Charlotte thought Lucy was upset and did not want to stay in her room, so she immediately put on a smiling expression."Lucy, please don't be mad! It wasn't on purpose! I just want you to know that our mom loves me a lot, and of course, she loves you too."Lucy could not figure out why Charlotte always seemed to want to one-up her. She definitely did not have time to waste on such nonsense."Charlotte, maybe you don't really get me. I might sound sweet and kind when I talk, but I'm actually pretty blunt. Remember how I told you I could say things that really sting? "Well, I've got plenty more where that came from. If you're looking to waste my time, then I'm ready to stick it out."Charlotte's hand, which was holding the dress, froze.She knew that Lucy might seem soft on the outside, but her words could really cut deep.Charlotte quickly picked out the dress she had in mind for Lucy. At first glance, Lucy could tell that the dress was nothing special, especially next to Charlo
The night had settled in with a bright moon and a few twinkling stars painting the sky.Lucy had been caught up in a long conversation with Theodore and Juliana. Before she knew it, the clock was nearing 11:00 pm."Mom, I'd like to go back home today..."Lucy's voice wavered as she spoke.She had promised Theodore to stay the night after dinner, but she knew Matthew would never agree to her spending the night in the palace without prior notice.Theodore's mood soured instantly."Lucy, didn't you promise to stay? Leaving after breakfast tomorrow wouldn't be too late!"Theodore silently criticized Matthew for being overly protective of Lucy, though he could not really find any other fault with him.Juliana looked concerned. "Aren't you supposed to stay with us? Why the sudden change of plans?"Caught between the two, Lucy felt awkward."I haven't talked to Matthew about it yet, so I should head back soon. Maybe I could stay over tomorrow night instead?"Juliana paused briefly.
Charlotte, who was watching them, just bit her lip and tried to hold it in.She had been outsmarted by Lucy too many times and needed to find the perfect chance to make Lucy look foolish—especially in front of everyone. She could not show off again.The yearly Wine Festival was the best chance for that.After saying goodbye to Lucy and Matthew, Theodore still looked worried. However, Juliana was more relaxed about it. She thought Matthew really cared for Lucy in a special way, spoiling her and making her happy.However, Juliana also knew that Theodore, after finally finding his long-lost sister and bringing her back to the palace, wanted to give Lucy everything. However, Matthew showed up out of the blue right at this moment.Being a big brother felt pretty weird sometimes.The cold wind howled outside the royal palace. Theodore stared down the road where Lucy and Matthew had sped away, their car's red tail lights going out of sight."Theodore, Lucy's gone. Why are you still out
Lucy was downcast the whole journey, looking as if she had just escaped from somewhere scary. Matthew saw the fear in her eyes and could not help but worry.Up ahead, the road was clogged with traffic. Matthew stopped the car and reached out to take Lucy's hand in his."What's wrong? You seemed just fine at the palace earlier. Did something happen? Can you tell me about it?"Lucy gazed out the window, shaking her head as if she were lost in thought.Matthew started to feel a little upset. He did not like it when Lucy kept her worries to herself, especially around him. It made him feel like she had put up a wall that he could not get past to reach her heart.He did not like that feeling at all."Lucy, remember what we promised? If anything bothers us, we're supposed to tell each other right away. We shouldn't have to worry alone."Hearing Matthew's voice change, Lucy sounded pitiful and a bit whiny.She quickly tried to comfort him, "Matthew, it's not what you think. I'm just re
Lucy had to admit that ever since she met Matthew, it seemed like he knew her better than anyone else ever could.Every time Lucy started to speak, Matthew could almost read her mind and guess what she was going to say next."I sure hope so."Lucy was not the type to get downhearted and lose hope over everything, but she could not shake the feeling that being with Matthew was like walking on eggshells. She did not know if there was hope or heartbreak around the corner.However, Matthew kept holding onto Lucy's hand, not wanting to let go for even a second."Lucy, whatever comes our way, I'll be right here with you. You've got to trust me, and you've got to believe in yourself a little more."Believe in herself...Matthew was right. She really did not have much self-confidence.She was always sunny, upbeat, and full of cheer. Anyone who met her would think she was a woman who lived in a world of sunshine.However, when she was with Matthew...Matthew was rich and really good-l
"Is that how much you don’t trust me?” Matthew sounded even more aggrieved than Lucy. He held Lucy so tight that her arms were starting to hurt, but he still refused to let go.“No, no, I just think that you’re so much better than I am. How could I possibly be more popular than you?”Lucy found it strange that such words came from Matthew. A few years ago, he was consistently rated as the 'Golden Bachelor' by financial magazines. He was the dream man of many.Lucy felt miserable when compared to him, so she said, “They must be blind to like me.”Matthew finally let go of her and stared into her eyes without blinking. “Once those people discover you, I wouldn’t even have the time to hide you before they try to snatch you away.”His childish tone was somewhat comforting to Lucy.Matthew did not expect Lucy’s glorious moment of being loved by many to come so soon.When they got back home, Lucy stared at the dress Charlotte had 'kindly' gifted her.She had no choice but to attend t
The next day, Lucy woke up early. She was full of energy.Matthew still had no idea what she had come up with. Despite his attempts to coax it out of her, he was still left in the dark. He was reluctantly chased off to work by Lucy. She even told him that she would not be delivering his lunch today, leaving him feelings of bitterness.“Time to get to work!”Thanks to a good night’s sleep, Lucy was brimming with energy. She started the day in high spirits.She began by gathering various books on fashion research from the library and meticulously flipped through them to find suitable decorations and patterns.She also had the maids purchase the appropriate fabrics and sewing supplies.The maids were eager to help, and not long after, they had acquired everything Lucy needed. With everything ready, Lucy got to work.Since it was her first time altering a dress, obstacles were inevitable. For instance, stitching on embroidery was a little awkward for her at first. However, thanks
The day of the Wine Festival arrived.Matthew knew Lucy was being secretive about not changing into her dress early, so all he could do was wait and see what she had up her sleeve.“Wifey, let’s start with the makeup.”Matthew had sourced several studios to hire a renowned makeup artist specifically for the occasion.Lucy knew how to do her own makeup, but for an event like this, she needed a professional as she was unsure what kind of makeup would suit the event.The makeup artist was a petite young lady, but unlike her appearance, she did not sound shy at all.“Mrs. Leon, you have such nice skin. You really don’t need much foundation at all.”The makeup artist commented while applying makeup on Lucy’s face, praising her complexion and beauty. It made Lucy blush.Matthew wholeheartedly agreed with her, “Lulu, you’re truly beautiful, so be more confident in yourself.”After the makeup artist learned Lucy’s real age, she was even more impressed. “Mrs. Leon, you don’t look your