Chapter 150 Lucretia?s new decision?
(POV: Akashic Records)
Merlin's leaned in closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "You don't love your fiancé, do you?" he questioned, a knowing smirk on his countenance.
Lucretia's blue eyes narrowed, her posture stiffening defensively.
"I believe my personal life is none of your concern," she retorted, her voice hiding some annoyance.
Merlin's playful demeanor vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
"If you truly loved him, you would've vehemently defended your love, rather than dismiss my inquiry," he pointed out, his voice no longer carrying his earlier charm.
Lucretia untangled her fingers and released a sigh. "Of course, I love him," she replied, her voice tinged with both frustration and confusion. "But why should I feel the need to prove that to you?"
Merlin leaned in closer, his voice gentle yet firm. "If you truly loved him, you would have chosen to meet with him first, rather than entertaining a conversation with a random stranger like me," he explained, his words punctuated with conviction.
A wave of exhaustion washed over Lucretia's features as she contemplated his words. "Business comes first," she finally confessed, with resignation-filled voice.
Merlin shook his head, disappointment etching his features. "Those are the words of a woman who has yet to experience true love," he murmured, his eyes holding a hint of sympathy. Standing up from his chair, he continued, his voice resolute. "If you truly want a happy life, you must embrace your true self. Only then can you find the love you seek. You seem like a woman that's confident enough to tell herself the truth... so do that."
Silence filled the room as Lucretia absorbed his words, her thoughts churning. Without a word, Merlin turned to leave, but before he could take another step, Lucretia called out to him. "Wait," she said with uncertainty.
Merlin turned around, his expression curious. "Hm?" he hummed, waiting for her to continue.
Lucretia instructed one of her employees to escort him out and provide him with the chocolates he had requested.
"For free?" the employee questioned, perplexed by the sudden generosity.
A small smile tugged at Lucretia's lips as she replied, "Of course, for free."
Merlin graciously accepted Lucretia's gesture of free chocolates, but just as he was about to leave, Simone, one of Lucretia's trusted employees, stepped in his path.
"Hold on just a moment, Mr. Merlin," she declared. "I think it's time for a pocket check."
Merlin arched an eyebrow and crossed his arms defiantly. "And why, pray tell, would you want to invade my pockets?" he retorted, a smile on his face.
Simone's composure remained as she wagged a finger at him. "Oh, I just want to make sure you're not harboring any more of Lucretia's delicate unmentionables," she taunted.
"Not this again," Lucretia face-palmed.
Merlin's eyes widened, his expression a mix of shock and indignation. "How dare you accuse me!" he exclaimed, feigning offense. "I assure you, I possess the utmost respect for your boss' sacred treasures."
Undeterred, Simone boldly reached into one of Merlin's pockets and triumphantly pulled out yet another of Lucretia's lacey black panties. Lucretia, feeling a mix of embarrassment and frustration, let out an exasperated sigh. "Just get out before I send my guards to introduce you to some rather uncomfortable pole positions," she threatened.
"As you wish."
Merlin bowed respectfully and made a hasty retreat, accompanied by the bewildered employee who had witnessed the entire exchange.
As they left, Simone turned to Lucretia. "Are you really going to let him get away with that?" she questioned.
Lucretia's face softened into a small smile as she considered Simone's words. "While that Merlin may be the most depraved pervert I'll ever meet," she mused, amusement lacing her voice, "he did speak some truth." She paused for a moment before adding, "But don't get any ideas, Simone. He's still an absolute rascal."
Simone smiled a bit. "Fair enough," she conceded. "But, my lady, does that mean you'll pay Lumiere a visit?" she asked.
Lucretia's brow furrowed. "I don't even know, it's been almost eleven years." She played with the papers on her desk, "I don't know if he'll even remember me."
"You told me both of you were each others' first love, I don't think he'll forget you. If he does, then he isn't worth it."
"Right as always, Simone."
"If I'm not, then I wouldn't be suited to be your personal attendant."
Lucretia rose from her plush office chair and smiled at Simone.
"Let's go see Daddy dearest and the Earl."
"Yes, milady."
Simone eagerly escorted her from behind as they made their way through the bustling offices of the company. The two women passed by rows of busy employees, their footsteps echoing through the corridors until they reached the special room reserved for Viscount Lugnar and Earl Fermor Goldcrest.
As the door swung open, the viscount's booming voice filled the room. "Lucretia!" he exclaimed, his deep voice echoing off the walls.
Lucretia winced slightly, "Father please, moderate your voice. I don't want you to startle any of my customers."
"I'm sorry." With a slight cough, Lugnar composed himself.
"Good, now... you know what I want," she smiled.
"Come here, my sweet Lucretia," Lugnar warmly requested, extending his arms for a hug.
With a soft smile, she moved forward to embrace him, feeling the warmth of his embrace envelope her.
Not far behind, Earl Fermor stood tall, a smile spreading across his handsome face. His teeth, barely gleaming white, caught Lucretia's attention for a moment, slightly irking her.
As she broke away from her father's embrace, Earl Fermor said "What about me?" his voice saturated with adoration.
"Sure," Lucretia obliged, if only for a brief moment.
She released herself from his grasp almost as soon as it had begun.
"So, what're you doing here?" she asked.
Earl Fermor's smile widened, his gaze fixed on his betrothed. "I simply wanted to see my beloved Lucretia. To ensure she's doing well amidst the demands of her business," he replied with affection.
"You know you could always wait until we're home, Earl Fermor," she spoke. "But since you're here, I suppose we can talk briefly."
As Lucretia and Earl Fermor turned to make their exit, Simone prepared to follow, but Viscount Lugnar halted her with a single outstretched hand.
"Wait, Simone," he said, his deep timbre catching her attention. "I need to speak with you."
Curiosity piqued, Simone approached him. "What seems to be the matter, Viscount Lugnar?" she inquired.
Lugnar's gaze wandered, his hesitation evident, before he finally spoke the name that weighed heavily on his heart. "Tell me, Simone, does Lucretia still speak of him? Lumiere?"
"Yes, Viscount," she replied softly. "She still holds a deep affection for Lumiere. Despite her betrothal to Earl Fermor, her heart remains entangled in the memories they shared."
A mixture of frustration and confusion clouded Lugnar's features as he grappled with the reality before him. "But why?" he demanded, a vein of desperation in his words. "They only met for a single night. How could such a fleeting encounter embed itself so deeply in her soul?"
Simone smiled. "Love is a fickle thing, Viscount, it defies all logic," she explained gently.
"But Lumiere... he is not of noble birth," he lamented, a tinge of melancholy coloring his voice. "Their love, if it ever existed, can never be realized."
"Indeed," said Simone.
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