In A World Full of Silence, My Heart Will Find Its Way To You - Chapter 81

Aria’s now-calm gaze turned toward Sierra.

“What Lady Sierra said is true. The young master proposed to me, and I happily accepted. I know very well it’s more than I deserve.”

“I see… So it’s true. Thank you for being honest. But you both must know this choice is dangerous. As someone who is also being discussed as a possible bride for Sir Eric, I can’t accept it easily.”

Sierra’s clear voice softly settled in Aria’s ears. Seeing Sierra express her feelings so openly, Aria felt as if her heart was being pierced again and again.

Aria squeezed her clasped hands, trying to calm her nerves.

“I know that well. But I don’t regret my choice.”

“No regrets? I wonder… Have you thought that this might be selfishness on your part? That you’re ignoring his status and reputation for your own desires?”

At the word “selfish,” Aria’s eyes widened in shock and turned toward Sierra. The two women stared at each other with completely different expressions.

Unlike the trembling Aria, Sierra looked calm and composed—almost as if she had expected this answer.

A cold chill ran through Aria’s body, freezing her in place. No matter what she said, it would only seem laughable to the noble daughter in front of her.

Sierra smoothed her expression and continued speaking in a steady tone.

“You’ve probably heard the rumors, but my father thinks very highly of Sir Eric. Who wouldn’t? He’s handsome, capable, and holds a solid position. He’s someone anyone would want.”

“Honestly, I could have married Sir Eric with my father’s help. But I firmly refused. I didn’t want to be near him without having his heart. That would be real selfishness.”

“My lady, I…”

“You understand how the social world works, right? It values appearances. Even Sir Eric won’t be an exception. And you—because of the incident with Miss Cecil, you’re already quite infamous in high society.”

Aria couldn’t respond to Sierra’s words. Her confused eyes, not knowing where to look, simply stared down at the floor.

Sierra, watching this, let her gaze soften.

“Society’s views don’t change easily. If you truly want the one you love to thrive, you should let go here. I know Sir Eric—he won’t be the first to let go of your hand.”

A heavy silence hung between them after Sierra’s cruel words sank deep into Aria’s heart. Everything she said painfully reminded Aria of her lowly position.

Aria tried to shake off the anxiety creeping up inside her, but Sierra’s eyes only grew more intense.

“I trust you’ll handle this wisely. You’re the only one who can.”

Sierra’s firm voice echoed in the quiet drawing room. Her words, graceful yet firm, carried the elegance and dignity of a noble lady.

She glanced over Aria with a slight smirk. She believed Aria would have no choice but to accept her words—until Aria finally opened her tightly closed mouth.

“I’m sorry, but I can’t do that. No, I won’t.”

Aria’s firm voice rang clearly in Sierra’s ears. An instant of silence that felt like forever passed.

Sierra asked, sounding a little startled.

“You won’t?”

“I made a promise to him. I promised I’d never leave his side again. And I won’t waver. Our feelings for each other can’t be changed anymore.”

“You… really believe that’s possible?”

“We may not be blessed by society, but I won’t let my choice be in vain. One day, things will change. I believe that.”

To show her determination, Aria looked directly into Sierra’s eyes.

In that moment, her large eyes sparkled. Her clear gaze showed her deep love for Eric.

Sierra, seeing that, looked momentarily shaken.

She quietly examined Aria again, as if reassessing every part of her.

Just then—

Before Sierra could react to the unexpected response, someone suddenly burst through the door.

Even in a simple shirt, his solid frame and sharp blue eyes shining between his dark bangs were unmistakable—it was Eric.

Hearing the sound at the door, Sierra’s gaze shifted from Aria to Eric. She gently curved her eyes into a smile and stood up.

“Sir Eric. I’m glad I got to see you like this.”

“It’s been a while. May I ask what brings you here?”

His deep, low voice filled the air, and Sierra’s pink eyes trembled slightly.

His cold stare and tone showed he still had no interest in her. She had expected this, but it still hurt.

Sierra tried to hide her discomfort behind a polite smile.

“I stopped by on my way to the main house. I was invited by Count Bailey. Of course, I also heard something quite surprising from the count.”

“Something surprising?”

“About your engagement to a maid. I’ll be honest—I didn’t come here to pretend. I came to meet this maid. And yes, I warned her not to accept your proposal.”

Sierra clutched her dress slightly, trying to hide her shaking hands.

Even as she spoke, she was nervously watching Eric’s reaction. She worried that he might be offended by her directness.

Sure enough, Eric’s icy stare flickered briefly at her words. His eyes grew darker as he looked at Aria’s flushed face.

Sensing the tension, Sierra spoke first, before Eric could.

“I know this is a sensitive topic. If my words upset you, I apologize. I said it because I was worried. Though… I can’t say I was without personal feelings.”

As soon as she finished, a heavy silence settled over the room.

Sierra looked up at Eric. His cold eyes held no warmth, just a pale blue gaze that revealed nothing.

For a moment, Sierra wanted to cling to those eyes. If only she could hold on to him, even like this.

Eric finally spoke, his voice low and serious.

“As I said before, my heart has long belonged to someone else.”

“But Sir Eric…!”

Sierra called out to him desperately, but Eric had already turned toward Aria. He walked over and gently pulled her to her feet by her slender wrist.

Then, as if to make a statement, he wrapped his strong arms tightly around her waist.

“In the future, please speak to me directly about matters like this. If you hurt my fiancée’s heart again, I can’t guarantee how I’ll react.”

“Sir Eric, how could you say that to me…!”

“If it upset you, please forgive me. Consider it a request from someone who hoped to speak with a friend. A wise and gracious lady like Miss Stuart.”

His sharp, cutting words sliced through the air. But in his eyes, looking at Sierra, there was none of the emotion he showed to the woman he loved.

Sierra stared blankly at the two for a moment. She had to hold back the disappointment rising inside her at Eric’s cold expression and tone.

In a quiet voice, she replied, trying to keep her composure.

“I’ll be careful from now on. And yes, I’ll take it as a simple concern from a friend. I hope we won’t hold grudges over this.”

“Of course.”

“I should go now. Staying too long would be impolite. Until next time.”

Eric gave a polite bow first, and Sierra, forcing a soft smile, responded with her usual grace.

She lowered her head slightly and walked past Eric. With elegant steps, she left the annex.

But as soon as she stepped outside, her pace slowed. She climbed into the carriage, breathing heavily, trying to calm her pounding heart.

She knew her actions had been rash. She was always surprised by the feelings and behavior that came over her whenever she faced Eric. She hadn’t expected to visit the maid like this.

It was instinct. She just wanted to remind the maid of the place she believed she should be in.

But now, her mind was filled only with Aria’s firm, unwavering expression.

“Even if society doesn’t bless us, I’ll make sure my choice isn’t wasted. One day, people will change. I believe that.”

Her large eyes had held trust in Eric and a strong will. Too strong to dismiss as mere ambition from a maid. Aria had been dignified—bold.

Sierra found herself envying that courage.

“She’s more charming than I expected. Maybe that’s why Eric fell for her…”

As Sierra’s thoughts grew heavier, the coachman’s voice broke through them.

“My lady…?”

“My lady, are you thinking about something?”

“Oh, I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.”

“I’ll begin the ride then.”

“Yes… please do.”

With her reply, the carriage began to rattle and move. Even as it departed, Sierra’s eyes stayed fixed on the Bailey estate.

Because it felt like she could never truly win Eric’s heart. Because she could never fit between those two.

She could only blame her foolish love—for making her feel like giving up was the only choice left.

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