BETRAYAL OF DIGNITY
Part 33
Reunion
"Claire!"
Stella was returning from a distance with her husband in tow, a bright smile on her face. The noise of the bustling crowd seemed to fade. Chloe could almost hear the waltz that had played at the riverside during the festival one cool summer.
The melody had been as gentle and beautiful as a soothing touch, gradually quickening into a lively rhythm...
"I finally found him!" Stella exclaimed.
Chloe saw him. Walking beside Richard, he approached with a smile. Each step was measured, and as he came to a halt before her, the music in her mind abruptly ceased.
"Allow me to introduce you. This is Claire Blanc, our dear Sofie's governess," said Stella.
Chloe lowered her head, her eyes trembling. Seeing his hand wind the spring back up, she closed her eyes momentarily before opening them again.
"And this gentleman is Mr. Laurent Taylor, a merchant from afar."
The melody resumed, and Laurent Taylor extended his gloved hand. Despite the balmy summer weather, he was impeccably attired in a suit.
"I beg your pardon for the delay," he said.
The voice was familiar, one she was sure would haunt her even in death. Her heart pounded painfully fast.
"It appears l've arrived a tad too late. Everything seems to have concluded without issue."
Chloe stifled the scream threatening to break free from her lips. She stared at the initials embroidered on the man's glove, initials that did not correspond to his stated name.
I hope that you will successfully settle all matters and allow me to join you by your side soon.
She was filled with dread as she recalled the deceitful letter she had written, her hands trembling as she gripped her quill.
Stella cast a puzzled glance at Chloe, who stood frozen in place. "Claire?"
"Miss, are you feeling unwell?" Sofie chimed in.
As the little girl blinked up at her, Chloe gathered her composure and accepted the extended hand. A shiver coursed through her as their palms touched. The moment he lifted her hand to his lips, their eyes locked. As his icy, inscrutable gaze held her captive, she felt her heart plummet to her feet.
"We are so grateful for your generosity, Mr. Taylor."
"Generosity? I should be the one thanking you."
Seeing Damien's smiling face, Chloe found herself fervently hoping for the building to crumble around them. The lively waltz, the ragged rhythm of her breathing, and the relentless pounding of her heart tangled into a cacophony in her mind.
"Is it really all right if we keep the items that didn't sell?" Stella asked cautiously, her face hopeful.
"Of course."
Chloe felt the room's attention gravitate toward them. It was only natural for envious eyes to be drawn to the foreign merchant who had quickly spent a fortune touring the booths, as well as to Stellas family, who stood by his side. However, Chloe knew that he would have commanded attention even if he were dressed in rags.
"How can one be so perfect both in character and appearance?" Stella marveled aloud.
"You are too kind," Damien replied, his soft laughter filling the room. His distinct, radiant smile and his eyes, as profound as a bottomless lake, seemed to have matured and grown more elegant over the past two years. "But truth be told, I cannot say I mind the flattery. Does that make you view me in a more realistic light?"
