Deceived 8

Chapter 8

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“Pleased to meet you, young master Doman.”

Blair placed her gloved hand over Isaac's. As the man bowed his head to kiss her hand, damp breath scattered over the sheer lace fabric. The sight suddenly overlapped with that of his father, the Marquis of Doman.

“Did you wait long? My schedule got pushed back because I had important investors to meet starting at noon.”

“No, it’s fine.”

"That's a relief. I've been so busy lately, I startle myself every time I glance at the clock."

Isaac, seated across from her, seemed quite at ease, as if he frequented this lounge often. A smile never left his smooth face, and his suit, dressed in bright colors, was that of a typical metropolitan gentleman.

Yet, the reason Blair felt somewhat unsettling was the way he subtly scanned and scrutinized her. It was no different from the unpleasant stares of men she had exchanged greetings with at a charity event a few days prior.

"You are indeed as beautiful as I've heard."

“…Thank you.”

"A woman this beautiful should have made the capital buzz with rumors, but it seems the Count of Twyford kept his daughter hidden away like a treasure chest."

"You flatter me."

Not knowing how to respond, she offered only a mechanical, polite reply, but Isaac seemed unconcerned. Blair couldn't tell if that was a relief or not. While she alone felt awkward, the waiter approached their table.

"May I take your order?"

"A glass of Ben Nevis whisky. Two ice cubes. And for the lady here, a lavender gin fizz, please."

"Ah, wait."

Blair, who had only been responding to questions, reached out as if to stop him. The waiter, who had just started to walk away, turned back, and Isaac tilted his chin.

"Is there a problem?"

"I'll have a non-alcoholic apple cider, please.”

"Do you have an adverse reaction to alcohol?"

"No, it's not that... I'm just not used to it, and I don't particularly like it, so I'd prefer to avoid drinking if possible."

Isaac, who had been wearing a faint smile, turned his head toward the waiter.

"Since she’s not accustomed to alcohol, adjust the gin fizz for the lady to just a light, mood-lifting strength."

"Understood."

The waiter nodded and quietly withdrew. Isaac picked up a piece of the cauliflower fritters already served and chuckled softly.

"Father was right about you being a young lady of impeccable bearing."

"......"

"But I do recommend you try the signature Lavender Gin Fizz at this lounge bar. I doubt there's a lady in the world who wouldn't like it."

Blair stared at Isaac instead of answering.

"By the way, people who drink generally dislike sipping alone. Even a small amount is fine, so I'd appreciate it if you'd clink glasses with me from now on."

Isaac chuckled, his tone implying she should take note. Before she could voice any objection, drinks were placed before them.

Blair merely pretended to sip her pale purple cocktail. She was certain the man before her wouldn't notice even if her drink level barely dropped.

"By the way, Miss Blair, there's one matter requiring your cooperation."

"What is it?"

"I've commissioned a ring from the jeweler in Fitzrovia. I'd appreciate it if you could visit there as soon as possible."

"Will Master Doman be accompanying me?"

"Ha ha, no. I'm leaving on a very important business trip."

Isaac swirled his ice-filled glass, then took a sip as if to wet his throat. With a look that seemed to say the drink tasted unexpectedly good, he touched his lips to the rim again and took a couple more sips. Blair had to wait for him to empty his whiskey glass and continue speaking.

"The payment has been made in advance, so you may select a design to your liking within the budget. With your cooperation, the wedding should proceed without a hitch by the time I return."

It sounded like an offer of goodwill, but in reality, it was little different from dumping a troublesome task onto her. No matter how much this marriage was tied to mutual interests, what noblewoman in the world would go alone to pick out her own engagement ring? Blair briefly stared at Isaac's smooth, polished face before nodding.

"Yes. I will."

"Very good."

Isaac slammed his empty glass down, seemingly satisfied that she rarely refused him.

"I am overjoyed to be bound to such a well-bred lady. To think I've come to this... It seems even a man like me has reached the time to settle down."

His expression, as he emptied the strong liquor and muttered to himself, bordered on self-admiration.

"I've always considered myself fortunate. They say love is for enjoying with a glamorous woman, but marriage is for a noble woman who can uphold a man's dignity, isn't that so?"

A woman who upholds a man's dignity. Did that mean she should sit quietly beside him like an ornament, smiling demurely? Ironically, that was precisely the virtue Blair had been taught all her life. So, it should have sounded like praise, yet strangely, it twisted her insides.

Isaac, oblivious to the strange displeasure hardening Blair's expression, concluded the conversation with a beaming face.

"Miss Blair, we'll make a perfect pair."

*****

02. Perception

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Closing the car door and stepping onto the sidewalk, Blair adjusted her hat. Her destination, Fitzrovia, was the capital city of Borsa's upscale commercial district, lined with boutiques and jewelers boasting dazzling shop windows.

Just as she was about to take a step, Blair looked up at the sound of a bell ringing. It was the chime announcing the hour from the towering clock tower in the distance.

A flock of pigeons sitting side by side on the church building took flight all at once. They soared toward the piercingly blue sky. Squinting, Blair cast a brief glance at that cloudless expanse before finally moving her reluctant feet.

"Welcome. Is there anything in particular you're looking for?"

As she stepped inside the jewelry store, a female clerk standing by the entrance greeted Blair.

"Hello. I'm here about the ring Master Doman requested."

"This way, please."

Blair handed the saleswoman the lace parasol she was carrying and surveyed the spacious interior. In the center of the shop, which carried an artificial scent, stood a staircase formed of soft curves, seemingly leading to a private space for distinguished guests.

"Would you like some hot tea first?"

"No, thank you. I don't plan to stay long."

Blair wasn't in the mood to sip tea and relax. She declined with a faint smile, and the clerk nodded before bringing copper sizing rings. She then gently removed Blair's gloves, slipped the rings onto her slender fingers, and asked carefully.

"Do you have a preferred gemstone design?"

"Well, I'd be grateful if you could just choose something for me."

"Oh, now, what are you saying? If you could just tell me what kind of metal you'd like, like platinum or rose gold, I'd be happy to recommend something that suits you."

Blair, who didn't want to waste energy on an engagement ring she didn't care about, shook her head.

"As long as it's within budget, the design doesn't really matter. Is the sizing done?"

"Then why not take a look at some pre-made designs? I'll only show you pieces with beautiful brilliance."

The salesperson led her to the glass display case with a genuinely disappointed look. Unable to keep refusing in the face of that expression, Blair half-listened to the salesperson's explanation while casually glancing down at the sparkling gems.

It was precisely then that the entrance area grew somewhat restless. Turning her head, she saw the manager and several attendants, their footsteps hushed and hurried, warmly greeting someone who had just entered the store. Blair's eyes, which had been hiding her fatigue, widened.

The tall man, his fine black hair swept back to reveal his forehead, was strikingly handsome, instantly capturing everyone's gaze. His suit, tailored to fit his unusually broad shoulders, looked picture-perfect, and everyone in the jewelry store found themselves unable to look away from him.

Blair was no exception. And no wonder…

"Welcome, Your Excellency. We've been waiting to meet you."

It was the very man Blair had encountered on the balcony that unforgettable night.