Chapter 14
Though their encounter on the street had been brief, Arabella recognized him immediately.
The antiques dealer Henry had brought in was the same young man who had held an umbrella for her a few days ago
It was hard not to remember him–he had such a commanding presence, and his piercing eyes made a lasting impression.
After a moment of surprise, she slowly stood and gave him a polite nod. “Please, Sir.”
Tristan’s gaze briefly lingered on her veiled face before he walked over to sit opposite her.
Their meeting seemed oddly familiar. In the morning, he had hidden his face inside the carriage, and now, in the afternoon, she was covering her face with a veil.
Aside from their brief encounter on the street, it felt as though they had always interacted this way–even four years ago
“Miss, are you sure you don’t recognize me!”
Arabella blinked, momentarily taken aback. What does he mean by that? Is he reminding me of our encounter a few days ago, implying I don’t need to cover my face?
“No, something feels off. Her instincts told her that when he said “don’t recognize me,” he wasn’t referring to that brief interaction. Have we met at another time or place?‘
She lifted her gaze slightly, her eyes locking with his. There was something familiar about his eyes. She had sensed it the other day on the street, but at the time, her mind had been too preoccupied to fully process it.
Now that she thought about it more carefully, the young man she had saved four years ago had a similar pair of intense, penetrating
eyes.
And with the way he had helped her a few days ago, a thought began to form in her mind. “You… you’re Lord Swan?”
Years ago, when she had asked the man’s name, he had simply said “Swan” Since then, she and Clarissa had referred to him as “Lord Swan.
Tristan smiled, clearly pleased that she hadn’t forgotten him after all these years. Does this mean I still hold a place in her heart?”
“Back then, we parted in a hurry, and I never had the chance to properly thank you for saving my life. I feel deeply ashamed. But now that we’ve met again, I suppose fate has given me the opportunity to make amends”
Arabella breathed a quiet sigh of relief, a smile appearing on her face at his straightforward acknowledgment.
When she had saved him, she had been a sixteen–year–old girl, just beginning to experience the stirrings of affection.
It was undeniable that the quiet, reserved man had left an indelible mark on her heart.
Later, when she returned to Althoria to prepare for marriage, she knew she had to suppress those feelings, or else they would only bring harm to both herself and others.
Since then, she had locked him away in her memories, forcing herself not to dwell on the past, never expecting they would meet again.
“Lord Swan, you’re too kind. It was just a small favor back then, and now that I see you’re doing well, I’m relieved.”
Seeing him so confident and thriving, it seemed he had reclaimed his family’s assets from his stepmother and half–brother. She was genuinely happy for him.
Standing nearby, Henry, surprised to see them interacting so familiarly, asked, “My lady, do you know this young master?”
Arabella turned to him with a smile. “Henry, do you remember when I went to the south four years ago! I met him while visiting Ardwood.”
She deliberately left out the part about saving his life, not wanting Henry to make a fuss.
Henry nodded, understanding dawning on him. “Ah, I see. Since you two are old acquaintances, I won’t interrupt. Please, take your
With that, he turned and left the room.
The space fell silent.
Arabella cleared her throat lightly and smiled again. “Is your family in the antiques business?”
Tristan raised an eyebrow at her question. He was wealthy in many fields, not just antiques.
As he looked at the veil on Arabella’s face, it felt somewhat distracting.
He thought, “Why is it that Charles can look at her whenever he wants, while I can only make out a vague silhouette through the veil?”
“Since we’re old acquaintances, shouldn’t you show your true face, Miss?”
Arabella blinked. It wasn’t that she was worried about a man seeing her appearance; she was just concerned that once word got back to the Duke’s estate, it could cause unnecessary trouble.
But she thought. If he can recognize me, he must already know I am Mrs. Farrow. Hiding my face any longer would seem a bit pretentious. She reached up, removed her veil, and revealed a face as delicate as a blossom.
This was the first time Tristan had seen her up close, and it was also Arabella’s first time seeing him face–to–face.
Both of them were taken aback by each other’s appearance, lost in admiration for a while.
Arabella thought this man was even more handsome than Charles by a good three points. Charles was already extremely good–looking, but this gentleman surpassed him.
His beauty wasn’t the delicate, feminine type like Charles’s, but rather a striking, deep handsomeness with sharp features, exuding powerful aura of nobility. It made him seem even more poised and reserved.
“Have you been well these past years, Sir?”
Tristan’s gaze shifted slightly, and he slowly pulled his eyes away from her.
He couldn’t look any longer–he was afraid of losing control of his feelings and acting impulsively.
He might end up taking her back to the palace, but rumors of a prince stealing a minister’s wife would not be well received. And she would be labeled a seductress, ruining her reputation. That was something he didn’t want to happen.
If he’d been able to act freely, he would have brought her to the palace two years ago when he ascended the throne.
Instead, he had waited, letting Charles bring his concubine and illegitimate child back to mistreat her. When a man was interested in a woman, he needed to be patient and careful, not rush things.
“I’ve been fine. I reclaimed my family property, and now no one dares to bully or harm me anymore. How about you? Have you been well these past years? Is there anything I can help with?”
Arabella smiled calmly. The rumors about Charles mistreating Arabella and spoiling Helena were widely known in Althoria, and Tristan’s tactful silence on the matter was a way of showing respect for her dignity.
“I’m doing fine as well. After replying, she quickly changed the subject. “Let’s talk business. Henry has already told me about your situation. Are you sure you need that much inventory?
“If it doesn’t sell, it’ll be a burden. I’m not questioning your ability, but the order is large, and I’m worried it could end up unsold.”
Tristan found everything about Arabella charming–she seemed perfectly suited to his taste. Not only was she beautiful, but her temperament was soh and kind as well.
He thought. If only Charles weren’t such a fool, wasting her like that. Anyone else would have cherished her and treated her like a
treasure.
“Miss, don’t worry about me. My family has been in Althoria for generations, and I have many connections with powerful families. I can sellus many antiques as I need to.
Arabella furrowed her brow, a hint of suspicion crossing her face.
none of
She thought. 1, too, am a Althoria native, so how have I never heard of or seen someone as important as him? Could he be from one of those reclusive families?
Tristan seemed to read her thoughts and smiled. “Have you ever heard of “The Swan & Scepter?”
Arabella froze. Of course, she had heard of The Swan & Scepter. It was one of the top businesses in Urghpool, with operations all over.
It was even rumored that they did business with the royal family, supplying fabrics, jewelry, and cosmetics for the palace’s nobility.
“You’re from The Swan & Scepter?” she asked.
The young master of The Swan & Scepter.. Arabella was starting to piece things together.
Tristan nodded, openly admitting. I now manage The Swan & Scepter
Arabella was stunned. The family property he mentioned four years ago–was it really The Swan & Scepter’s business? No wonder his stepmother and half–brother have grown greedy and sent people to kill him!
You…“She was about to ask why he didn’t go directly to Adalo for goods when Clarissa suddenly burst into the room. “Miss, Charles is here to see you and has already gone upstairs!”
Chapter 15
