The End of First Love - Chapter 18

“Oh? Milia, this dress…”

Tonight was the night of Kyle and Miranda’s wedding reception. For Elizabeth, it was also the night of her return to high society—a battle she had to win.

For days, Milia and the other maids had meticulously polished Elizabeth from head to toe. Her skin was radiant and smooth, and her silver hair was silky and effortless to run fingers through. When light struck it just right, it even shimmered with a halo-like glow.

The dress she had been preparing for weeks was supposed to match the color of her eyes—a striking blue, symbolizing her resolve. But the dress in front of her now was a deep black, reminiscent of the midnight sky. Silver embroidery adorned its edges in intricate patterns, making it a truly extravagant piece.

“Yes, my lady. This is a gift from Lord Heinz of the Duke of Schwein family. There are also matching accessories that came with it.”

“What a beautiful dress…”

Elizabeth stepped closer to the dress hanging on the wall and gently ran her fingers over the fabric. The smooth texture and the way the deep black material shimmered under the light were unlike anything she had ever seen.

She let out a soft sigh, mesmerized by the elegant garment.

“It’s stunning…”

“The accessories are equally exquisite. A blue sapphire necklace and earrings, matching your eye color.”

After Milia helped her into the dress, Elizabeth looked at herself in the mirror, and her heartbeat quickened.

Wrapped in the dark-colored dress, she felt as if she were being embraced by Heinz himself.

For a moment, she indulged in the illusion that he was standing behind her, holding her close.

Her heart pounded wildly, and she couldn’t calm down.

(What am I thinking, Elizabeth? Tonight is a battle. I can’t afford to let Lord Heinz unsettle me now.)

“My lady, this is for you—from Lord Heinz.”

Elizabeth took the card from Milia and, upon reading it, felt tears welling up in her eyes.

“Elizabeth, I’ll be waiting for you at the venue.”

She had thought she had to fight alone. The fear of facing everything by herself had been overwhelming, shaking her to her very core.

“Milia, I’m going to fight!”

The dark dress wrapped around her body seemed to anchor her resolve, preventing the fragile thread of her nerves from snapping.

With determination in her heart, Elizabeth stepped forward.

The Marquis of Subalph’s ballroom was overflowing with nobles.

(As expected of the Subalph Marquis’ wedding reception. The scale is on another level.)

The grandeur and number of guests rivaled a royal ball, leaving Elizabeth awestruck.

(Lady Miranda must be feeling the pressure tonight. But knowing Lord Kyle, his perfect escort will surely leave everyone in awe.)

Smiling to herself at the thought of Kyle’s devoted nature, she took a step forward with her elder brother, Riddle, escorting her.

But as she moved further into the hall, whispers began to surround her.

The murmurs grew louder and more numerous, sending a chill down Elizabeth’s spine.

The snickering, the veiled insults—though spoken softly—were like daggers piercing her heart.

(I knew this would happen, but it’s still painful…)

Her steps felt unbearably heavy, as if she were a prisoner dragging iron shackles.

(Elizabeth, you cannot falter now. You decided to fight, no matter how hard it is!)

Scolding herself, she pushed forward. Finally, after enduring the suffocating atmosphere, she completed her greetings to the Subalph family, Kyle, and Miranda.

She had successfully become a wallflower.

“Maybe I’ll attract less attention if I stay here.”

Her brother, Riddle, being an eligible bachelor, had already been swarmed by noble ladies and disappeared into the crowd.

(If I just stay put until the party ends, I should be fine.)

Waltz music flowed gently through the air as the center of the ballroom became a dazzling display of dancing nobles. Elizabeth’s gaze wandered across the room.

(I wonder… is he here?)

With so many people in attendance, it would be nearly impossible for Heinz to find her.

Realizing she was subconsciously hoping he would, she let out a small, self-mocking chuckle.

Standing alone in such a hostile environment was even more unbearable than she had imagined.

(“You always show up at times like this. Where are you now? I don’t want to be alone…”)

She thought of Heinz, who would always appear beside her with a smirk whenever she was left as a wallflower.

She was on the verge of tears.

She had once felt the same way when William, her former fiancé, would take another woman’s hand. The mocking stares, the pitying glances—all of it had been hers alone to endure.

(Why didn’t I realize it sooner? It was always Lord Heinz who saved me when I felt crushed by loneliness.)

Only when exchanging banter with him did she forget the suffocating gazes of others.

Now, she understood.

His teasing words had always been laced with kindness, and she had been unknowingly comforted by them.

With Heinz by her side, she could breathe easily.

(I never knew I would feel so lost without him.)

“Elizabeth, is that you? Wow, you look completely different. You’re stunning.”

A sudden voice startled her, and she quickly lifted her head—only to find William standing there with a lovely young lady by his side.

“Lord William, it has been a while.”

Though shaken by the appearance of her former fiancé, Elizabeth forced a smile and offered a polite bow.

“William, who is this lady? Please introduce me.”

“Oh, of course. This is Lady Elizabeth of the Baker Duchy.”

“Oh, the infamous ‘malicious noble lady’ of the Baker family? The one who was abandoned by the prince? How pitiful. My name is Maria. I am William’s fiancée now.”

Maria Kastor, the baron’s daughter, leaned into William’s arm with a sugary-sweet voice.

Elizabeth had met her before—the day her engagement was broken.

By pretending not to recognize her, Maria was making it clear that Elizabeth was beneath her notice.

Though Maria was now engaged to William, her status as a baron’s daughter remained unchanged until marriage. In aristocratic society, such blatant disrespect toward a duke’s daughter was utterly unacceptable.

Some of the surrounding nobles cast disapproving glances at Maria’s lack of etiquette, but none spoke up.

(How disgraceful…)

Still, if she reacted now, she would only be playing into their hands.

(Stay calm, Elizabeth!)

“I apologize for the late introduction. I am Elizabeth Baker of the Duke of Baker family. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

Elizabeth clenched her trembling hands, enduring the humiliation.

Maria and William, however, continued their ridicule, showing no intention of leaving.

Just as Elizabeth was about to walk away, William suddenly grabbed her wrist.

The moment she realized she was being held, a wave of revulsion surged through her, making her body tremble. She tried to pull away, but William tightened his grip, pulling her closer.

(No… Let go…)

“Lord William, what do you think you’re doing with my fiancée?”

A voice rang out behind her.

“My fiancée!?”

“Yes. Elizabeth is my betrothed. Release her at once.”

At that moment, William’s grip slackened just enough for Elizabeth to break free.

Before she knew it, she had been pulled into Heinz’s embrace.

“You did well on your own.”

Strong arms held her close, and his whispered words in her ear finally broke her composure.

Tears spilled from her eyes.