Returning home with a sense of hopelessness, Juli heard some good news from her father. He suggested they travel together to another town called 'Leben' for his work.
Juli's heart brimmed with joy as she envisioned the possibility of finding a similar scarf in the enchanting town awaiting her. The prospect filled her with hope, and as she nestled into her bed, dreams of tomorrow danced in her mind.
As the train pulled into Leben, Mr. Hahn handed Juli a sum of money, asking her to enjoy some shopping and sightseeing while he attended to his business in the town.
Guided by the map provided by her father, Juli made her way to the city centre. Following the map's directions, she reached a bustling town filled with numerous shops, her heart brimming with hope as she embarked on the quest to find a scarf similar to the one she had lost.
Little did Juli know, Duke was also in Leben town for property-related matters. After concluding his meeting, he began his journey back to the mansion. While passing through the city centre, he caught sight of a familiar figure.
For a moment, he questioned if he was hallucinating, but when Juli lifted her head to cross the road, he saw her clearly. A sense of happiness adorned his face, a subtle emotion he hadn't anticipated. He was amused to find her in this town.
After spotting her, he couldn't fathom the thought of turning back. How could he miss the opportunity for a bit of entertainment? 'Let's play your favourite game, Juli' he chuckled, 'Hide and Seek.'
He instructed his driver to park the car at the hotel and wait for him.
A question raised in his mind. 'What are you doing here and that too alone?'
Adrian continued to shadow Juli, moving from one shop to another in search of the elusive scarf. It became evident to him that she was on a mission to find a similar scarf to replace the one he had burned.
After a weary search through numerous shops, Juli let out a sigh of disappointment. Exhaustion and hunger began to catch up with her.
Her gaze fell upon an expensive-looking restaurant across the street. Of course, going inside such a place was beyond her means. Consulting the map, she checked if there was another more affordable restaurant nearby, but the only option she found was 2 km away. Reluctantly, she decided to walk, her weariness evident.
Adrian observed her glances at the eatery, the map, and her tired sigh. He approached her from behind and whispered in her ear, "Are you hungry?"
Recognizing the voice instantly, a fear appeared on her face. 'How is it possible.'
She turned her head to find Adrian standing there, but before she could utter a word, he suggested "Lets go for lunch."
Juli, her eyebrows furrowed, initially protested, "I am not hungry," even though her stomach seemed to disagree by growling loudly.
Adrian could not help but chuckle. "I guess your stomach has a different opinion."
He playfully asked Juli, "Now, should I let you walk freely, or do I have to make you?"
Juli knew her resistance was futile and on top of that, she was feeling too drained to put up a fight, Juli reluctantly started to walk towards the restaurant.
Adrian ordered roasted pork with potato salad for both of them.
As they ate, Adrian casually asked, "What's with the search for a scarf?"
Juli was caught off guard, evident by her surprise. She stammered, "H-how did you know...?"
"What do you think, Juli?"
His piercing eyes were locked onto hers. The two shared a moment of silence as their eyes connected.
Juli finally averted her gaze, focusing on the food on her plate. She did not want to respond to his question, especially after he had burned her scarf without a hint of regret on his face.
"What are you doing in this city, Duke?"
"My Duke, Juli. you need to do something about your memory?"
" What brings you here My Duke?" Juli corrected herself. She obeyed without complaining or displaying any signs of anger..
"What is special about that scarf?" he asked again.
How should she be calm when Duke acts like this? It feels like he always tests her patience, "My Duke, you don't answer my questions, so why should I respond to every question of yours?"
While taking a bite, Adrian simply stated, "Because I am the Duke, and you are just a woman. It's quite simple isn't it?"
A flush of crimson overcame Juli's face, stunned by the words he uttered. His customary mistreatment usually rolled off her, but the declaration that she was nothing but just a woman hit a nerve.
"You are right, my Duke. But why would you waste your precious time eating with someone who is just a woman?"
Adrian placed his fork and knife on the table, straightened his posture, and looked at Juli.
Her eyes were speaking of pain in her heart caused by him.
He did not know the answer himself.
Why he enjoyed toying with her emotions. When did she become his source of entertainment? Why did he find satisfaction in her tears, in her struggles? He wanted to isolate her, to possess her entirely, where he would dictate when she could be happy and when she must cry.
He picked up his utensils and continued eating. " I am waiting for your answer."
Juli never had a chance to win against Duke, at least not now. She wanted to be done with him. The more time she spends there, the more he is going to hurt her.
"I am looking for a similar scarf, it was a gift from Keylup, and I don't want him to know that I lost it."
Adrian smiled, "It's not lost but burned into ashes.", he felt a sense of satisfaction, knowing that he had incinerated the scarf gifted by another man.
Upon finishing their meal, Adrian signalled for the bill.
"I'd like to cover my own expenses; my father has provided me with money."
"Consider it a reimbursement for the scarf I burnt."
"The worth of that scarf goes beyond mere money, My Duke." Juli retorted with a hint of taunt in her voice.
"Then, I'll turn everything in your life that holds more value than mere money to ashes." Declared duke.
Duke’s words sent terror through Juli's body.
With an emotionless stare, he uttered, "Accept whatever I offer without resistance. Consider it a mercy I bestow upon you."
He paid the bill and exited the restaurant.
Juli with tearful eyes, decided to abandon her search for the scarf and instead headed towards her father's location.
Juli couldn't comprehend why the Duke behave so differently with her.
After spending the summer, Adrian embarked on a year of military training.
Once Adrian left, Juli felt a sense of relief. She believed that she could now breathe freely.
Juli applied in Traditional Naturopathy hospital for her further education in Rais city where Keylup was doing his graduation. She sent a letter to Keylup mentioning her application has been approved and she should be moving to Rais next year.
Keylup was overjoyed and quickly composed a reply, expressing his happiness. He also hinted that he had a surprise in store for her the following summer.
However, there was another development in store for Juli.
Rose informed her parents regarding Juli's admission to a Traditional Naturopathy Hospital for further practical education, and she would be moving to Rais the following year.
This news brought concern for Alexandra, at the prospect of Keylup and Juli living in the same city. She felt that time was running out for her plans. The news also reached the Dogwar duchess, who shared the same concern.
Mrs. Witlock seized the opportunity, and Rose's birthday party became the perfect setting for her scheme.
Mrs. Witlock saw it as a golden opportunity to organise a grand party. She planned to invite Juli to the event with the intention of humiliating her.
The date for the party was set, and invitations were sent out to various high noble families, including members of the imperial family. This elaborate party was scheduled to take place just three months before Juli's departure to Rais.
Juli received the Witlock family the invitation to Rose's birthday party.
She was lost in her thoughts, considering the significance of being invited to Rose's party for the first time. Mr. Hahn, noticing his daughter's preoccupied state of mind, inquired about the cause. Juli shared with her father the news of receiving an invitation to Rose's birthday celebration.
Her father offered to set aside some money so she could purchase new clothes for the occasion.
"While you'd look lovely in a simple dress, it's your first time attending such an event, and I'd like you to have a new dress for the occasion." Mr. Hahn expressed, hoping Juli's experience at the noble party, as she has never been ever invited to any parties.
The maids at Duke Palace were engaged in excited chatter, about Juli attending the Witlock party and needing to buy a new dress.
"Juli will be attending the Witlock family party. What a wonderful opportunity for her!
“I heard that even the Imperial family is invited. Juli is lucky; she'll get to see the Imperial family up close."
Another maid chimed in, "Absolutely, we should help Juli find the perfect dress for the occasion."
The Duchess who was sitting on the terrace overheard their conversation. She felt a surge of agitation at the thought of Juli attending the party.
'While I'm grateful for your assistance, you have no place in the Witlock family, who will soon be part of our family.'
The day arrived when the three maids joined Juli on the much-anticipated shopping expedition.
They stepped into an opulent designer clothing boutique, the air filled with the scent of luxury and the rustle of fine fabrics. The dazzling displays of the latest trends in fashion surrounded them, creating an overwhelming sense of opulence. Juli, however, couldn't help but feel a bit out of place in this lavish setting.
As Juli scanned the price tags, a hint of uncertainty shadowed her expression. The stark contrast between her modest budget and the extravagant prices made Juli worried.
The perceptive shop owner sensed her hesitation. Looking at her humble attire, she was aware of Juli's commoner status, she subtly directed her towards a corner displaying dresses from the previous year's collection.
"Though these may not be the latest in fashion, they fit better within your budget," the owner said kindly, offering assistance.
The dress offered to Juli was a beautiful hue of light aqua green, evoking the serenity of a calm lagoon. Delicate pink flowers adorned the fabric, lending an air of grace and charm. The sleeves cascaded gracefully to her elbows, offering a hint of skin while preserving modesty.
The dress itself was long and free-flowing, designed to trail gently as she moved, creating an air of effortless grace and beauty. Its colours and patterns seemed to dance together, making it a perfect choice for a special occasion in Juli’s eye.
The maids offered their expertise to help Juli select the perfect accessories to complement her attire. They first guided her to choose a matching set of earrings and a necklace that harmonised beautifully with her dress.
Afterwards, they headed to a footwear boutique to find the ideal shoes to complete her ensemble. There, Juli's bought a stunning pair of high heel pumps in a lush shade of green. Their simplicity exudes elegance, making them a perfect choice to enhance her outfit.
Following a day of exploring various shops and making selections, the group decided to treat themselves to a delightful indulgence—ice cream. They savoured the rich flavours and creamy textures of their chosen treats while basking in the pleasant weather that added an extra layer of joy to their outing.
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