The sound of the locked door made Audrey's heart feel calmer than before. I don't know, she just felt so disgusted when touching Lewis. Moreover, the man hugged her without warning, making Audrey hate him even more!
After calming down enough, Audrey checked the calendar. She was afraid she wouldn't die and instead wake up in the same situation, as Lewis's wife. Audrey was relieved when she saw that the year was actually ten years before her death in the future. With this short amount of time, she had to make good use of it.
Maybe because she had moved around too much after regaining consciousness, her body gradually felt weak again. She staggered and lay down on the bed. Lying on her back and calming herself. What she needed to do now was just one thing. Ending the relationship with the man from the Bonde family.
***
Failed.
Well, Audrey had tried. Some time ago, before she had her meal, Audrey had already met her father. Expressing what was on her mind, hoping Jonathan would agree and side with her.
"Audrey, can you explain what problem you're experiencing? I'm confused because you seem to always be angry with me," said Lewis, the man tried to catch up behind her.
"I'm not angry, just go away."
"You are angry." Audrey's steps stopped when her hand was held, forcing her to turn and face Lewis. "This look, you're usually not like this."
"I'm usually just smiling foolishly when I meet you, right?"
Her cheek was gently caressed, but Audrey quickly avoided it. "Is this the side effect? If so, I don't mind. I'll wait until you look at me with loving eyes again."
Sick of everything coming out of the man's lips, Audrey pushed his hand away to free herself. Turning around and quickly stepping away, leaving Lewis who was still half-wondering what his wrong was.
Audrey decided to be silent and calm her mind in the home library. The smell of books slightly calmed her.
"What side effect? What disease did I wake up from? It's true, I don't remember ever fainting for so long before. What is it about me that I owe a debt of gratitude to that Lewis Bonde?" she muttered emotionally while sorting through books in her home library.
She gathered several books to find information. "Instead of believing what I say, they keep forcing me to marry! Huh!"
Simply put, the information Audrey was looking for was details of families that would at least be suitable for her to consider as her next husband besides Lewis. Audrey was sure she remembered some of them as they had met occasionally.
There were about 2 candidates that touched her heart. She almost gave up but then glanced at one clear name. The son of the Lawress family, the man who disappeared a few years before Audrey's death.
In the future, the son of the Lawress family became a topic of conversation among the upper nobility. Because the man was very anti-social. He seemed to shut himself off and isolate himself from society. The royal family also seemed to have given up.
If she wasn't mistaken, the cause of the man's decline was after his return from the battlefield. Whether it was due to injury or the defeat he brought back, Audrey never knew the reason. Audrey suddenly thought of something! This woman had made a decision, Lawress would be her next target.
Audrey prepared an invitation letter for a meeting. Whether it would be successful or not, but this opportunity had to be tried and might not come around again. After she was ready and completed the address written, Audrey called the servant and asked him to send the letter. Afterwards, she returned to open another book; at least she had to spend a lot of time alone before everything became serious again.
So busy enjoying her time alone in the library, the days passed by unnoticed.A knock on the door made her turn and check who was coming. It was Delima, Anne's daughter—her stepmother, which means her stepsister. In her previous life, Audrey didn't remember many memories she spent with her, maybe Delima would become a good sister?
"Why?" Audrey asked as she saw her stepsister's face at the threshold of the door.
"Father and Mother asked us to have dinner together. Together with Mr. Lewis, I came to pick you up, Sis."
Audrey let out a heavy sigh, then nodded and followed down to the dining table. Honestly, she was still angry at her father. Tonight's dinner felt bland, making her lose her appetite even more.
The clinking of cutlery became a melody in their silence. Delima occasionally opened light conversations, but Audrey had no spirit to join in. What was on her mind was only how to get out of this house quickly.
"Don't forget about the second daughter's debut party next week, you both have to look harmonious," Jonathan started the conversation.
"It seems Audrey is still angry at me. But I promise I will prepare the most fantastic appearance for the two of us." Lewis replied with a smile. He was so good at winning Audrey's parents' hearts.
Audrey responded with a sharp glare. "I want to cancel this engagement."
Everyone fell silent. Although Audrey had indeed said it before, it was merely a brief conversation between her and her father. This time, she had to assert what her intentions were. It was not a joke, but serious!
"Audrey!" It was the first time Audrey heard her father scold her that loudly.
"Dear, why shout at her? Lewis, forgive us, okay? We seem to have killed your appetite because of this argument." Anne gave a stiff smile.
"I'm serious! And I will say this in front of you, Lewis. I want us to stop."
"Audrey? Don't make decisions when you're overwhelmed with emotions, okay? Did I do something wrong? I'll fix it." Lewis gave a sad look.
"You have no fault except for continuing this engagement. It's simple, Lewis. I want to marry someone else."
"Instead of thanking him, is this how you repay him?" Jonathan spoke up again. "Lewis has saved you from the illness, you've woken up healthy again. Isn't marrying your savior what you want?"
"I never asked anyone to save me!"
"Father can't hear what you're saying anymore. The marriage will happen, whatever you say will be considered rebellion by your father."
Everyone fell silent again, Audrey's hands clenched tightly. Frustrated, she was so annoyed by everything that happened today. She felt like stabbing a fork on the table at everyone present at this dining table.
"How long will the side effects last?" Jonathan asked Lewis.
"I'm not sure, Count. I will make sure Audrey stays safe and returns to her former self."
"I don't want to."
Audrey rose from her seat. "I will not be willing to go back to being the obedient girl you can control!" Her index finger pointed straight at Lewis's face.
Jonathan was frustrated, holding back embarrassment on his face. His daughter, since when had she changed to become a rude girl filled with rebellion? What made her like this? Jonathan had to discipline her again.
"I will marry the man of my choice!"