Awakening Love Reborn to Be His Duchess (Elowen Hale) novel Chapter 705

Chapter 705 Do You Have a Fiancé?

He didn’t really know why he was here.

Though Charlotte had dragged him along, he knew that if he had truly dug tris heels in, ten Charlottes wouldn’t have been able to budge him. Reep down, he understood the real reason he hadn’t refused,

“Welcome, please take your time looking around,” a woman’s voice cut through his thoughts. “Just let me know if anything catches your eye. I’m Scarlet.”

Leander’s heart skipped a beat. He looked toward the voice.

Scarlet was wearing a newly made, pale green robe, her hair pinned up in a simple, neat bunt with a plain silver hairpin. Her skin was as white as snow, giving her a fresh, clean look.

She noticed him, too. Unlike Leander, who was silently staring, Scarlet offered a polite smile, perfectly composed. “Long time no see, Leander. And who might this be?” she asked openly, her gaze shifting to Charlotte.

“This is my sister, Charlotte!” Leander blurted out instantly, terrified she might misunderstand.

Scarlet nodded in understanding, her expression unchanged. She smiled warmly at Charlotte. “Charlotte, then.”

Charlotte beamed back at her.

“You have excellent taste,” Scarlet said, gesturing to the display rack beside them. “This fabric is a new arrival here at the Silverloom Exchange. It’s woven from the finest silk and features an interlocking lotus pattern. The color is vibrant without being gaudy, making it perfect for a robe or a vest. With your fair complexion, this shade will suit you beautifully.”

Delighted by the compliment, Charlotte nodded eagerly and began peppering Scarlet with questions. Scarlet answered each one patiently. She spoke with a warm, engaging familiarity, effortlessly explaining everything from the fabric’s origin and the intricacies of the weave to the meaning behind the patterns and styling advice.

Standing where he was, Leander watched the two of them chatting and laughing. A sharp pang hit his chest–not a deep wound, but aching nonetheless.

He remembered the first time he saw her. It was in the Great Hall of Duskmoor Manor. She had walked in, eyes cast down respectfully, bringing in water. With just that single glance, his heart had leaped. Later, when he found out they would be working together, he was secretly ecstatic, unable to sleep a wink all night.

But then came that day on the street, when he accidentally discovered her past. The Stargazer Pavilion. A hostess who only performed music and entertained guests.

In front of others, he had chosen to defend her. Yet looking back on it later, he found it unbearable. He had struggled with his feelings, but in the end, he chose to distance himself. He was a vice minister at the Ministry of Rites. Marrying a former courtesan as his primary wife would make him the laughingstock of his colleagues and bring shame upon his family. He couldn’t afford to be reckless.

Chapter 705 fro You Have a Fiance?

Yer starling here now, watching Scarlet go about her work with such quiet confidence–her smile completely free of self–pity or hesitation–Leander felt a sudden, inexplicable wave of bitterness wash over

him.

Charlotte turned back and waved at him. “Leander, come look at this! Do you like this color?”

Snapping out of his thoughts, Leander walked over. He glanced at the sapphire–blue fabric, then at Scarlet, his voice a little strained. “They’re… all very nice.”

Scarlet smiled, but it was a polite, professional smile—the kind she gave to any regular customer. “If you like it, Mr. Whitmore, I can have someone wrap it up for you. At the Silverloom Exchange, you can return or exchange any fabric within three days if you’re not completely satisfied.”

“No need,” Leander blurted out. Realizing he sounded too abrupt, he quickly added, “As long as Charlotte likes it.”

Charlotte, entirely oblivious to her brother’s awkwardness, looped her arm through Scarlet’s. She rambled on about the dress designs she had in mind, eventually pulling Scarlet toward the ready–to–wear clothing section. Scarlet led her deeper into the shop, her movements graceful and her voice bright with laughter.

Leander’s mind remained a tangled mess.

After browsing the clothing racks for a while, Charlotte suddenly turned to Scarlet and asked out of sheer curiosity, “Scarlet, do you have a fiancé?”

Leander’s heart leaped into his throat, his ears instantly tuning in.

Scarlet was caught off guard for a fraction of a second, but she smiled openly. “No, I don’t have a fiancé.”

Charlotte’s eyes lit up, and she was just about to pitch her unmarried brother as a perfect candidate when Scarlet smoothly continued.

“But there is someone I love. And he loves me very much, too.” As she spoke, her eyes grew soft and bright giving her an almost radiant glow.

Disappointed but still curious, Charlotte pressed on, “Who is he?”

“Why are you asking so many questions?” Leander suddenly interrupted. “That’s her private business.”

Charlotte glanced at him and pouted, muttering under her breath, “I was just curious…”

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