Chapter 46

"Saedy's birthday is coming up soon, isn't it?"

"Yeah. It's in two weeks, but I'm getting nervous."

"Saedy will be 18 years old. To me, she's still just a little kid."

"Hehe, Norman really acts like an older brother."

One afternoon, I was having tea leisurely in my garden with Eliza and Norman.

They seem to have gotten quite used to life here and are becoming healthier. Of course, Gerald is thoroughly managing Norman's health.

I once went to see the man with Norman, but he was cowering in the corner of the room, unable to even face us properly. He seemed like a completely different person from when he attacked me before, and it was eerie.

"Are you really going to go through with it on your birthday? It's such a special occasion."

"Well, there aren't many people who would come to celebrate my birthday anyway. The party will be small."

Eliza seemed concerned about the plan to trap Mabel on the day of my birthday party.

Even so, due to Tabitha's bad reputation, even if I send out invitations, there are only a limited number of people who would attend my birthday party. My family and friends will celebrate with me separately, and I am happy with that.

By the way, I have told my parents that I will just pretend to take medication and suffer. I told them it will be a very realistic performance, but I think it's quite a far-fetched setup. Still, they seem to have accepted it so far.

"Are you not inviting Lord Rufus?"

"Yeah. It's better for Rufus to not be publicly involved with me, so I won't send him anything or tell him."

The bad reputation about me still spreads in society. Inviting Rufus would only cause trouble for him and his family.

Besides, if he sees me collapse, he will be very worried.

...Actually, I would be happy if Rufus could celebrate with me. But I know I shouldn't be selfish, and the current situation doesn't allow for it.

"Hehe, you really like that necklace, don't you?"

While talking about him, I apparently unconsciously touched the necklace around my neck. It's the one with the red stone that Rufus bought for me when we went out the other day.

I've been wearing it every day since then, never taking it off.

"Is it a matching set with Lord Rufus? It's beautiful."

"Yeah, it's important to me."

"Saedy, you're so cute. You look like a girl."

Eliza smiled happily and patted my head.

"I hope everything gets resolved soon so that Saedy and Lord Rufus can meet openly."

"Thank you, Eliza."

"Right. I think the two of you would make a great couple."

"O-Oh, a great couple..."

Norman and I aren't in that kind of relationship. But remembering what the old lady at the杂货店 (miscellaneous goods store) said the other day, I started to feel uneasy.

◇◇◇

"Miss Saedy, you are truly, truly beautiful...!"

"Everyone, thank you so much."

Before I knew it, it was my birthday. The maids did their best to dress me up, but thinking about how the party will be ruined, my heart ached.

Still, the me in the mirror was so beautiful that I couldn't help but be captivated. I felt like a princess from a story I read as a child.

"This dress is so beautiful too, isn't it? As expected..."

"Hey, no!"

"Oh, sorry!"

After such an exchange, the maids hurriedly left the room. Wondering what was going on, I looked at the beautiful dress adorned with small, colorful flowers through the full-length mirror.

The same flowers as the dress were scattered in my hair, making me look very cute. I don't know if my father prepared it, but this dress, which looked like a flower field, was the most beautiful one I had ever seen. I couldn't help but twirl in front of the mirror multiple times, feeling elated.

"Saedy, is it okay if we come in?"

"Yeah, please do."

When I answered from the other side of the door, Eliza and Norman came in and praised me so much that I felt embarrassed. By the way, they are supposed to wait inside the mansion today.

Then, Eliza suddenly took my hand and said, "Come with me," and started walking.

"Eliza, where are we going?"

"...Saedy, I'm sorry. We don't have any money or anything, so we can't prepare a nice gift for you."

"I'm really sorry, even though you've always been so kind to us."

"Don't worry about it! Don't apologize!"

While being led down the hallway, I desperately pleaded for her not to apologize. I have been helped countless times by them over the past ten years.

"Still, we thought about what we could do for Saedy."

Eventually, they stopped in front of the parlor. Wondering what was going on, I looked at them.

"Happy 18th birthday."

"I love you, Saedy."

With those words, Norman opened the door and gently pushed Eliza, leading me into the room.

As the door closed behind me, I realized there was already someone in the room.

And the moment I saw his face, I gasped.

"...Rufus?"