Was he Lydia's betrothed ?

   Layla 

      I headed home after the harsh encounter with my father . The capes of my neck was red and aches badly . I mopped around my neck with a soothing balm Benjamin had offered me .

It felt so good to be home after a week . I had a space that my Father leased out to me due to my aunt's request so I wasn't sent to the workhouse .

It contained all my mother's belongings and a torn photo of her carrying me in her arms . 

It was just her arms , never knowing what she looked like .

My room was a moderate sized one , it had a large bed and old fashioned curtains which Lady Sia insisted I kept using .

I threw my tote bag on the bed , it contained my school uniform , worn out shoes and a few gowns I used at the restaurant for the week . Yawning widely ,I made for the kitchen to grab ice cubes for my neck . 

I grabbed a handkerchief and filled it with five ice cubes before closing the freezer gently . I placed it gently on my neck enjoying the sweet relief when I heard murmurings in the other room .

“.... there is no box of such in her room , that witch hid it before running wild ” 

That voice was my Aunt's . What box was she referring to ?

I moved to the door to eavesdrop but I heard approaching footsteps . At lightning speed , I ran to my room and shut the door after me .

I had not settled for a moment or two when the door was swung open by my Aunt .

  Her face was stern and her hand held her waist tightly. She scanned the room with her green eyes before coming close to me .

“ If I find out that you hid it , I will end your miserable life ! ” Lady Sia spat angrily while walking out of the room .

What was she talking about , I shrugged my shoulders ignoring her rants . With or without her searching , she would still end my life either at the restaurant or home .

I caught a glimpse of a note on the floor . It must have fallen off Lady Sia's dress . It was a handkerchief with a red marker note .

I looked at it ,it was familiar .

I traced it back to the frame hanging on the wall in my room .

Something is fishy .

I kept the handkerchief in my luggage and drifted to sleep .

**** 

       The next day 

  For the first time in weeks , I had a blissful night with no disturbance or sort from either Lady Sia or my Father . 

I grinned happily going about the chores so I could head to Lydia's for her Introduction ceremony .

I grabbed the bag which she gave me earlier and opened it gently . 

My eyes become teary and I smiled softly . This was the most beautiful dress I have seen in quite a while .

I stared at the dress with dreamy eyes before slipping into it . It was an emerald green dress , with neatly stacked green beads and pearls around the dress .

It was a ball dress with a corset cup and waist snatched . It had a stylish glove and a ruffled hair band .

 I quickly sat on the wooden chair and began styling my hair . I let it down because Benjamin said they were prettier that way and held some parts with clips . 

Makeup wasn't my thing , I applied body oil and a little lip balm to moisturize my lips . I clipped my favorite silver earrings and necklace and wore the beautiful beaded slippers .

I felt confident about my looks so I set for Lydia's home happily .

        After a forty-five minute walk, I arrived at Lydia's home , she sat in the largely decorated sitting room checking out herself in the huge mirror .

“ You are more than gorgeous darling ” I complimented, distracting her attention from the mirror. 

“ Layla !” she squealed, jumping into my arms happily . She pecked me softly, twirling me around .

“ You made it and this dress is a perfect fit for you .” she said, laughing heartily . 

I pulled her into a hug whispering a ‘ thank you ’ before we left for her bedroom to wait. 

Lydia was clothed in a beautiful orange velvet dress and had makeup done lightly and finally adorned with gold jewelries .

On her head was a crown , and the rest of her head was styled with beads . She could not wait to see her betrothed after a long wait .

“ I hope he is so handsome ” Lydia said, closing her eyes dreamily when the trumpets were blown .

It signified that the guests had arrived , by this time , Lydia was almost over the roof . Her happiness was second to none and she could not wait to leave her room .

” Can you go check him out for me ?" She asked curiously and I nodded my head in disagreements .

“ You can't do that princessa , I am certain your fiance would be handsome .” I encouraged her by wearing a smile . I hoped he was handsome too cause I wanted the best for my best friend .

She deserved all that is good .

The door swung open and the head maid walked in , she had a little silk scarf which signified that the bride's presence was needed .

Lydia followed the maid and I joined her by the side holding her fidgeting fingers .

  We got to the hall and we were ushered in . I held the hem of Lydia's dress and helped her .

I had not settled when I felt a strong pull within my soul , it felt like I knew this one and I turned in that direction . 

It was the Man at the restaurant , my heart raced , his gaze met mine and I stood awestruck .

Was he Lydia's betrothed ?