Chapter 16

Sir Bernard and Lady Swan arrive earlier than I had expected to discuss the engagement again. I pity them for having a child like Laurent Bunter. They walk into the garden just as I finish my sword training with Francis.

Francis watches them curiously as they walk towards the mansion, "Isn't that Laurent Bunter's father?"

I nod and sigh as I wipe the sweat off my forehead. "Yes. I wasn't expecting them to come here so quickly."

"Why did they come?"

"Would it kill you to not know?" I ask sarcastically as I slide my sword into its sheath.

"Yes it would." He says seriously before grabbing my arm, "I'm so curious, it's killing me." He whines.

I laugh, I can never be mad at Francis for long. "Fine Master." It should be alright for him to join the discussion since it isn't really important. Laurent will definitely disagree and cancel the engagement after this anyway.

We head to my father's study where we had the meeting last time. Opening the door, I politely greet the couple who stare at me in surprise. They haven't seen me in my training outfit before. Besides my father and the people here at Hatter Mansion, no one knows about my sword training. Not many nobles allow their daughters to wield swords in fear that they would develop calloused hands and no one will marry them.

They take a small curious glance at Francis who smiles and politely introduces himself. Lady Swan seems impressed and Sir Bernard has a small discussion with him about some political affairs. Astonishingly, even my father joins in with their discussion, leaving me and Lady Swan to awkwardly smile at each other.

"Would you like anything to eat or drink?" I ask, standing up.

"That's okay darling. We ate before we came so I won't even be able to have water." She laughs.

I really like her. "Let me know if you need anything." I smile.

"I heard you have agreed to keep the engagement?" She asks.

I nod, "Yes. I was too silly and immature before when I asked to cancel it." I lie. I feel guilty for lying to such a good natured woman but I have to do what I must to survive.

The loud opening of the doors, causes all of us to fall into silence as the devil walks into the room. My eyes widen and I quickly close my gaping mouth.

Why has he come?!

My face heats up when I remember the feel of his lips. Get your head out of the gutter Scarlet! I can't be distracted at this crucial moment when my plan will be put into action.

His eyes glance at Francis who is sat beside me and Francis glares straight into his eyes. Why does the atmosphere feel tense all of a sudden? I scoot closer to Francis as Laurent takes a seat on the other side of me. What is this situation? Why am I the chicken filling in a sandwich? Glancing at bread Francis, he smiles comfortingly at me and places a hand over mine. On the other hand, I can feel bread Laurent's icy gaze on me.

"Shall we talk about the important matters?" Sir Bernard says with a cough.

"Yes, it's time." My father agrees. "Beatrice?"

I nod and clear my throat before speaking, "I will go ahead with the engagement."

"What?!" Laurent gapes at me. It takes me all of my will to control my facial expression. I want to laugh at him but I have to keep a serious poker face.

"Like Beatrice has mentioned, I also agree that this will be best for all of us." My father adds.

I wait for Laurent to refuse but he doesn't say a word. Is he really so shocked that I agreed? Was he not expecting this? I really want to laugh like the evil villain I am. I thought he was clever but I guess I am a lot smarter than Laurent Bunter.

Focus, Scarlet.

Now the important thing is to wait for his rejection. Didn't he say he will do everything against me?

I smile smugly to myself whilst Lady Swan's and Sir Bernard's faces brighten up.

"I am really happy you will keep the engagement." Lady Swan says to me. Have they all forgotten that he likes Bella, not me? But I don't want to rain on their parade. I'll let Laurent do that.

Any second now, he should be saying it. I glance at the clock. It's been a hour already. Why isn't he saying anything? Has he turned mute or fallen asleep? I lean forward and look at him. He isn't asleep but his eyes are on Francis who is glaring back at him. What is this sexual tension I can feel between them?

I gasp aloud. Could he...Laurent Bunter have fallen for Francis Tag?! Is this love at first sight?

"What's the matter Beatrice?" My father asks, staring curiously at me. Sir Bernard and Lady Swan are also staring at me.

"N–Nothing!" I stutter quickly. How can I tell them that Laurent has fallen in love with my Master?

Smiling at everyone, I excuse myself and pull Francis towards the door. "I need to talk to you." I mutter under my breath.

He stares at me curiously and nods.

"Wait Beatrice!" I hear Laurent's voice behind us as he walks to us, "I didn't give my answer yet."

I grin to myself. He will finally reject me and I will be free. I wait for him to say the magic words to my happiness.

"Go on." I prompt excitedly.

He stares between Francis and I. Wait, is he jealous that I am holding Francis' hand? I pull away from him. Come on Laurent Bunter, make me feel happy for once.

"Let's get married."