The Art of turning heart

6 |

Violet had been watching me for several minutes, her expression growing more and more amused as she noticed the direction of my gaze. Finally, she leaned in close, her voice barely above a whisper as she teased, "You know, you've been staring at him for so long that I'm starting to think you should just go over there and say something."

I immediately stiffened, tearing my eyes away from Edward and the woman he was speaking with. "I'm not staring," I protested, though the heat rising in my cheeks betrayed me. "And I have absolutely no desire to talk to him."

Violet gave me a knowing look, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "Oh, really? Because it sure looks like you're itching to interrupt their little chat. Go on, admit it."

I huffed, folding my arms across my chest. "I have nothing to say to him, and even if I did, I wouldn't do it now. He's clearly...occupied."

"Occupied?" Violet scoffed, rolling her eyes. "He's standing there like a statue, barely even listening to what she's saying. If you're so disinterested, then why do you keep looking over at him every five seconds?"

I opened my mouth to retort but found myself at a loss for words. Before I could come up with a suitable response, Violet's patience seemed to run out. "Oh, enough of this," she declared, grabbing my arm with a firm grip. "If you're not going to do it on your own, then I'll just have to help."

Panic flared in my chest as she started dragging me toward Edward and the woman, my protests falling on deaf ears. "Violet, no! I don't want to—"

But she was relentless, marching us across the garden with determination. My face burned with embarrassment, and I could feel my pulse quicken as we neared them. By the time we arrived, I was certain my cheeks were as red as a summer rose.

Edward and the woman both stopped talking as we approached, their attention shifting to us. Violet, undeterred by the sudden silence, flashed a charming smile and introduced herself with effortless grace. "Good evening! I'm Lady Violet Everly, a dear friend of this lovely lady beside me."

The woman returned Violet's smile with a curious look, clearly intrigued by the sudden interruption. "How do you do? I'm Lady Caroline Ashford," she replied, her voice smooth and refined as she extended her hand.

I stood behind Violet, doing my best to blend into the background as she and Lady Caroline exchanged pleasantries. I avoided Edward's gaze as if my life depended on it, my eyes darting anywhere but his face. I could feel his eyes on me, though, and it only made the situation worse.

And then, just when I thought I might actually survive this encounter without making a complete fool of myself, Violet did the unthinkable. With a sudden and entirely too sly grin, she linked arms with Lady Caroline and began to steer her away. "Lady Caroline, I simply must show you the most beautiful flower arrangement on the other side of the garden. You'll adore it!"

I watched in horror as Violet led Lady Caroline away, leaving me standing there alone with Edward. The silence stretched between us, heavy and awkward, and I cursed Violet under my breath for abandoning me so ruthlessly.

Edward finally broke the silence, his voice low and smooth. "Well, that was...unexpected. I didn't think you were the type to send in reinforcements."

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to meet his gaze. "I didn't. That was all Violet's doing."

He raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "I see. So, do you usually have your friends make introductions for you, or is this a special occasion?"

I straightened my posture, determined not to let him get the upper hand. "I don't need anyone to make introductions for me, Edward. I'm perfectly capable of handling my own affairs. But it seems my friends think otherwise."