Love's Unexpected Awakening Elowen's Choice novel Chapter 77

Chapter 77 My Heart

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“And Cedric?” Elowen asked, a hint of disappointment creeping in. “He won’t be staying behind, will he?”

Mira’s smile turned a little sly. “I made sure to ask. Lady Daphne is on that strict fast to ‘slim down.’ Her father is worried she might faint or something during the outing, so he’s asked Lord Cedric to accompany them.”

Elowen let out a relieved breath. “Good. That’s good.”

It was only then that Mira voiced her curiosity. “Your Grace, why did you ask? Did you already know they would be going?”

Elowen maintained a serene smile. “How could I possibly know the future? It’s precisely because I didn’t know that I asked you to find out.”

Mira still felt something was odd but couldn’t pinpoint it. She blinked, deciding not to press further.

Elsewhere in the manor, word of Mira’s inquiries about the Garretts reached Cassian in his study.

“She seems unusually interested in the Garretts’ affairs,” he remarked, puzzled.

Combined with her strange reaction to the mention of Miren Lake earlier, a vague sense of unease settled over him.

Bran, standing nearby, offered a theory. “Well, the Garretts did practically live off the Hales’ favor for years. Lady Daphne and the Duchess grew up together. Maybe they just think alike?”

Cassian didn’t even glance at him, lost in thought. After a long moment, he rubbed his temples. “Forget it.”

His duty was simple: protect Elowen, care for Elowen.

If the Garretts kept to themselves, fine.

If they dared step out of line-even if it was just an insulting word that upset Elowen-Cassian had a thousand ways to make their entire family miserable.

On the day of the memorial, Elowen dressed in simple, understated attire.

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Chapter 77 My Heart

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Cassian smiled gently, “No need to wear such muted colors. My uncle wouldn’t mind.”

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Elowen’s expression was earnest. “But you said many other fallen soldiers rest on that hillside. Dressing modestly is a sign of respect for your uncle and for them.”

She then asked, a touch hesitant, “Do you think this color doesn’t suit me?”

Alaric had often remarked that she looked better in darker hues, that light colors made her look “plump.”

Elowen had never thought herself plump, but hearing it repeatedly had chipped away at her confidence.

Cassian didn’t hesitate. “You look lovely.”

Elowen looked at him.

“You’re beautiful. You look lovely in anything,” he added.

A faint blush colored Elowen’s cheeks.

Who didn’t like being complimented? She offered him a genuine, soft smile. “Thank you.”

Cassian’s eyebrow quirked upward in response.

Elowen was about to send Cora to fetch Sylvia from Rose Hall when the maid returned almost immediately. “Your Grace, Lady Sylvia is already waiting just outside the courtyard gate.”

Seeing Sylvia trailing behind Cora, Elowen asked, surprised, “Why didn’t you come in? It’s so hot outside.”

Sylvia kept her eyes downcast. “It’s still early. It’s not too hot.”

Elowen sighed inwardly.

Sometimes, Sylvia’s meekness was too familiar. It reminded her painfully of her own past self -a girl too obedient, destined to be trampled upon at home and in marriage.

They took two carriages again, as the journey to the eastern part of the city was longer.

Initially, Elowen and Cassian rode in silence. But Elowen was not one for prolonged quiet. Soon, she was fidgeting-peeking out the carriage curtain, tracing the wood grain on the wall with a fingertip.

Cassian, whose gaze kept drifting to her, noticed her restlessness. “What is it?” he asked.

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Chapter 77 My Heart

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Elowen withdrew her hand, looking slightly sheepish. She thought for a moment. “I was just thinking-Sylvia and her older sister, Vivian, have such different personalities.”

“That’s because Sylvia was raised primarily by my uncle. Vivian was always with her mother.”

“That explains it. Was Sylvia always this reserved?”

“She was livelier as a child. After my uncle died and she was sent back to her mother’s care, she gradually became as you see her now.”

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