wildflower chapter 19

“I’ve received your latest submission.” Lilian breathed a sigh of relief at the complimentary opening of the letter. However, it wasn’t all praise. 

“The portrayal of emotions stemming from actions was well-done, but the love for the other person didn’t quite come through.” 

The editor was right. Cairn wasn’t a lover, just a friend. Lilian desperately clung to that belief. A sudden, impulsive kiss wouldn’t convey romantic love. It was strangely revealing how much of her true feelings had seeped into such a short piece. Mrs. Ashton’s words came back to her. 

“The descriptions felt somewhat contrived.” So that’s why so many people saw through her charade. No matter how hard she tried to hide it, the truth always bled onto the page. 

Lilian shook her head, trying to push Mrs. Ashton’s words aside, and reread a portion of the letter. “It’s a striking short story with the fresh, naive air of a first love, one that remains unrealized.” Unrealized? That couldn’t be true. There simply wasn’t any love to begin with, only friendship, maybe. 

“My apologies for the lengthy commentary, but I believe this piece represents significant progress in many ways. Sincerely, your trusting editor.”

She opened her previous book and reread the scene where the protagonists kissed. Only now did she see it: the half-hearted expressions. Her editor had warned her that publishing another stagnant work wouldn’t yield good results. When Lilian requested feedback on her draft, the editor readily agreed.

“Miss!” A sharp voice jolted her back to reality. “I called you several times…” 

“Sorry, Matilda. What is it?” 

“What do you think of this dress?” Matilda emerged from the dressing room holding a pastel blue dress with striking pleats. 

“Isn’t it too flashy?” The pearls adorning the waistline shimmered. “You’re going somewhere glamorous, so you should wear something glamorous!” Knowing that beautiful clothes could offer a temporary escape from reality, Lilian readily indulged in Matilda’s dress-up game.

On her father, Count de Vermore’s arm, Lilian gracefully stepped out of the carriage. “Father, I’ll go with Cairn from the annex. You can go ahead.” 

“Despite your age, I trust you two aren’t still playing those childish games.” 

He’d once caught them dangling from a tree branch, competing to see who could hang on longer. With a look that spoke volumes, the Count had simply said, “Let’s go back now, Lilian.” 

That concise command had been enough to subdue the two mischief-makers. They were lucky he hadn’t flown into a rage about them getting dirty, climbing high, and risking head injuries. The Count had likely backed down after seeing Cairn’s brazen expression, which seemed to ask, “What’s wrong with a little fun?” 

“Yes… We’re all grown up now.” 

“That’s what you said last year, wasn’t it?” The Count raised an eyebrow. 

“This time, we’ll go quietly to the main palace without causing any trouble in the garden.” 

“I certainly hope so.” He kissed Lilian’s forehead briefly and headed towards the private dining room in the main palace of Baltan. Lilian waited patiently until her father was out of sight.

“We have a guest?” 

“Yes, Miss.” Lilian paused in front of the annex gallery at Mr. Jeffrey’s, the white-haired butler’s, words. 

“Young Master, Miss de Vermore is here.” 

“Oh? Jeffrey? I’m not ready yet…” 

Jeffrey gave her a dubious look over his spectacles, as if to say, ‘When were you ever ready to see Cairn?’ While she hesitated, the servants slowly opened the massive doors. An unexpected guest greeted her. “Good afternoon, Miss de Vermore.” 

It was the Red Rose of the Empire, Aizen Frederick. “Oh…” Lilian looked at Cairn, bewildered. He shrugged, feigning ignorance. 

“Good afternoon, Miss Frederick.” Lilian walked awkwardly towards the sofa. Cairn gestured, and the three of them sat down. “I knew, but you two are really close.” Lilian waited for Cairn to respond, but only a long silence followed.