In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 38

Isabella’s face twisted instantly in response to the mockery directed at her.

“What do you think you’re doing? Sir Bailey, remember that your behavior disgraces your family! If Edward finds out about this !”

Her face reddened, and her breath grew harsh. Eric responded in a low murmur.

“That’s exactly what I want. It’ll be quite entertaining to see Edward finally discover the ugly truth about his fiancée.”

“What… what did you say?!”

“If you don’t want to be branded as someone who’s jealous of a maid, you’d better choose wisely. If rumors spread, the Baileys might reconsider this engagement.”

Eric’s voice carried a chilling mockery.

Startled, Isabella instinctively took a step back.

If what he said became public, the image she had so carefully built with Edward could crumble in a single day.

Failing to proceed with the wedding would be a disgrace to both her and her family. It would be irreversible.

Eric’s gaze pierced through her thoughts. With a crooked smile tugging at his lips, he said:

“Miss Cecil, I hope you make the wise choice. Next time we meet, I hope you’ll be someone worthy of respect.”

Despite the veiled mockery, Isabella couldn’t say a word. All she could do was clutch her dress tightly.

Eric glanced over at Aria. She stood with her head bowed, like a criminal.

Seeing her trembling, he was reminded of his mother who had spent her life as a sinner for daring to love someone she shouldn’t have.

Under the scornful eyes of others, she had to suppress her inner grief.

But she had always dreamed that one day she would bloom—escape from this place. She longed for that wish with all her heart.

Eric gently wrapped an arm around Aria’s waist, as if to calm her. He subtly tightened his hold.

Aria, tense at first, began to slowly relax.

Then, breaking the heavy silence, came the sharp clicking of heels and a woman’s voice.

“Young master, I’ve packed the decorations you requested. See you again soon.”

The Madame smiled and bowed until Eric and Aria disappeared from sight.

Once they were gone, the bright smile turned into a spine-chilling sneer.

Isabella stared at Eric’s hand around Aria’s waist, unable to hide her intrigue.

Madame leaned in and whispered to Isabella.

“My lady, what on earth just happened? In all my years of running this boutique, I’ve never experienced such humiliation. Giving a dress to a maid? Just what is their relationship?”

“Who knows… Probably the center of some sordid scandal. Madame, pretend you saw nothing for now. I don’t want the Bailey family’s honor to be damaged either.”

Isabella bit her lip, unable to contain the humiliation she’d endured.

Her grip on her dress tightened as she tried to suppress the rising anger.

“Of course, my lady. It’s the principle of my shop to keep customers’ private matters confidential. Let’s not dwell on this and head inside. The wedding dress we tailored last time came out splendidly.”

The Madame gently took Isabella’s hand and led her inside.

The carriage, having departed, made its way past the bustling streets into a quiet field. Aria’s eyes remained somber as she recalled what had happened earlier.

The Madame’s cold stares. Isabella’s venomous glances hidden behind her lovely face. The disapproving gazes of the noble ladies.

The joy of wearing the dress had been fleeting. The entire time, she’d felt as though she were being punished for coveting a place she didn’t belong.

Trying to shake the thoughts, Aria closed her eyes and simply let the carriage’s motion rock her gently.

Then a low voice reached her ears.

“You don’t look well. Why are you so withdrawn? You don’t seem like someone who’s gotten what they wished for.”

Startled, Aria opened her eyes. Across from her, Eric wore a meaningful smile.

“Worried about a scandal breaking out?”

“Forget about such useless thoughts. If anyone gets dragged through the mud, it’ll be me. I’ve told you before just use me as you see fit.”

At his words, Aria’s eyes wavered like candle flames.

Use him? How? In what way?

Before she could reply, Eric leaned in.

“Bringing you out today was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I don’t regret it.”

At his soft and deep voice, Aria found herself meeting his gaze without even realizing it.

The coldness in Eric’s expression had vanished, replaced by a faint smile—like a sprout emerging after a harsh winter.

Staring into his blue eyes, she felt as if she were under a spell.

Her heart thudded uncontrollably again. Not wanting him to see her flushed face, she quickly turned her head toward the window.

But Eric gently turned her face back by the chin, and she gasped at their sudden closeness.

“Why do you keep avoiding me? Anyone would think I kidnapped you.”

Feeling faint, Aria lowered her gaze. But her eyes betrayed her, drifting toward his lips.

Those sweet lips seemed to command her.

As his warm breath brushed against her cheek, Aria clutched her skirt tightly, afraid she wouldn’t be able to push him away.

Eric looked at her in silence. Just as he seemed about to say something—

The carriage stopped, and the door opened.

The coachman, catching sight of them, gave a loud cough and looked away awkwardly.

“We’ve arrived at the park, young master!”

Still scratching his head in embarrassment, the coachman avoided their eyes.

Eric gave him a cold look.

“Next time, wait for my permission before opening the door.”

“Y-yes, sir! Understood!”

Eric was the first to step out.

When Aria followed him down, a vast green park stretched out before her.

Eric held out a strong hand toward the hesitant Aria.

“For today, we’re not master and maid. So, at least accept this much courtesy.

“How long do you plan to leave my hand hanging?”

His bright, expectant gaze made it impossible to refuse.

Drawn in by his eyes, Aria reached out and gently took his hand.

Looking down at their joined hands, Eric’s lips curled softly.

He turned quickly, as if to hide his pleased expression.

Led by his hand, Aria began to walk through the park.

Though no words passed between them, the hum of insects filled the silence.

As Aria walked by, birds in the grass scattered in surprise.

Butterflies and grasshoppers fluttered about. The overgrown grass and wildflowers looked peaceful under the warm sun.

The soft breeze on her face brought her a rare sense of calm. It felt like a dream. Aria slowly opened her eyes.

Occasionally, young couples enjoying their dates passed by.

To others, do we look like that too…?

She glanced at Eric, who walked ahead, his dark hair and deep navy frock coat fluttering naturally.

Noble ladies seated on a bench nearby couldn’t take their eyes off him.

She walked beside him in a beautiful dress, yet unlike him, she was just a maid. An ordinary girl beneath all this.

Her steps grew heavy, and—perhaps due to the reflexes she had honed during wartime—Eric instantly turned around.

His deep eyes met hers.

“Getting tired already? Let’s rest a bit.”

He sat her down on a bench and went to fetch some water.

While he was gone, Aria quietly looked around.

Across from her, a family was enjoying a picnic.

If my parents were still alive… would I be that happy too? Her expression darkened.

Even though Eric had granted her wish, it felt like a mirage an unattainable dream.

After today, I’ll return to being a maid. This is my fate. I must wake up from this foolish dream. If Eric gets hurt because of me… that would be the real nightmare.

Resolved, Aria stood.

Her steps into the park were calm, but the steps back were hurried.

But she soon ran into Eric, who was returning.

His eyes grew cold as he stopped walking.

“Where are you going?”

Aria hastily scribbled a note.

[It was truly a wonderful, precious time. But I should return now. I don’t want to cause you any trouble. It’s getting dark.]

But Eric’s expression only hardened.

“Do you really not want to cause me trouble or do you just not want to be with me?”

Aria shook her head quickly, not wanting him to misunderstand.

“Then have dinner with me. Once you return to the Baileys, you’ll be a maid again.”

The moment their eyes met, Aria trembled with fear but she didn’t show it, and wrote back calmly.

[Thanks to your kindness, I’ve had my wish granted. But no matter how I dress, I’m still a mere maid not someone who deserves to be by your side. If something happens because of me…]

Before she could finish, Eric snatched the note and crumpled it in his hand.

“Spare me the formalities. Half of my blood is already ‘lowborn.’ Status and family mean nothing to me. I’ve always acted on instinct.”

“I’m never letting you go again. Every part of me wants only you.”

The declaration—that he wanted her—was like a sharp blade, cutting deep into Aria’s heart.

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