Ways To Escape Death

Chapter 09: Beatrice's Tea Party

Sophia's POV

I am now on my way to the residence of Marquess Philip. These past few days, I have been having second thoughts if I should go or just ditch the occasion. But the problem is, I already sent a response of acceptance—on the same day when I received the invitation.

I heavily sighed. Ayoko namang ipahiya ang pangalang dala-dala ko. Naalala ko ring hindi nga pala ako aarteng kontrabida katulad ng nasa kwento. Magpapakabuting nilalang ako at hindi papadala sa emosyon.

Nang huminto ang sinasakyan ko sa tapat ng entrance ng Philip Household, agad akong pinapasok ng guard no'ng ma-identify nito ang invitation ko.

"Welcome, Lady Elizabeth," salubong sa 'kin ng butler nang makababa ako sa karwahe.

"Lead the way," I said.

Yumuko ito bilang pagsang-ayon saka siya umuna ng paglakad patungo sa lugar kung saan ang tea party. Huminto kami sa greenhouse, kung saan may mga nakapaligid na garden of pink roses. Malinis ang kapaligiran, maayos ang paghahanda ng event. Sa gitna nakapwesto ang malaking bilog na lamesa, sa ibabaw nito ang refreshments—like desserts, macaroons, biscuits and teas.

Naabutan ko ang mga bisita na masayang nagkukwentuhan. Mula sa aking kinatatayuan, sinuri ko muna ang bawat isa sa kanila. Hindi pa yata dumadating ang host ng tea party.

Walang salita akong naupo sa bakanteng upuan. Mabilis silang natahimik no'ng mapansin nila ang presensya ko. I crossed my arms saka ako sumandal. Tiningnan ko sila isa-isa. Hindi nagtatama ang mga paningin namin dahil yumuyuko agad ito para umiwas. Nahahalata ko sa kanila ang matinding takot sa pagdating ko.

I am tired of having that kind of reaction. Nataranta sila no'ng marinig ang pagpapakawala ko ng mabigat na buntong-hininga.

"We are glad to have you here, Lady Elizabeth." Lakas-loob na bati ng may pagka-violet na buhok. Who is she again? Whatever! Let's just respond like normal.

"I am also glad to be with you."

Just by hearing my response, they flinched. Why? Should I not talk back to them?

Saglit pumitik ng sakit ang ulo ko bago nag-pop up ang parte ng mga ala-ala ni Elizabeth. Tinakpan ko ang aking bibig para itago ang mapaglarong ngiti sa labi ko. So that's why I don't recall them since Elizabeth didn't mind paying attention to any of these people, especially for those nobles na mababa ang social status.

In short, she acted like a brat. This is really why it's hard to regain her reputation among nobles. I am the one who reaps what she sows!

"Don't mind me, just enjoy your time." I smiled sweetly at them but I guess it only worsens the moment. They are now shaking in fear as if they just witnessed a demon smiling at them. Am I that creepy?

"Good to see that everybody's already here," said someone with an angelic voice.

I look at the back to see who's coming. She has blonde hair, fair skin and the plum color of her eyes is unique. I almost drop my jaw as I witness how beautiful she truly is. I even came to understand Lawrence, for choosing her over Elizabeth. Every move she made is elegant and respectful. Her black gown is well suited for her skin color. Lumulutang ang kaputian niya.

Tumayo ang mga babae para magbigay ng pagbati, tumayo rin ako para gumaya. "Lady Beatrice."

Hanggang sa maupo siya sa tabi ko, hindi ko pa rin maalis ang tingin ko sa kabuuan niya. Para akong matotomboy sa kagandahan niya. Iba rin talaga ang impact ng female lead 'no?

The atmosphere was lightened up. They exchanged greetings to each other, habang ako naman ay gumagawa ng sariling mundo.

"How are you, Lady Elizabeth?" Beatrice asked me. Is that a sign of concern or signal for starting a debate?

Tumahimik ang lahat, mahahalata sa kanila ang expectation na wala akong gagawing matino bilang tugon. Nilunok ko muna ang macaroons na kinakain ko bago magsalita.

"I am perfectly fine. Thank you for your concern, Lady Beatrice."

There is suspicion through their eyes. Well, well, well. They didn't know how I practiced many times for this moment. Humarap ako sa direksyon ni Beatrice saka pinatong ang palad ko sa kamay niya.

"I am here to deeply apologize for everything that I have done to you, Lady Beatrice."

I noticed their shocked faces. Hindi sila makapaniwala sa salitang lumabas sa bibig ko.

It's time to kunwaring nalulungkot. "After waking up from my deathbed, I realized a lot of things. May mga bagay akong natutunan at pinagsisihan." Then, konting patak ng luha para makatotohanan.

Nakuha ko ang simpatya ng mga kasama namin. I secretly peek at her reaction. Nangunot ang noo ko sa aking nakita. She was glaring at me a moment ago, or is it just my imagination?

"Lady Elizabeth, ang importante ay okay ka na ngayon."

"Bihira lang ang may tapang ng loob na i-acknowledge ang sarili nilang pagkakamali."

"You are a strong person, milady."

In just a flash, naging puro positibo ang mga naging komento nila sa 'kin. Nawala na rin ng tuluyan ang pressure sa paligid.

"I have already forgiven you, Lady Elizabeth. Let's just forget the past and start a fresh new start. Today seems like a great opportunity for us to deepen our connections."

Sumang-ayon din ang iba sa speech ni Beatrice.

"Let's do that," I answered back to go with the flow.

Oh please, just leave me alone. Ayokong masangkot sa love story mo. I only came here to clear my image to you—the protagonist of this novel world. I guess my first agenda is a success.

"What do you do these days, Lady Elizabeth?" Lady Kristen asked. Naging curious din naman agad ang iba. Sa 'kin nakatutok ang kanilang atensyon.

"Nothing special. Just enjoying my life of being free."

"I heard you're the one who breaks your engagement. I hope hindi mo 'yon ginawa by believing rumors about me and His Highness..." malungkot na pagkakasabi ni Beatrice.

Is she provoking me? If I were the real Elizabeth, sinabunutan na kita.

And it was not just rumors! Bukod sa nabasa ko 'yong mga sikretong landian niyo ni Lawrence, minsan na ring na-witness ni Elizabeth 'yong kaharutan niyo by her own eyes. Hindi lang 'yan, mayro'n ding mga servants at iilang nobles ang nakakita sa inyo.

Gusto ko siyang tawanan dahil sa galing nito magpanggap na inosente. Nagawa niya pang magsinungaling sa harap ko ng hindi tinatablan ng konsensya.

I faked a smile. "No, that was just a baseless rumor. I knew you're a pure person that never came to mind to flirt with a man with a fiancé," I said sarcastically.

"Lady Elizabeth is right. Kahit ako hindi rin naniniwala sa mga chismis about sa 'yo, Lady Beatrice."

"Ako rin."

"Lady Beatrice is a kind and gentle lady. Everyone knows that."

"Right?" I continued while looking at Beatrice.

I saw her frown, patago akong napangisi. She remained silent then stared at me like she's trying to read my mind.

"Do you still have feelings for the Crown Prince?" Lady Lilac asked. Pasimple siyang siniko ni Lady Kristen dahil sa pagiging pasmado ng bunganga nito.

"Oh dear, I no longer have such feelings," I seriously said. Naging kontento naman sila sa aking sagot at hindi na 'ko ginulo pa sa parehong topic.

Hindi rin nagtagal ay umeksena na ang pinakahihintay kong magpapa anghang ng sitwasyon.

"Is it that easy for you to say?" bungad nitong tanong sa 'kin.

Lahat ay napalingon sa direksyon niya.  As I expected, this tea party isn't meant to be a boring one.