Irene comfortably leaned her head against the back of the carriage and closed her eyes. The sound of the carriage's rattle rocked to the rhythm of Irene's heartbeat. Her heart thumped, palpitating in her chest.
I was nervous before.
Irene pretended to be indifferent, but that was the first time she had rejected Riel's request. While doing that, her body stiffened like a piece of wood, and her heart had been pounding so hard she felt like it could have burst at any moment. However, Irene was glad that she had managed to take courage and stand up for herself. The feeling of satisfaction washed over how.
This is how I was supposed to act from the beginning.
If Irene had been fighting for her rights ever since she first felt an inkling of discrimination and injustice towards her, would not something have changed? Irene thought that perhaps, there would have been at least one person standing beside her.
But regret now was a futile waste of her energy.
Irene realised that rather than regretting something that had already happened, it was better to make a foolproof plan for the future so as not to repeat the same mistake.
However, how do I go about doing that...
Irene pondered throughout the ride, but no matter how much she wracked her brain, she could not come up with a possible solution to leave the Chase family for good. Irene contemplated if she should sell her paintings to save money, but she did not have that many paintings to sell. Her privilege to freely go out of the house was also non-existent, so even if she wanted to sell them, she would need the aid of a broker.
However, it was guaranteed that the count would be made aware if Irene were to use a broker because any of her movements would always be reported to him.
Moreover, Irene could not think of any talents besides painting, so nothing came to Irene's mind other than that plan.
Is it really impossible to detach myself from my family?
Yesterday, Irene sent a letter to Viscount Gertin to break off their engagement. However, the viscount refused her demand. Because the arrangement was made by mutual consent, one side couldn't break off the engagement. Should they wish to break off the engagement, they could proceed to court in severe cases. However, the verdict of the trial would almost always be in the man's favour. If it went that route, Irene would have to marry Boris.
I cannot possibly imagine marrying him. That would be the absolute worst-case scenario that could happen.
No matter how hard Irene tried to change her situation, in the end, nothing worked in her favour. Feelings of hope that she had quickly disappeared, replaced with a despondent gloom.
In the meantime, the carriage had already arrived at Duchess Jasmine's mansion, where the banquet was to be held. The coachman opened the carriage door and carefully helped Irene exit the carriage. Momentarily, she could not conceal her amazement at the luxurious sight in front of her.
When she looked around, the aristocrats entering the hall with their lovers or relatives were all in pairs. Irene glanced at her side; it was empty. She did not have an escort like other people.
It's all right. I'm fine.
Feelings of inadequacy arose in Irene, but she managed to comfort herself.
This is my first time. It's perfectly fine to not have everything right from the start.
With these thoughts in mind, she assured herself. Then mustering the courage to take a step forward, Irene walked towards the entrance to the ballroom.
YOU ARE READING
The Kind Older Sister Is No More
Romance"You're the older sister - just let it go. Can't you even do that for her?" Irene has always been living in the shadow of her ill and frail sister, Riel. She believed that she could and had to do everything for her family... until Riel stole everyth...
