There Is No Paradise Where I Ran Away To (14 Chapters Left to Complete) - Chapter 68

The long third morning arrived clear and bright. Edwin, reading the morning paper as the crisp autumn breeze drifted in through the open window, checked the time just as his coffee grew cold.

When the hour reached a suitable moment to summon someone, he left instructions with a servant and stepped out of his room.

Edwin headed toward the Grand Conservatory, renowned as the pride of the royal court. Filled with imported tropical trees, rare flora, and exotic animals, it was a place every distinguished guest visiting the palace made sure to see at least once.

Yesterday afternoon, after coming to his room but leaving without saying what she had wanted to, Vivian had headed straight to this very conservatory. Here, among wondrous plants and trees and chirping birds, she must have tried to calm her troubled heart.

Thinking of Vivian’s state of mind, Edwin sat down and soon waited for Sera Chadwick to arrive. Before long, Sera Chadwick appeared with a servant, and Edwin escorted her to her seat.

“I didn’t expect you’d invite me personally.”

Unlike her decision made yesterday, Sera now smiled gracefully and serenely. Even the way she lifted her teacup was thoroughly aristocratic—her every movement as dignified as Vivian’s.

“I assumed you’d convey your intentions through either the baroness or your servants.”

Despite her calm expression, Sera’s tone was sharp, mocking Edwin with refined subtlety. When he showed no reaction even to her veiled accusation of cowardice, Sera pursed her lips with displeasure.

His response was entirely unlike most men, who would flush with anger or shame when their pride was wounded.

“Didn’t you insist yesterday, Miss Chadwick, that I state my position clearly? Though I believe I’ve already conveyed my meaning unambiguously through other means, I thought it best to confirm once more—just in case.”

Failing to get the response she’d hoped for, Sera’s eyes sharpened. Edwin’s composed, ordinary smile scratched at her insides.

A man’s appearance alone could never place him at the top of marriageability rankings—but when every aspect of him was already perfect, adding flawless looks changed everything. Regardless, the fact remained: she had lost the most coveted bachelor in Newway.

“My point was that, no matter how this engagement proceeds, I didn’t expect you to express your opinion in person. You’re always so busy, after all.”

Not wanting to make an enemy outright, Sera quickly backtracked from her earlier sharp retort, skillfully smoothing things over with social tact.

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