She Became My Friend’s Mother-In-Law - Chapter 27

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 27. Cecilia Reveals Herself (1)

Shortly after, a celebration was held to commemorate Evan’s adoption into the House of Hays.

The Brisen nobility gathered one by one at the Hays Ducal House.

Cecilia stood by the window, quietly looking down at the arriving guests.

Everyone’s faces were filled with excitement and anticipation.

Evan Machi, who had become the ducal heir overnight, and the duchess shrouded in mystery.

It must be because of their anticipation to see the ‘subjects of rumors’ in person.

“My lady. You look truly beautiful today!”

Just then, Wendy approached with an excited face and said.

“You’re the prettiest I’ve ever seen you look.”

“Thank you.”

Cecilia smiled gently.

Of course, Wendy’s words weren’t empty flattery.

The luxurious dress tailored to fit her body perfectly highlighted her delicate and elegant silhouette even more.

Thanks to the fragrant oil Wendy had carefully applied, her porcelain-smooth skin emanated a subtle and refined scent.

Like a rose in full bloom, she was dazzling just by standing there.

Wendy looked over Cecilia’s dress once more with a pleased expression.

“With this much, that Rosena Osburn will surely become your lady-in-waiting.”

When Wendy spoke triumphantly, Cecilia burst into laughter.

But she quickly suppressed it and her eyes changed.

‘Yes, I must definitely defeat Rosena.’

From now on, it would be a direct confrontation with Rosena.

Cecilia still vividly remembered that day when she fell down the staircase.

The worst pain when her body twisted and her bones shattered.

But what was more terrible than that was the betrayal of the two people she loved most.

The wound they carved in Cecilia’s heart that day seemed like it would never heal.

Just then, someone knocked on the door.

“My lady, His Grace has arrived!”

Wendy opened the door with an excited voice.

Cecilia unconsciously straightened her posture and stood upright.

Soon the door opened and Rainer appeared.

Dressed impeccably in his formal uniform, he instantly captivated attention with his broad shoulders, long legs, and characteristic leisurely dignity.

His gaze lingered briefly on Cecilia standing by the window.

A subtle tremor crossed his face for a moment, but he soon returned to his usual cold expression.

Rainer quietly approached and stood before her.

“How do you feel, facing your upcoming campaign?”

“Excellent.”

Cecilia smiled calmly.

There was no wavering in her eyes.

“Many things will change when you enter society as the duchess.”

“I’m prepared for it.”

Cecilia quietly nodded.

At that sight, Rainer tilted his head slightly.

“Aren’t you nervous?”

“Of course I am. But…”

Cecilia shrugged and smiled softly.

“I can now play with my own hands the sonata I could only admire for over ten years. I feel like there’s nothing I can’t do now.”

“…”

“Come to think of it, it’s all thanks to Your Grace. I feel like I can just trust you no matter what happens from now on.”

At those words, Rainer’s eyes wavered.

He unconsciously raised his hand to touch Cecilia’s hair.

But just then, the sound of a carriage stopping noisily outside could be heard.

“…Ah.”

When Cecilia reflexively turned her head, Rainer also quietly withdrew his hand.

Though regretful, it couldn’t be helped.

Looking out the window, a carriage that had departed from the annex had just arrived.

‘…They’re here.’

Cecilia coldly looked down at Evan and Rosena getting out of the carriage.

Evan held his chin high and triumphantly received greetings from the approaching nobles.

Rosena, dressed in a gorgeous dress and even wearing high heels, was thoroughly enjoying the feeling of being the protagonist.

Both of them looked as if they owned the world.

Cecilia’s eyes narrowed as she watched this.

‘Yes, laugh to your heart’s content. Today will be the last day you can laugh without worry.’

* * *

The Hays Ducal Palace Ballroom.

A magnificent chandelier shone brilliantly, brightly illuminating the space filled with people.

And right beneath it, Rosena stood at the center of the noble ladies.

“You’ll soon become the Duchess of Hays. Congratulations.”

“Oh my, duchess? It’s still too early for that. His Grace is still so young.”

“I heard you gave birth recently? Congratulations. But to still look so beautiful despite that, I’m truly envious. Ho ho ho.”

“You flatter me. I’m more grateful that you see me that way.”

Rosena smiled while fanning herself.

It was quite an elegant smile befitting the ‘future duchess.’

But that smile didn’t reach her eyes.

‘Hmph, such flattery.’

These were the same people who had gossiped about Rosena’s scandals just a few months ago.

But Rosena decided not to take issue with it today.

After all, she would soon become the most noble woman in this empire after the royal family.

She could afford to show that much magnanimity.

“By the way, I heard the duchess is also coming today?”

Just then, at someone’s words, Rosena’s eyes narrowed with displeasure.

But the oblivious noble ladies soon shifted the topic to the duchess.

“I heard the royal court has been very curious about her too. If His Highness hadn’t suddenly caught a cold, everyone probably would have come.”

“But is the duchess really a foreigner?”

“Probably not? I heard the duchess was the one who worked hardest for the young duke’s adoption.”

At the heated discussion that followed, Rosena gripped her fan tightly.

‘What does it matter who the duchess is? The person who will lead the ducal family from now on is Evan. So they should be trying to impress me!’

Seeing people absorbed in talking about someone else, Rosena became increasingly displeased.

She should be the only flower of the Hays Ducal House.

The duchess’s existence was interfering with this.

‘Whoever she is, she’ll never receive treatment as a mother-in-law from me.’

She would find fault somehow.

She planned to turn that woman into a mere figurehead.

While Rosena was inwardly fuming and suppressing her anger.

“Rosie, there you are.”

“Ah, Evan.”

Evan approached her.

When he kissed Rosena’s cheek, envious sighs flowed from those around them.

Rosena’s mood lifted again and she became proud.

‘Yes, in the end, all of this is a stage for the two of us.’

Even if the Duchess revealed herself, he believed she would never be a match for him.

But it didn’t take long for that delusion to crumble.

“Her Grace, the Duchess of Hays, is entering.”

The banquet hall fell quiet at the servant’s announcement.

All eyes turned toward the grand doors in unison.

Evan and Rosena also craned their necks to look at the entrance.

Amid everyone’s anticipation, the heavy doors of the banquet hall finally opened.

In the moment when even people’s breathing fell silent, a woman gracefully stepped inside.

“…Huh?”

And in that instant, Evan and Rosena froze as if struck by lightning.

It was because of the completely unexpected identity of the Duchess.

‘C-Cecilia?’

‘Why is she here…?’

Unable to believe the reality before them, Evan and Rosena stood frozen with their mouths agape.

Cecilia raised her gaze and flashed a brilliant smile toward the two of them.

Unlike her enemies, her face was full of composure.

“T-This can’t be…”

Rosena’s eyes widened so much that they looked like they might pop out with just a little more force.

Before they knew it, Cecilia had approached them with dignified steps.

Leaving the two stunned people behind, Rainer approached and gently extended his hand to Cecilia.

“You’re late. Every minute and second of waiting felt like a year.”

“I’m sorry, I was so nervous.”

Of course, it was just that she had entered separately from Rainer for a dramatic entrance.

But for now, she decided to faithfully play the role of a beloved Duchess.

Cecilia turned to look at Evan and Rosena again.

Gone was their smug expression from moments before; the two were in shock, completely dazed.

“Hello, we’re acquainted, aren’t we?”

Cecilia approached them as if greeting them warmly.

And she nodded toward Evan.

“Please treat me well from now on, young master.”

“…Young master?”

Evan muttered with a bewildered expression.

But Cecilia didn’t respond.

She hadn’t intended to exchange friendly greetings anyway.

She immediately shifted her gaze to Rosena.

“And… my daughter-in-law, Miss Rosena.”

Cecilia deliberately emphasized the word ‘daughter-in-law’ as she pronounced it.

Rosena’s shoulders flinched.

“Oh my, Miss Rosena seems quite nervous.”

Cecilia smiled brightly as she turned to Rainer.

Then she firmly grasped Rosena’s shoulders with both hands.

From the outside, it looked like two women embracing amicably.

But Cecilia whispered quietly in Rosena’s ear with a cold expression.

“You should smile, Rosie. This is your first time meeting your mother-in-law, isn’t it?”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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