In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 37

Aria, led by Eric, climbed into the carriage, her eyes darting around in confusion at the sudden situation. It was the first time she had ever sat face-to-face with Eric in a carriage. The empty silence felt more uncomfortable than a bed of nails.

What should she say to break this awkward atmosphere? And where on earth was this carriage headed? She couldn’t begin to guess what he was thinking.

Eventually, the awkwardness overwhelmed her, and a small puff of air escaped from between her lips.

At that moment, a low, sunken voice rang out clearly.

“Is being with me so ridiculous that it makes you scoff?”

Eric furrowed his brows slightly. He seemed irritated, as if even the smallest of Aria’s gestures affected him.

In response, Aria lowered her head and gave a faint smile. In truth, to any noblewoman, Eric was the ideal man.

A prestigious family name House Bailey and the title of Captain of the Royal Guard.

Even the frock coat he had thrown on carelessly seemed to shine thanks to his sturdy build and godlike features.

He was a man lacking nothing in terms of marriage prospects if only he didn’t have that cold, frosty demeanor.

“Why are you acting so awkward? Where did the boldness go the one who treated my injuries without hesitation? Don’t tell me… is there someone else?”

“If you keep this up, should I change our destination? To somewhere where we can be alone?”

The coachman turned his head at that. Aria, her face flushing red, shook her head frantically.

Seeing that, Eric let out a soft chuckle. With his expression relaxed, he turned his gaze to the window.

Aria followed his lead, slowly turning her head in the same direction.

Still unsure how to act, her eyes darted about in panic, when the carriage came to a stop in front of a large shop.

“We’ve arrived, young master.”

As the coachman opened the door, Eric stepped out before Aria could get down.

He held out his hand to her like a refined gentleman escorting a lady.

“Shall we, milady?”

At his words, the coachman beside him blinked in surprise. Eric ignored the stunned look and smiled gently.

Aria tried to avoid taking his hand, but it was hard to overcome his stubbornness.

In the end, led by his hand, Aria stepped down and immediately began scanning her surroundings nervously.

That was when she saw a familiar signboard.

It was the very same dress boutique where Edward and Isabella had fitted their wedding attire just a few days ago.

Dozens of noble ladies were coming and going. The eyes of the elegantly dressed women began to turn toward the modestly dressed Aria.

As Aria stood frozen with an awkward expression, Eric tightened his grip and led her forward.

Drawn by his strength, she had no choice but to step once again into that hellish place.

As they entered the shop, a madam in a red dress adorned with elaborate decorations spotted Eric and hurried over.

“Oh my! I don’t believe we’ve met before. Do you have an appointment? If I may ask, your name is…?”

“Eric Bailey.”

The madam, checking the reservation list, looked up in wide-eyed surprise.

Seeing the second son of the famed Bailey family in person, he was more striking than any young noble she had ever seen.

“My goodness. What an honor to have such a distinguished guest in my boutique… But… the lady with you isn’t she the maid from before…?”

With a curious look, the madam glanced between the two of them. Eric responded with a faint, amused smile.

“Pleasure to meet you, Madam. I’d like you to recommend a few dresses that would suit this lady.”

“Pardon…? You mean, for a maid? I’m terribly sorry, but this boutique is exclusively for noblewomen—”

“Oh dear. Did you just insult my fiancée? You must have more than one life to risk.”

“Fiancée…?” The madam’s face turned pale at Eric’s words as she quickly scanned Aria from head to toe in shock.

Eric turned his cold gaze toward the madam, his expression growing stern.

“I came here because I heard this was the most renowned boutique in the city, but it seems it’s nothing but rudeness. Are you really trying to disgrace me?”

“N-no! I would never— That’s not what I meant…”

“Then what exactly did you mean?”

“I only…”

Struggling to come up with an excuse, the madam bowed deeply in haste, forcing a strained smile to her trembling lips.

“My sincerest apologies. Please forgive my rudeness. This way, please. We just received a new collection of dresses today.”

She bowed to Aria as well before leading her further into the boutique.

The madam pulled out a few dresses she thought would suit Aria.

“These frill dresses are quite popular lately. The sleeve decorations really bring out one’s delicate charm.”

“Or perhaps you have a particular style in mind?”

A particular style… Aria, used only to maid uniforms, awkwardly fiddled with her hair, unsure how to answer.

No matter how she looked around, she couldn’t imagine finding anything here that would suit her.

Eventually, she accepted an orange dress the madam handed over and went to change. The madam also styled her messy hair into an elegant up do.

“It suits you wonderfully. Why don’t you have a look in the mirror?”

Aria stood in front of the mirror, visibly uncomfortable. She was afraid to look at herself, afraid she’d see the same pitiful reflection as last time.

But when she slowly opened her eyes and caught her reflection, a soft gasp escaped her lips.

The girl in the mirror wasn’t who she remembered. The beautiful dress and intricately styled hair made her look completely different.

Even her usually plain brown hair and gaunt face now seemed delicate and charming—almost cute. Behind her, the madam beamed with satisfaction.

“It’d be a shame if we were the only ones to see you like this. Come, follow me.”

Before Aria could ask, the madam pulled open a red curtain. Beyond it sat Eric, his expression unreadable.

The madam led Aria toward him.

“What do you think, young master?”

But as Eric slowly looked her over, his face grew tense. His stoic gaze lingered on her for a long moment.

Aria bit her lip nervously.

Maybe he doesn’t like it. Of course… someone like me? It’s embarrassing. I need to change.

She was just about to turn and retreat when Eric suddenly spoke to the madam.

“We’ll go with this one.”

Startled by his decision, Aria turned to face him again. Their eyes met, and Eric awkwardly cleared his throat.

Aria scribbled a note.

[You really don’t have to do all this. This dress is more than I can handle. I appreciate the thought, truly.]

Eric looked at the note and smiled gently. His voice dropped to a soft murmur.

“To be the most beautiful lady of the day… this much is the least I can do. Don’t you think?”

The lighthearted warmth in his voice made Aria’s eyes tremble faintly. It seemed Eric was determined to make his wish come true.

Though Aria tried to stop him, Eric turned to the madam and decisively said that they’d need matching accessories and a hat as well.

The madam blinked in surprise, then nodded, realizing she had no say in the matter after being handed a generous sum.

Once she stepped away, awkward silence again fell between the two.

Aria, feeling like she was being too much of a burden again, grew increasingly anxious.

But Eric simply smiled faintly, unconcerned.

At that moment, a bright voice rang out in the distance.

“Oh my, what a surprise to see you here!”

The soft, high-pitched voice immediately drew everyone’s attention.

Dressed in a sky-blue gown with a floral corsage, her flowing pink hair elegantly curled, Isabella approached them.

She looked between Eric and Aria, her eyes narrowing with feigned delight.

“I thought we might cross paths again, but here of all places? My, Aria! Imagine a maid wearing a dress. Surely I must be seeing things?”

With a scoff, Isabella clicked her tongue, glaring at Aria, who shrank under her scornful gaze.

She glanced around quickly, presumably looking for the madam.

“No matter how profit-driven this shop might be, how can it possibly sell noblewomen’s dresses to a maid? Madam! Madam!”

Eric’s brow furrowed deeply. His gaze turned sharp and cold like a blade of ice.

“I’ve thought this for a while, but it’s truly a waste that I’m the only one who has to witness that disgusting face of yours.”

“What?”

Isabella’s eyes snapped to Eric, stunned, as if wondering whether she’d heard him wrong. He calmly met her gaze.

“I was curious when you’d finally drop the mask behind that veil. I see your nerves are a bit frayed with the wedding approaching.”

“Lord Bailey! How dare you say something so insulting!”

“Why are you so on edge around Aria, I wonder? Could it be jealousy perhaps fear of losing the one you love?”

“W-who said anything about jealousy! I simply—!”

As Isabella raised her voice, nearby noble ladies began casting glances their way.

Realizing her reputation was at stake, she quickly adjusted her tone.

“I merely believe in upholding proper etiquette. Even you, Lord Bailey, have no right to insult me like that. I demand an apology for your earlier remarks. If you do, I’ll be generous enough to let this matter go.”

With a haughty expression, she crossed her arms, chin lifted high.

She couldn’t let her pride be wounded here. This was also a subtle act of revenge against Eric, who always tormented Edward.

Watching her self-satisfied air, Eric said nothing. He stared at her for a moment, then let out a quiet laugh.

“And if I don’t?”

His cold voice fell like a shadow between them. Isabella’s face twisted at the scorn directed her way.

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