Golden Melody (Editing)

Chapter 32

Chapter 32 – First Date

Miexha's Point of View

Wayne Estate – Powder Room

I still couldn't believe it.

After months of carefully avoiding my fiancé at school, tonight we were meeting for dinner.

Our first real meeting.

When I was younger, I only knew his name and had seen a few photographs. Then, from my first day at Wayne Academy until now, I have always made sure we never crossed paths.

Except for two times, during P.E., when he sat beside me without saying a word. And... in the hallway when he saved me from Thyron. I had run away before I could even say thank you.

I pressed my fingers gently to my lips, staring at the girl in the grand mirror.

My hair had been curled carefully.
A faint blush rested on my cheeks.
My lips shimmered softly under the lights.

I looked beautiful.

And somehow... it made me feel like a very polite prisoner.

I wanted to cry. But I had already done that earlier. I had used up all my tears.

Now I was just... tired. And a little angry. Angry at this life.

I had barely begun to taste freedom.
I had only just started breathing air that wasn't filtered through plastic tubes and hospital rooms.

And I had just met someone who made me feel like I belonged in this world.

Yet tonight—

I'm going on a date with someone who wasn't Zatariel.

Instead, I was paired with a boy I had never even spoken to.

"Your fiancé is waiting, Miss," one of the maids said gently as she adjusted the ribbon in my hair. "Try not to look too nervous. You might make him uncomfortable."

I looked at my reflection again.

My dress was soft pink, light, and delicate, making me feel like a piece of candy wrapped in silk.

The girl in the mirror smiled politely. I didn't quite recognize her.

"Do you think... he's scary?" I asked quietly.

The maids exchanged glances.

"He's very tall," one said carefully.

"And very quiet," the other added.

I remembered seeing him at school sometimes. He was usually standing beside Zatariel. Like a shadow beside the sun.

"I hope we'll get along," I murmured. "That he won't mind a girl like me." I touched my hearing aid gently.

A girl with too many rules. Too many medicines. Too many doctors' notes.

I smoothed my dress and slowly stood up. My legs trembled a little, but I forced a small smile.

"Okay," I said softly. "Let's go."

Because there was nothing else I could do. My family had already decided my future.

All I could do now... Was hope it wouldn't become something worse.

=======================

When the doors opened, I saw him immediately.

Jayson Dom.

He was sitting near the window, arms folded, his back perfectly straight, his expression carved from something that looked suspiciously like cold marble.