Instead of My Stepsister, I Have Become Engaged to the Son of a Marquis, Who Is Said to Only Have a Year Left to Live - Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Eugenie’s wish
Eugenie’s voice echoed through the drawing room, pleading desperately with her father.
“I… I! I adore Lord Craig from the bottom of my heart. Whether he succeeds the Marquis of Granvelle or not, I want to be with him. Besides, Lord Lionel already has a fiancée, Lady Edith. Lady Edith is a wonderful person who is worthy of supporting the Marquis of Granvelle and Lord Lionel. So why is Father doing such a thing…”
“…You have no right to say anything, Eugenie. This is a family matter.”
Although surprised at his daughter’s first riposte, the Marquess dismissed her coldly, but Eugenie clung to her father and continued, fighting back the tears that welled up in her eyes.
“When Father told me today that he was going to deliver a gift to the Marquis of Granvelle’s family, I felt somewhat uneasy, as there was no way he would visit them without a reason. But I never expected it to turn out like this…”
“Enough already, Eugenie!”
As Eugenie looked at her father, who had raised his voice in frustration, a tear ran down her cheek.
“If Father does not approve of me being with Craig, then I don’t mind if we just cut off all ties. No matter what happens, I want to spend the rest of my life with Craig. With Craig, who always protects and shields me, even though I am so inadequate…”
“…What did you say? You forgot the favor of raising you…”
Marquis Spencer, frowning, also seemed frightened by his daughter’s words. Craig muttered with tears in his eyes.
“Eugenie. You love me so much…”
Craig knew very well that Eugenie had been unable to defy her parents for a long time. The words that Marquis Spencer spoke were enough to send chills down Craig’s spine, as he loved Eugenie. Craig felt how much courage and resolve it took for Eugenie to stand up to her father and how great her love for Craig was.
The Marquis de Granvelle, who had been watching Eugenie and the others’ conversation, quietly spoke.
“If I had to choose between my son’s happiness and the profits of the family business, I would choose my son’s happiness without hesitation. … It is a pleasure for both Craig and me that Lady Eugenie thinks so much of Craig, so I would be happy to welcome Lady Eugenie as Craig’s future wife as things stand. … However, Lionel will inherit the headship of the Marquis of Granvelle family. If you cannot accept that, then please leave as is.”
“…”
Marquis Spencer looked bitter as he exchanged glances with his wife, who also had a frustrated expression on her face, before turning his gaze to his daughter. Seeing his daughter’s determined gaze with no sign of giving in, Marquis Spencer shook his head slightly.
“I didn’t intend to raise my daughter like this.”
The Marquis and Duchess Spencer rose from the sofa, turned their backs to Eugenie, and walked through the door to the drawing room.
When they noticed Lionel and his companions passing by outside the reception room, they looked away awkwardly and walked away.
Hearing Eugenie’s voice coming from the drawing room, Lionel let out a sentimental murmur.
“…Eugenie wasn’t just trying to take advantage of Craig, she genuinely loved him.”
Arche, who seemed to be listening quietly and intently to the voices that were peeking over her ears, blinked rapidly, but her expression softened a little.
Edith smiled as she watched the two of them.
(It seems that Lady Eugenie’s sincere feelings reached both Lord Lionel and Lady Arche…)
Although she knew it might still take some time, Edith felt like she had definitely found a clue to resolve the cold relationship that had existed between them up until now, and her heart warmed.