Chapter 2

Chapter 2

I hastily scribbled two more words on the letter: "Return quickly."

Lucinda teased from the side, "Mother and Father still have such a good relationship!"

I hurriedly folded the letter, trying to hide it. "What do you know about these things? You're still young!"

Lucinda pouted, "I'm not a child anymore. Julissa from the Hollands' residence, who is my age, is already engaged!"

Remembering my task to steer towards a happy ending, I tentatively asked, "Have you invited the third prince recently?"

Lucinda slapped her forehead. "I completely forgot! I'll send an invitation to the third prince right away. We must thank him properly!"

Seeing me nod, Lucinda's eyes sparkled as she leaned closer and whispered, "Mother, what do you think about marriage? But I still want to..."

I thought she was reluctant to leave the Rileys' residence, so I quickly reassured her, "Marriage is wonderful, just like your father and I, supporting each other for a lifetime."

Lucinda lowered her head and said nothing. I added, "I really want to see you get married, Lucinda."

A trace of sadness flashed in Lucinda's eyes.

Seeing her silence, I thought that it was natural for a girl to have mixed feelings about marriage, so I quickly changed the subject. "Where do you plan to host the third prince?"

The priority was to arrange their engagement and get the plot back on track.

"How about Peony Garden? I saw the flowers blooming beautifully there yesterday."

Lucinda's eyes lit up again. "Mother, do you like Peony Garden? Then let's arrange it there!"

At that moment, I didn't notice Lucinda's use of "we."

A few days later, I was also invited to the banquet.

I sat at the head seat, with Brandon and Lucinda seated on either side of me.

The maid, Joelle, stood beside me with a stern smile.

I felt like Joelle and I were standing out awkwardly, like two sore thumbs.

Brandon and Lucinda exchanged polite pleasantries.

I sighed quietly and slowly stood up. "I'm not feeling well, so I'll excuse myself. Lucinda, make sure to entertain our guest properly."

Lucinda jumped up. "Mother, where are you going? I'll go with you!"

I winked at her, signaling for her to spend some time alone with Brandon, but she didn't get the hint at all.

I had no choice but to whisper in her ear, "I need to use the restroom."

Lucinda froze, then awkwardly chuckled. "Then hurry back, Mother."

I nodded. "Joelle will accompany me."

The peonies outside were blooming beautifully, perhaps because there was no modern pollution. The ancient peonies were larger and more vibrant.

I strolled leisurely, occasionally picking a few peonies for Joelle to hold, planning to put them in a vase later.

Joelle frowned seriously. "Madam, there's no place to put so many flowers."

I glanced at her. She looked only fifteen or sixteen, yet so serious.

Indeed, people in ancient times matured early. When I was fifteen or sixteen, I was still playing in the mud.

I hummed lightly and smeared some flower petal juice on her face. "Come on, Miss Serious, give me a smile!"

Joelle squinted her eyes as I rubbed her face, trying to scold me righteously, but her words came out as muffled grumbles.

The sun gradually set, and I wondered how Lucinda and Brandon were getting along.

I wasn't paying attention and bumped into someone in a black robe.

Still recovering from an old injury, I winced and held my forehead.

A gentle voice said, "Madam, I apologize for my rudeness. Are you alright?"

I looked up and saw that it was Brandon.

I stared at him in confusion. "Why is the third prince here?"

Brandon looked a bit embarrassed and bowed. "I left the banquet to admire the peonies and got lost."

I pointed towards the exit. "The exit is that way."

Brandon thanked me, and I thought he would leave, but he stood still in front of me.

I felt a headache coming on and tentatively asked, "Third prince?"

Brandon suddenly bowed deeply. "I have a request, Madam."

I gasped, remembering that I had set the male lead to be a vengeful and cunning character. I quickly rushed to help him up. "Third prince, you flatter me..."

Brandon stubbornly said, "I know you left the banquet to give me and your daughter some space. To be honest, I fell in love with her at first sight and can't stop thinking about her. Please, Madam, grant us your blessing..."

Hearing this, I couldn't help but feel delighted and nodded quickly. "I'm very happy about this... I mean, my daughter is very happy too."

Brandon looked up in surprise, and I helplessly supported him, preventing him from bowing again. "I have only one request."

Brandon nodded. "Please, tell me. I will do anything."

I looked at him seriously. "Please cherish my daughter and protect her."

Brandon's dark eyes flickered, but he remained respectful. "I will cherish her. In a few days, I will personally request the royal decree. I promise to give Lucinda a grand wedding."

I nodded in satisfaction, watching him leave.

Finally, my daughter was about to begin her happily ever after.

However, before the royal decree arrived, a panicked Lucinda came rushing in.

She stumbled into the room, her face pale. "Mother..."

I hurried over to support her. "Why are you in such a hurry?"

Lucinda collapsed into my arms, tears welling up in her eyes. "Mother, something's happened to Father!"