Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 114

Chapter 114 The Trap Is Set

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As in her past life, the Duke of Falconcrest had erected rows of shaded pavilions along the water lily pond, setting out tables with fruit and pastries for guests to rest and admire the blossoms,

The difference was that Elowen was not timidly trailing behind Alaric. She strolled leisurely with Rowena along the water’s edge, with Kaelan following at a respectful distance.

A thought occurred to Elowen. “By the way, how is Elara?”

“At home,” Rowena replied.

“Still hasn’t come to terms with things?” Elowen asked quietly.

Rowena offered a wry smile.

Elowen sighed in sympathy.

She was about to offer some comforting words when a voice sounded behind her. “Greetings to the Duchess of Duskmoor.”

Persistent as a ghost-figures. She turned to see Daphne approaching, surrounded by a cluster of other young noblewomen.

Daphne performed a correct, if somewhat stiff, curtsy.

The expressions of the other women were complex and unreadable.

Daphne looked around at her companions. “Why are you all so slow to greet Her Grace? She is, after all, the Duchess of Duskmoor now. A most elevated position.”

Her words were dripping with obvious sarcasm.

Elowen recognized most of these women. They had grown up together, their status once similar. Now, marriage had drastically altered their standings.

Daphne was deliberately stirring their feelings of envy and resentment.

“Lady Daphne, no need to envy,” Rowena spoke up before Elowen could, her voice light but firm. “Once you become Crown Princess, will you not hold comparable honor? I imagine these ladies’ families will soon be seeking your favor.”

A flicker of irritation crossed Daphne’s face before she smoothed it over.

Elowen’s eyes crinkled with a smile. A good friend indeed.

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19:23 Fri, Feb 13 TTD.

Chapter 114 The Trap Is Set

“Look! A koi!” someone cried out up ahead.

“Is that a golden koi?”

“It must be!”

Elowen’s heart gave a small, familiar lurch.

In her past life, such an exclamation had come at this very moment.

In Vanelle, golden koi were exceedingly rare, considered symbols of good fortune.

Hearing of its appearance, the crowd had surged forward.

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In the jostling, Elowen had felt a distinct, powerful shove in the center of her back, sending her stumbling uncontrollably into the water.

“They say they’ve seen a golden koi,” Rowena said, her own interest piqued.

She very much wanted to see it and make a wish for her daughter to let go of her infatuation with Cassian and abandon her impossible dreams.

Already, people were gathering near the pond’s edge.

Elowen smiled, “Go ahead and look.”

“Aren’t you coming?” Rowena asked.

“Not just yet,” Elowen replied with a soft laugh.

She was waiting for the bait to be taken.

“Alright, wait for me here,” Rowena said, turning to go.

Elowen looked at Kaelan. “Shouldn’t you accompany your aunt?”

Kaelan hesitated.

Elowen teased, “Or are you worried about leaving your grandaunt alone?”

The words “grandaunt” sent a pang through Kaelan. He turned and followed his aunt without another word.

“Your Grace, aren’t you going to look?” Daphne took advantage of the growing commotion to step closer. “If I were you, I’d go make a wish for the Duke to forget the woman in his heart quickly. Otherwise, if she returns, there may be no place for you in Duskmoor Manor.”

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19:24 Fri, Feb 13 TTD

Chapter 114 The Trap Is Set

Elowen replied unhurriedly, “Haven’t you heard The woman in his heart is me.”

Daphne stared. “You? Impossible!”

Of course, Elowen was bluffing. It couldn’t possibly be her.

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But she wasn’t afraid of being found out. A slight smile played on her lips. “The Duke himself told me. If you don’t believe it, feel free to ask him. Assuming you’re not afraid of another session of kneeling.”

She paused, as if in thought. “If I recall, the next penalty would be… six hours, wasn’t it?”

The memory of the punishment made Daphne’s knees feel weak.

She forced herself to steady, offering a strained, placating smile. “Your Grace, won’t you accompany me to see the koi? You know, I am to be married soon…”

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