing her concern. With a quiet sigh, Edwin grabbed Vivian’s limp hand and pulled her up.

Her wobbling body steadied against the floor as Edwin firmly supported her. She wanted to push him away, but she lacked the strength.

“As my lady suggests, Vivian is quite inebriated—we should probably retire early. She seemed unable to enjoy the party while fretting over unfamiliar surroundings. I won’t forget your kindness, my lady.”

Moved by the Duke’s graciousness, Alice rose from her seat, her face flushed with touched gratitude. She carefully concealed her joy and offered an elegant curtsy, and Edwin quietly left the party hall, supporting Vivian.

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