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Chapter 3
Daniel said coldly, clutching one of Azelaâs chest as if to burst it. Pain followed his merciless touch, but Azela couldnât even crumple her face.
âDonât hurt herâ was the same thing he had said to others for her sake in the past. The only difference was that it wasnât âDonât hurt Azelaâ but âDonât hurt Sylviaâ now.
âUnlike you, she is a weak and wounded woman. Youâre strong, youâll be fine without me, but Sylvia, without me, sheâs really left alone.â
At Danielâs cold voice, Azela couldnât refute anything. The moment she opened her mouth to answer, she felt like she was about to cry, so all she could do was quietly lower her head.
Then, Daniel, looking at Azela who had not responded to him, looked at her disgustedly and came down from above her. Azela, who had been lying on the bed, got up and pulled her torn dress. Daniel pulled something out of his pocket and held it out. It was a folded paper.
ââ¦â¦ This?â
âOpen it.â
Was it a letter from his heart?
Azela unfolded the folded paper with a little bit of anticipation. And then with a look of despair, she eventually buried her face in the paper. The paper Daniel handed over was the divorce paper announcing the end of him and her.
âEverything of mine was written. I would like you to write yours down and hand it over to me.â
âAahhâ¦â¦ Daniel!â
âI want to spend the rest of my life with Sylvia, Azela. Iâm sure youâll understand.â
With those short words, Daniel turned coldly and left the bedroom. She was barely hanging on the edge of the cliff, and he finally pushed her down the cliff. It felt as if the blood was draining from her body.
âMadam! Ma, Madam! Why are you like that!â
After Daniel left, Irene came in, worried about Azela and ran to her. She was startled by Azela who was burying her face in the paper. The divorce paper was soaked in her tears, but she didnât say anything out of her mouth. She just silenced her voice and cried alone.
It was Azelaâs last pride, just in case anyone would ever hear it.
Seeing Azela weeping with her dress torn off, finally Irene wrapped her in her arms and wept together. Her story did not have a happy ending.
Azela, who got up early in the morning and finished eating, was absorbed in her makeup. Azela, who pressed her index finger on her stinging temple, looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her eyes were puffy from crying all night without a sigh. Obviously, no one was going to care, but she didnât want anyone else to find out that she was crying.
Because it was the last remaining pride.
âIs this enough, madam?â
âNo, please make it a little more flashy.â
Like Sylvia if possible.
Azela bit her lips firmly, swallowing the words she couldnât spit out because of her pride. She untied her hair, which had always been tied up or held up neatly. The luscious golden hair reflected in the morning sun wasnât too bad.
She usually doesnât put on too much makeup because she doesnât want her eyes to feel stuffy and heavy, but today was a little different. She sprinkled powder made from crushed jewels on her eyelids to match the bare, swollen skin, and made her long eyelashes stand out. Even in her ears, she wore long earrings that narrowed down to her shoulders, where she always wore only neat earrings.
The dress split to reveal her breastbone was awkward but gorgeous. It was so gorgeous that she thought it couldnât be more flashy than this. Just like Sylvia.
âMa, Madam.â
Irene stuttered her words and called her cautiously at the sight of Azelaâs unusual appearance. It was a very beautiful appearance, but it felt different from usual. Azela herself looked down silently without saying a word, knowing that she was aware of it.
As it was reminiscent of someone, Irene almost burst into tears, but she barely endured it and said in a trembling voice.
âOh, how about going to the garden and enjoying tea after a long time?â
ââ¦â¦ in the garden?â
âYes, spring has arrived and the flowers have bloomed beautifully. The garden is filled with the fragrance of flowers and the smell of green grass is fragrant. Enjoying your favorite tea in the garden will definitely make you feel better.â
Despite Ireneâs suggestion, Azela wiggled her fingers and she didnât readily answer. What if she went out and she met Daniel or Sylvia?
Where did the confident mistress go, leaving only the appearance of a delicate woman who looked like this?
Irene grabbed her tight chest and knelt down to meet Azelaâs gaze.
âNeither the Master nor the woman comes to the garden often. The two usually read a book together indoors or go out in a carriage. So there is no need to worry.â
âReally?â
âYes, and I saw a carriage waiting at the entrance to the mansion. They are probably going out today, so you wonât be disturbed any more at this time.â
At Ireneâs words, Azela thought about it for a long time, then nodded cautiously. Irene looked at the shrunken shoulders and let out a small sigh.
In her mind, she wanted to advise Azela to abandon that Master and find her own life, but Azela was too tired to find her life now. There was her love for Daniel, her hatred for him, and her hatred for Sylvia.
Azela was exhausted from the emotions that rushed in her like waves. Irene, who had worked hard on her bright expression, raised her body and spoke in a high tone.
âThen Iâll go ahead and prepare it, Madam.â
With only a fluttering heart at the sight of her master, who would be even more beautiful in the sunlight, Irene left the bedroom and hurried to take a light step into her garden.
âSpring has really just arrived.â
âI have planted a lot of flowers that the Madam likes, so next year you will be able to see a more beautiful garden.â
At Ireneâs lively voice, Azela sipped her tea with a smile on her face. It was hard to imagine how much it was worth looking at her masterâs smile. If she could, she was filled with the desire to give Azela these peaceful days every day. Irene put a smile on her lips, suppressing her emotions that were constantly about to shed tears.
âOh dear.â
However, even that small wind was shattered by the bright voice they could hear. The corners of Azelaâs lips that had risen up hardened. Even without raising her head, she knew who the owner of the voice was. Azelaâs hand, who was holding the teacup, trembled unknowingly.
âI came out to enjoy tea timeâ¦â¦ I didnât know you were here?â
It was Sylvia who sat opposite Azela without any hesitation with her bright smile. Usually, when they see the mistress, they avoid or bow their head, but she didnât.
She has been like that since the first day she came. Sylvia was confident, and in another sense, she was blatant and daring with Daniel on her back.
âLooks like I havenât seen you in a long time, Countess Todd. I was worried because I couldnât see you these days.â
ââ¦â¦ I see.â
âThe tea smells very good. I will ask for the same.â
Besides, she proudly called Azela, hoping to drink tea with her. Without the slightest guilt or regret. Sylvia beckoned lightly to Irene, who was standing next to Azela, and hummed with joy.
Irene, wanting to pour the hot tea over her head, gripped the handle of the teapot tightly, but Azela noticed it and gave an eye gesture to not do so, so she had to hold back.
With a rough hand, Irene put the tea down in front of Sylvia, and Sylvia smiled and said, âThank you,â as if she had been an elegant noblewoman. She then stretched out in a good mood with her bright face.
Contrary to Azelaâs roughening skin, Sylviaâs was getting much smoother than when she first came to the mansion.
âThe weather is great today, isnât it?â
ââ¦â¦ I heard that you cried yesterday.â
âOh my.â
Sylvia looked startled at Azelaâs words and covered my mouth with her hand. She then asked in a worried tone.
âDid Daniel visit Countess Todd?â
Sylvia was calling him âDanielâ rather than âCount Toddâ. It was a name that only Azela could call because he did not allow anyone else to call his name.
âYou gave Sylvia permission.â
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