I didn't know why. We had only known each other for a few hours. Yet that small nod eased the anxiety that had weighed on my chest all day. Maybe it was because, from the very beginning, Lucien had never acted as though everything had already been decided. He had always given me space and for someone I had only just met, that was more than enough. Adrian was the first to stand. "In that case, allow us to see you out." "Please, don't trouble yourselves," my father said politely. Claire immediately shook her head. "In our family, seeing our guests to the door is simply what we do." My father smiled "Then we'll gladly accept." We all stood almost at the same time. Several members of the household staff quietly stepped forward to clear away the empty teacups and dessert plates. I picked up the handbag I had left beside the sofa. Claire approached me first. "Evelyn." "Yes, Aunt Claire?" She gently took both of my hands "Thank you for coming today." "I should be the one thanking you." "I'm so glad we finally had the chance to meet." I returned her smile, "So am I." She softly patted the back of my hand before letting go, "You should come visit again sometime. You don't have to wait for another family gathering." "I'd love to." "Next time, I'll show you the greenhouse behind the garden. We didn't have time to visit it today." I smiled, "I'd really like that." On the other side of the room, my father was shaking hands with Adrian. "Thank you for your wonderful hospitality." "We're the ones who should be thanking you." "I think today went much better than I expected." Adrian chuckled. "I feel the same." "The children seemed very comfortable talking with each other." "That's what matters most." My father nodded. "It matters most to us as well." My mother walked over to Claire. "The lemon cake was truly delicious." Claire laughed softly, "Next time, I'll send you the recipe." "Then I'll hold you to that." "Please do." I watched the two women chatting as though they had known each other for years. Even though they had only met today. It felt like watching two old friends reunited after a long time apart. "Lucien." Adrian's voice drew my attention. "Yes, Father?" "Please walk the Laurent family to their car." "Of course." Lucien walked over. Together, we made our way toward the foyer. Our footsteps echoed softly across the marble floor. The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, bathing the hall in a warm golden glow. As soon as we stepped outside the front doors, the spring breeze greeted us once again. The air was noticeably cooler than when we had arrived. Several attendants stood neatly beside the staircase. Our car was already waiting at the entrance. My father shook Adrian's hand once more. "Until next week." "Until next week." Claire gave my mother a warm hug. "Have a safe trip home." I stood a few steps behind them. Lucien was beside me. Together, we watched our parents continue their conversation. "They really enjoy talking." I broke the silence. "Hm." "It turns out both of our families are the same." "That's true." I smiled. "I was afraid everything would feel very formal." "So was I." I looked at him. "You were?" "Yes." "I thought you never got nervous." Lucien kept his eyes on the driveway ahead. "I just don't show it." I laughed softly, "That really does sound like you." "Perhaps." A few seconds later, he turned toward me. "Thank you." I blinked, "For what?" "Today went much more smoothly than I expected." I smiled sincerely, "I feel the same." "I hope next week won't be too exhausting." I laughed. "Judging by our parents..." I glanced at them, still happily chatting. "...I think it's going to be a long evening." For the first time that day, Lucien let out a quiet laugh. It was brief, but it was enough to make me laugh as well. Adrian called out. "Lucien." "Yes?" "We're finished here." Lucien nodded. Then he turned back to me. "Until next week, Evelyn. There were no sweet words. No extravagant promises. Just one simple sentence but that's make me smiling before I even realized it. "Until next week, Lucien." After saying my goodbyes to everyone, I got into the car. The door closed softly behind me. As the car slowly pulled away from Ashford Estate, I caught one last glimpse of Lucien standing at the top of the front steps beside his parents. He didn't wave. He simply stood there, composed, wearing the same calm expression he had worn when we first met. The sight brought me a sense of comfort. I leaned my head back against the seat. I had arrived today carrying countless worries. But I was leaving with one small certainty. Maybe... This arranged marriage wouldn't be as bad as I had imagined. Or perhaps... It was only the beginning of something I couldn't yet begin to understand.

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