Chapter 57

It has been half a month since I entered Eliza's body.

Since that day, Rufus has not visited the Haines family, and it seems he still hasn't noticed the switch.

Given what I've heard from Gerald, it's only natural.

Mabel has been lying about having a memory gap, and if Gerald, who knows me well, is covering for her, it might be impossible for anyone to notice.

Most of all, it seems unlikely that my kind parents and friends would suspect a switch right after I collapsed due to the side effects of the drug.

"I wonder what Rufus is doing right now..."

Since I realized my feelings for him, I find myself thinking about him more and more.

I can't count how many times I've wanted to see him and hear his voice.

The thought of Mabel, who is now in my body, being close to Rufus makes my heart ache.

"...I have to pull myself together."

If I don't take action, nothing will change. For now, I need to gain Gerald's trust and find a way to get out.

Checking the clock, it's almost the usual time for Gerald to arrive. I quickly tidied myself up and sat down in a chair.

As I practiced forcing a smile, the familiar knock echoed through the room.

When I responded, Gerald came in immediately.

"Saidie, good morning. I bought some flowers you used to like."

"Thank you, Gerald."

Gerald, with his usual bright smile, handed me a large and beautiful bouquet of flowers.

I took them with a smile, and he sat down in a chair.

-- Gerald visits me six days a week and spends about three hours with me each day.

The rest of the time, he goes to the Arkwright mansion or helps with household chores.

While suppressing my anger towards Gerald, every conversation with him felt like a grind on my heart.

"I went to the Arkwright mansion yesterday, but nothing seemed different with everyone. Oh, and Rufus Langridge was there, always accompanying Mabel."

"Really?"

"He seems to completely believe that she is Saidie and is taking good care of her. It's really foolish, I can't believe it."

Since I lied to Gerald, saying that Rufus, who hasn't noticed the switch, is a lost cause, I can't show any signs of being hurt.

I desperately tried to act indifferent and nod along.

Gerald looked at me with unreadable eyes but eventually smiled contentedly.

"About the wedding, what do you think of the cathedral in the Western Forest? I heard it's popular among women."

Although he seems happy now, it took a lot of persuasion to convince him to have a wedding.

Gerald apparently didn't want me to go out at all and was hesitant.

However, after pleading with tears, saying that it would be unfair to never see my family or friends again and never fulfill my childhood dream, Gerald finally gave in.

He said he didn't mind if I hated him as long as I stayed by his side, but it seems he wants me to like him at least a little.

I have reservations about using someone's kindness, but I have no choice now.

If I don't, I'll be confined by Gerald for the rest of my life. The only way to get a chance to escape is this.

"Saidie? Did you not like it?"

I've only been to the cathedral in the Western Forest once, with my parents when I was a child.

Although it's a bit far from the capital, the Western Forest is quite large and complex, which might be good for hiding after escaping.

From Gerald's perspective, it's unpopular and convenient, but I clasped my hands and pretended to be excited.

"Of course! I'm so happy."

"That's great. It will be a small, private ceremony, but I hope you'll forgive me."

"It's perfect, thank you always."

"I'll do anything for the woman I love."

-- If you really love me, please let me be free.

I swallowed the words that were on the tip of my tongue and pasted a smile, saying "thank you" again.

Gerald's love is terribly self-centered.

I've been wondering why such a kind person turned out this way.

I thought I knew him well, but in the end, I knew nothing.

"...When did you start liking me?"

"Eleven years ago, when I first met Saidie."

The fact that he knew and liked me before we met in that place was troubling, so I decided to ask him directly.

"Why do you like me so much, Gerald? Eleven years ago, where did we meet...?"

Gerald's eyes widened for a moment at my sudden question, but then he lowered his long lashes as if reminiscing.

"It's a bit of a long story, but is it okay?"

"Yeah, it's fine."

I nodded, and Gerald exhaled softly before speaking quietly.

"...Actually, I'm not really part of the Findlay family."

"Huh?"

"The real son of that family died a long time ago, and I was taken in as a replacement because I looked similar. I've been in an orphanage since birth and don't even know what my real parents look like."

"..."

I couldn't hide my confusion at this new information.

Seeing my reaction, Gerald's eyebrows drooped, and he smiled.

"Saidie, when you were young, didn't you and the countess visit orphanages and hospitals as part of charity work? That's where I met you."