Cinderella Did Not Leave Her Shoe 49 - 51

I know its yaoi but it suited - Pintrest

49 Invitation Card and Bathing:

‘Ah? Are you sure it is for me?’ I said in amazement

It must be some sort of mistake, I thought as I looked at the white envelope in my hands.

‘It is for you. I brought it directly from Stefan.’ Volker said from his changing room.

It must be for me.

I opened the envelope hurriedly; inside was an invitation card and a note.

Please come to Priscilla’s birthday party.

It was in a powerful scrawl. It suited Prince Stefan.

‘Volker! I have been invited to a birthday party!’

It is the first birthday party I have ever been invited to that wasn’t family. I have been invited to a birthday that isn’t family!

Volker came from behind and hugged me. He was wearing a casual shirt.

‘Stefan is also going to be there, so I can’t escort you to the venue.’

He kissed my head, ‘Have you taken a bath?’

Please do not judge based on the smell of my hair.

‘I have. You said you were going to be late, so I went in earlier.’

I usually wait for Volker but whenever we bathe together, there is a certain trend and it has become rather serious. Very very serious! So I started to break the flow.

‘…there is no need, and I will enter later.’

 Hey, don’t you want to get rid of the sweat after work? I would want to take a relaxing bath to get rid of the stress of the day! And that is another thing-

Yes- let’s just change the subject. Mō!

‘I wonder if I can be among such honourable guests.’

Even though I am now Volker’s wife, I am still the daughter of the reputedly gauche nouveau riche Viscount who was jilted by a Duke’s heir. My reputation is still not good in the eyes of the nobility, I haven’t worked hard enough. I hope I would not bring down Priscilla-sama’s reputation, and I hope my presence would not be like a splash of cold water on your auspicious day.

Volker lifted me gently and placed me on his thighs as he sat on a sofa. He gave me a kiss on his cheek.

‘You care about others’ thoughts too much. Priscilla and Stefan have invited you; it would be disrespectful of them not to go. What is shameful in celebrating with people who want you there?’

‘You’re my wife, Fredericka and I am proud of you, so it’s okay. I am not ashamed of you, no matter where we are.’

He dropped many kissed on my face. I am so happy. He always knew the right gentle words to say; a wonderful husband.

‘Volker, I love you.’ I said and I gave him a kiss on his cheek.

‘If so, kiss here,’ he said taking my hands to his lips, ‘not my cheek. Would you mind taking a bath again?’

He licked my finger…so erotic!

If you look at me with such heated eyes, I will be weak.

I already love you, but what will become of me! I don’t want to do it because I end up being dizzy and unwell everytime! That’s why I am doing my best to reduce our baths together! (Zuben: But the more you do it, the quicker you get used to it)

I took my hand off Volker’s lips and sat up. Volker’s eyes widened. (Zuben: this line was Volker’s eyes made black and white! I mean what the hell, what is wrong with his eyes widened; succinct and straight to the point. And they say English is convoluted.)

‘Fredericka?’

I felt a little sorry for breaking the sweet atmosphere and lowered my eyes,

‘A bath! You need to take a bath, Volker!’

‘Even if I go now…’ he said with a little whine implying that he wanted to be a bit more messy, my face got red.

I rushed to Volker’s bathroom and took a bathing towel and announced, ‘I will wash your back!’

Was I really going to wash Volker’s back? Well I tied my hair up, and tied up my nightgown so I don’t get wet.

And waited for Volker in the bathroom.

I don’t know whether it was coincidence or deliberate but as Volker washed, my night clothes got soaked in a blink of an eye.

Then Volker said, ‘You’ll get cold if you don’t take off your wet things.,’ and whipped my clothes off. (Zuben: hehehehehe)

Then it was strange to be wearing only panties in the bathroom and he took them off too.

‘Now let’s wash your back,’ he said and I was attacked with his soapy hands.

‘Volker, don’t do that suddenly.’

I covered my body but I could not avoid Volker’s soapy hands rubbing my body.

‘N ~ ya~a, I’ve already bathed…oh’

Volker’s big hands stroked me over and over.  I could sense the Volker’s desire as his washing became gentle strokes, so I wriggled about.

‘Don’t move,’ he said, ‘It would be dangerous if you slipped.’

His hands slid to my front and stroked up my sides. I began to feel frustrated at the loose stimulation his touches were invoking. He usually lifted my breasts from the bottom up but he did not do that. My body that was used to Volker was anticipating the coming stimulus, and I’m reacting without control.

‘Ah, fu~u~n’

I can’t do anything although the hand body I want touch is right behind me, I wanted him to touch me more.

‘N~ ah! Volker…’ I cried.

 When his big hand brushed along my navel and swept down to my pelvis, I thought, oh finally! I felt both relief and my body trembling with anticipation. But Volker only stroked between my legs once, he stroked down my legs. Then he rinsed me off and handed me a towel with more soap and said,

‘Do the rest.’

‘Eh?’

‘Don’t you want to soak in the bath?’

…

What was I expecting? I took the wash towel from Volker and scrubbed myself harder than usual.

‘Isn’t that a little harsh, Fredericka?’

‘…Is it?’

The unfamiliar washing ended and we soaked in the large bathtub. It is a very large bathtub to fit Volker’s size. I sat between Volker’s legs as usual, but I am still hesitant to sit face to face, so I sat with my back to his chest.

This gives Volker the leeway to tease the nape of my neck with kisses and touching. Usually. But today, he just hugged me and occasionally stroked my thighs and arms and waist. (Zuben: feeling unsatisfied?)

Eh?

Volker…are you being conceited? (Zuben: I spent all day on this line. It gave me a headache. So I went to clean my bedroom fan came back and cracked it)

But it is useless! It will not happen! We will not do it in the bath!

Volker’s hand stroked my inner thigh with clear intentions and touched me. I stopped him.

‘Fredericka…?’

‘I’ll get dizzy.’ I said as I tried to stand, but I was stopped by a strong arm. It is no good, I really didn’t want to get dizzy, but I was turned to face him.

‘I’ll make sure you don’t faint.’ He said as he ran his tongue over my groin. My skin broke out in goosebumps.

‘E…~an.’ I was surprised to find out my skin was so sensitive.  And as usual inner part is sensitised and craving attention.

‘Wait-ah~ Volker…don’t ~nn’ I moaned as Volker buried his face between my legs and stretched out his tongue to my secret place.

I was hit by a fiery sensation. I moaned loudly. My legs began to shake and I could not bear my weight.

‘Sit on the edge.’ Volker said. He helped me to sit and parted my legs; placing his large body between them. Although I was happy my sense of stability improved, but I had no time to think about it because, Volker immediately returned to licking me even more deeply.

‘A~! Yā ~! A~a,…~!!

The sound of rippling hot water mixed with the sound of Volker licking me. Volker’s tongue slid over the secret nucleus and then he sucked on it. Noooo, this is embarrassing!

No no! My head was getting foggy, but Volker was relentless; he peeled back the skin and sucked on the sensitive secret nucleus; stimulating and pressing it with his tongue. I could not stand it and I screamed.

‘Ya~a ā a~’

An intense pleasure ran through my soul and stabbed my brain, at the same time something leaked from between my legs. Oh, I was completely had…so embarrassing. So careless in the bath, but it was useless because of Volker. I wanted to complain more, but my head was dense and everything went black.

When I came to I was lying on the bed.

Volker was applying a cold towel on my forehead; although he looked worried, he also looked somewhat happy. Was I able to keep it from happening after all?

This is why I was reluctant.

Xavier came to call Volker away for some urgent matter but I pretended to be asleep as revenge. When Volker returned to bed I did not turn even though he called my name.

I am very mad at him!

50 Birthday Battlefield!:

Wuaaaa!

I have intruded upon the Erschlen manor many times in the recent months, but I am particularly excited today! It is the birthday of the pearl in her father’s hand; Priscilla Erschlen, the future Crown Princess.

The crème of Society have been invited and their glittering appearance rivaled a ball at the Royal Palace.

The ballroom and adjacent areas have been decorated with beautiful flowers in beautiful vases. Ornaments and picture frames gleamed in the light. They are so pretty, I feel very amazed.

Back in the Castley Manor, the decorations aren’t very expensive – for now. My parents patronised many unknown artists; they may be popular in the future, but for now they are there because the art was liked by my parents.

The Brennan house is currently decorated with armours and weaponry, but my aim is for our home to have a warm and cosy atmosphere.

I was led by the butler I was now familiar with to the ballroom. I was very nervous. It is only after becoming Volker’s wife that I could be invited to such a glamorous ball. I had thought I could be a failure before, but it is different now! Anything I do would be a reflection on Volker, I have to brace myself and behave exemplarily! Once you are married, you have to behave responsibly in respect to the other party. I feel anticipation.

I wore a happy smile careful not to show my tension as I head towards Priscilla to greet her.

I had brought a gift; earrings custom-made by Kalome. I had asked the designer to create them in Priscilla-neesama’s image. The design was simple and the earrings could be worn in everyday circumstances, but I intended to express Priscilla’s dignity and beauty. I hope she would be pleased.

‘Fredericka, you’re here!’ Priscilla said excitedly when she saw me. The guests around her reacted with surprise.

‘Happy Birthday, Lady Priscilla.’ I said when I reached her. Priscilla opened her arms and I hugged her albeit awkwardly mindful of the eyes of the guests around us. I decided to ignore them and handed her the present I had brought for her. As soon as she received it, Priscilla opened the gift’s wrapping and opened the box. Her face lit up when she opened the box.

‘Fredericka, they’re lovely! I’m so happy.’ She said as she gave me a bigger hug. I am so happy! This is what it was like to have friends.

‘That’s enough you two.’ Lutina and Mariel came over glasses of champagne in hand, Mariel handed me a glass,

‘Here you go.’ She said.

They turned to admire the gift, ‘This is from Kalome! As expected the workmanship and design is exquisite.’

‘Frederica’s idea is alive!’

Delfina and Silvia came to join us and it became a gay and gorgeous atmosphere all at once.

The children of the orphanage we visit regularly had been invited. They wished Priscilla happy birthday and sang songs.

As they sang, I was still holding hands with Priscilla.

‘Aren’t they cute?!’ we exclaimed excitedly.

I’m sorry but I am really enjoying my place beside the leading lady Priscilla. I glanced at her; she was smiling broadly and her cheeks had a happy flush.

While Priscilla’s usual dignified appearance is nice, but the soft expression of Priscilla right now is really nice; she was as pretty as a picture.

‘Priscilla, will you welcome me more enthusiastically?’ a male voice said from behind us. We turned to see Prince Stefan behind us. Escorting him was Volker and another Knight who had a very stubborn face for some reason; I’m at work I have a tough face.

Is he annoyed because I am too carefree? (Zuben: What is his business?)

I shrugged and turned to Volker. He gave me a slight smile. Can you be taking your eyes off your subject, Volker?

‘Stefan!’ Priscilla smiled and went to his side. The two of them side by side; really suited each other.

We and the guests looked on at the two beautiful people and sighed. But we heard some quarrelsome voices.

‘Stop sticking to me so much, I am not able to walk. I can walk by myself. Keep away.’

‘Why are you saying that? This is how a man escorts a woman. Don’t be shy.’

‘It’s alright. Stay away.’

Lord Eugene…

The elegant Eugene and the beautiful orange haired Julia came into view.

‘Happy Birthday, Lady Priscilla.’ Eugene said with laughter. Julia next to him muttered, ‘Congratulations,’ and lowered her head. She looked awkward.

I had intended to hide my presence but my movement must have caught Eugene’s attention and he turned to me.

‘Miss Fredericka, how is it possible for you to be here amongst such esteemed guests such as these? You’re an eyesore. Leave!’

Wow. As usual it is fully open. (Zuben: What…?)

Honestly, I don’t think that it is appropriate to say such a thing.

I curtsied deeply and tried to leave but my arm was grabbed.

‘Do not leave, Fredericka.’ Priscilla said sharply as she frowned at Eugene.

‘Fredericka-sama is a guest I personally invited and is also my younger sister and friend. Do you not think you are being rude?’ she said, her amethyst eyes burning in anger.  I was touched by the beauty of those eyes and the beauty of Priscilla’s heart.

‘Oh dear, it seems it is my turn…’ a large warm hand held my other hand. I realised I was about to cry and tried to keep myself from doing so.

‘Priscilla-sama is wonderful. If I was a man I would ask for your hand in marriage even if I have to fight against Prince Stefan.’ (Zuben: Is this the time?)

‘Please stop saying that!’ Volker and Prince Stefan both said at the same time.

I wanted to laugh.

‘What! How rude to talk to a guest that has come to by your invitation. You’re just a woman who is lucky to be in this position.'

Gya! Such a thing…my spine froze hearing his words; how could you say such a thing to Priscilla-sama, the future queen? It wasn’t like the she was the daughter of a lower house. (Zuben: He really doesn’t know what is doing him)

There was a collective gasp from the guests and whispering. Eugene’s attitude had really caught everyone’s attention.

‘An insult to my fiancée is an insult to me; in essence, it is an insult to the royal family.’ Stefan said as he stepped between Priscilla and Eugene.

Eugene paled and stepped back, he seemed a little frightened of the majestic Crown Prince.

‘I-Insulting the royal family?! Such a thought never entered my head.’ Eugene said nervously, ‘It’s just because that woman is an eyesore…’ he continued on. The Volker stepped forward,

‘But you keep insulting my wife and that cannot be overlooked. Eugene Cajés, I hope you are prepared.’

A murmur went through the crowd; would Eugene be killed?

Just give a semblance of courtesy and apologise!

But Eugene gave a cocky smile and said, ‘General Brennan, you can’t throw away your position by harming a Duke’s heir for a woman.’

How could he not read the atmosphere? Why was he pouring oil on fire? The guest muttered amongst themselves. They collectively took a wary step back.

Oh no, Priscilla’s birthday party is being ruined. I looked at Priscilla and Prince Stefan in distress. The two of them were wound up,

‘Do it!’

‘Beat him till his has no skin left.’ (Zuben: Wow! Bloodthirsty!)

Was this a battlefield? These two are usually dependable and nice. Tears began to fall.

‘What would you like to bet on? I will resign from my position as General; shall we duel after that?’ Volker said deadpan. (Zuben: gasp)

Everyone went frozen at Volker’s remark. To leave the General’s position…to-to quit?!

‘Brennan, not that!’ Stefan said in a fluster, but Volker unbuckled his sword belt and handed the sword to the Prince. There were gasps of, ‘Is he really serious about returned the Sword of Appointed Duty?’

‘Oh my gosh!’ (Zuben: OMG indeed. Not the sword of appointed duty or whatever it truly means)

The Prince held the blue sword in his hand in a state of surprise.

Oh Volker. No, please!

I wanted to say it but I could not; my voice seemed to be caught in my throat.

Someone was patting my back. I realised I was shaking.

‘Fredericka-sama, get a hold of yourself.’

‘It will be alright.’

Thank you, everyone who is trying to cheer me up.

‘If so, I will bet my Dukedom; I do not need anything as long as I have Julia.’ Eugene said. (Zuben: What a dingbat)

Even if you bet…everyone probably thought but could not say it out loud. Was Eugene this kind of person? (Zuben: Were you all blinded by his dukedom?)

Just when I thought the collision of Eugene (Zuben: a baby) and Volker (Zuben: A man who should know better) was inevitable, a loud voice cut through the tension.

‘I am sorry; I do not need a man who doesn’t know when to back down and picks fights he would lose!’

Miss Julia?

‘You have a bad reputation, no morals and you are hated by your subjects. You have nothing but your face, money and status. I am not getting married to you. We are through! The clothes and jewels I will keep as consolation.’

With that she picked up her skirts and ran out of the Erschlen ballroom like a rabbit.

Eh?

‘Ju-Julia?’ Eugene who had been startled into shock finally reacted but Julia was gone; only the path that had been opened for her remained.

The Duke of Cajés who had been chatting in another room came into the ballroom to find his son in such a state.

‘Eugene, what have you done…?’ The Duke said pulling Eugene’s arm, but Eugene slumped to the floor.

‘Duke of Cajés…’ Prince Stefan tried to calm the Duke who was shouting at his son.

‘What were you planning on doing after you messed up Lady Priscilla’s ball?’ he roared. The skin around his eyes was tight and his face was pale. But no one could say anything, the silence just got deeper.

‘I please accept my deepest apologies…’ the Duke of Cajés said. But his hands clearly expressed his inner heart; they were clenched so tightly in rage that they were white.

What should I do? What should I do?

What was the best way?’

Different thoughts ran through my head; appearing and disappearing – mixed and muddy…no good. This stupid thinking is like resting.

Ok, this is a power technique. Here I go!

‘Yes! Thank you everyone!’ I said in a loud voice while clapping. Everyone was looking at me strangely.

Cold sweat ran down my back.

‘Fredericka?’ Volker called my name, puzzled. Oh, my husband! With desperate raise of my eyebrows I somehow communicated with him.

‘Were you surprised, Lady Priscilla? Thank you very much for your cooperation, Duke Cajés and Eugene.’

Priscilla blinked and stared at me, ‘Fredericka, what are you…?’

Volker, Prince Stefan, you may be wondering what is going on but please go along with me.

‘The improbable scenario caused the feeling of walking on a tightrope. Was everyone afraid?’

Prince Stefan began to smile and folded his arms.

Yes, it is a poorly thought of scenario and I will be teased about it later. But this is all I have got and I am willing to accept it.

Lady Priscilla, the protagonist, put on a broad glossy smile, ‘Well, I was deceived completely. You’re very bad, Duke Cajés; I was not prepared for such a surprise.’

The guest were surprised and confused, but soon accepted it;

‘Her hobby is slightly bad but it’s okay.’ And they gave me overall understanding.

‘No, that…well…’ The Duke Cajés could not conceal his puzzlement, but he asked for one of the Knights assistance to pull Eugene upright. He was in a daze, mumbling.

I don’t know what to say…pardon me.

‘Julia…Julia…’ Eugene called out her name in a daze, his gaze was unfocused.

‘My son seems to have gone too deep into his “role”…please excuse us.’ Duke Cajes said to Priscilla. He bowed to Priscilla and Prince Stefan and left the ball.

Immediately, the servants were serving champagne to the guests. (Zuben: If all else fails, get them drunk) The orchestra played cheerful music. There was a flower petal shower; the guests began to dance and smile. Cheers were raised. The memory of the bad ‘skit’ soon passed from everyone’s mind.

I stood in the flower snow and thought that the Duchy Erschlen was amazing. There was a tug on my shoulder.

‘Are you relieved…?’ Volker murmured into my ear as he hugged my waist and made me lean back.

‘Content about a three-penny play?’

‘…I fell in love.’ He said before he gave me a kiss on my temple. I turned to look at him, but I caught the gaze of Prince Stefan and Priscilla. He had that bad smile on his face.

‘Volker, you should return to the Prince’s side!’ I said a bit embarrassed.

Because I was flustered, I pushed Volker away. But that is my charm, isn’t it? (Zuben: If you say so)

51 Passing of the Storm and Confessions:

After that, things got very exciting.

The Duke Erschlen and Priscilla spoke to their guests and there were fireworks and the ball concluded.

As I made to return home, the Erschlen butler came to call me. I was guided to a drawing room where Lady Priscilla, Prince Stefan, Volker and his Knights, Delfina, Mariel, Lutina, Sylvia and the Duke and Duchess Erschlen were sitting. Did something happen??

‘Ah um…’

‘Frederica-sama, we have prepared for various things today…’ Delfina began. That’s right, they had been prepared for a memorable birthday party for Priscilla but Eugene and I made a mess of it…

I realised I had done something serious again. It is a good thing that my annoying self would no longer be friends with you isn’t it?

‘I apologise for the inconvenience caused. It was only for a short while but it was fun. Thank you for being friends.’ I said solemnly and finished with a curtsey. I could only apologise, it wasn’t like I could repay them.

‘Huh? What are you talking about?’ Delfina said hurrying over to hold my hands.

Eh? What are you rushing over for? Volker and Prince Stefan had wry smiles on their faces.

‘Fredericka, you’re getting ahead of yourself.’ Sylvia said with a sigh, ‘What we had been preparing was condemnation of Eugene and his lover, Julia.’

In essence, Delfina and the others knew that Eugene would take an arrogant attitude when he saw me at the ball. They had gathered evidence and arranged for witnesses to persecute Eugene. They had just been waiting for the right moment.

Why would they have done such a thing? Certainly Eugene’s behaviour may have been shocking, but none of them were directly insulted, perhaps it became unpleasant.

‘Don’t you understand?’ Delfina stamped her foot with impatient.

‘We wanted revenge because he hurt our important friend.’ Mariel and Lutina said.

Priscilla smiled and said, ‘Fredericka does not understand because you place more importance on your loved ones than yourself.’

‘That’s why we want to spoil Fredericka as well.’

‘Isn’t that so, General Brennan?’ Sylvia said with a teasing glance at him. Volker got a little red and coughed.

Hō o o~o ō! Oh my!

I-I can’t believe this…it is a miracle? I want to cry!

But to use Priscilla’s birthday like this. It should be a day of happiness not embarrassment. I’m puzzled.

Lutina seemed to know what I was thinking and raised an index finger, ‘Priscilla said “I do not want to borrow the chest of others to fight Fredericka’s enemies.” We knew he would definitely attend the birthday of a Duke’s daughter.’

Joy overflowed in my chest.

Priscilla-sama is such a compassionate person; I will follow you for a lifetime!

Even in the afterlife, I want you to be my sister. When I reincarnate, I want to be born a man and defend Priscilla…!

Actually even if I am not a man…

I caught the eye of Prince Stefan, he shook his head as if to say “You better not say it!” Volker looked despaired, his expression saying “Fredericka, don’t tell me you like Priscilla better than me? I will appeal with all my might!” (Zuben: Poor Volker, your wifey’s head is not filled with you)

It’s alright…

‘I would like to know,’ the Duke Erschlen who quietly asked, ‘why did you help Duke Cajes?’ (Zuben: I would like to know that too.)

I sat up straight. Surely, it would seem strange especially with the strange rumours about me and Eugene.

‘I understand the feeling of not wanting to overblow things, but if you think of the treatment you have received, it would be nice to stomp that misguided man’s head.’

Wow, Duke Erschlen is pretty ferocious! As expected of Priscilla’s father. (Zuben: I think your daddy will cry if he heard that)

‘I think we could have defeated Duke Cajes and Eugene in one fell swoop in that moment.’

We could have defeated the, but I didn’t want to fix it strangely in front of people who cared about me.

I really don’t want to tell the truth because it would reveal my true nature.

‘Eugene had been truly crushed when Julia fled the scene, I thought it was better to do the Duke a favour and be kind to him than humiliate him even more before all those people.’

One doesn’t know what this kind of person could do if they run amok, and that Duke is rotten to the core.  Such a kindness could be insurance for a while, in the form that anyone could understand.

‘I’m not good at being barbaric.’

It’s smart isn’t it? (Zuben: In and amongst that crying and fretting was calculation? I must have missed a great deal of something)

There was no sound in the room, not even of rustling fabric. (Zuben: She must have said it all out loud)

They must be amazed by my cruel nature.

Like a cabbage cooked with salt, my body shrunk. But the Duke Erschlen was unable to endure it; he burst out laughing, ‘To have something to hold over that racoon, that is a pleasant idea!’

‘If you think about the future, that’s the right course of action.’

The Duchess was holding her hand over her mouth and laughing.

It’s not terrible?

I looked was shocked to see everyone smiling at me.

Eh…

Delfina hugged me as she laughed, unable to say anything due to laughter. Priscilla, Sylvia, Mariel and Lutina joined in too.

Let’s just be relieved that no one thinks I am cruel.

♢

A few days later, I was walking about our garden with Volker who was off work, when Xavier came to announce a visitor,

‘There is someone here to see you, Madam.’

I tilted my head, I hadn’t been promised a visit by anyone.

‘To see Fredericka? Who are they?’ Volker asked frowning.

Actually, after the ball, people who were seeking to some way to deal with Duke Cajés have been visiting. Such people, Xavier makes them pay for admission. It is not the case this time. (Zuben: Xavier is a crook)

‘His name is Julius and he is a very beautiful young man.’

Volker’s frown got even deeper. I asked Xavier to bring the visitor to the garden sitting area. Volker and I went over and waited.

‘I don’t know a Julius.’ I told Volker. But I may have met a Julius but forgotten. I grasped Volker’s big hand and said, ‘Please, don’t let me go.’

The visitor appeared shortly after following Xavier. He was wearing a white shirt and dark vest and slim trousers over his lithe body. His gold hair was cut short and his eyes were gold.

‘Thank you for seeing me.’ He said with a bow. His voice was slightly high pitched for an adult male,

‘Please have a seat,’ I said.

He took the garden chair before Volker and me.

Xavier quickly brought tea and refreshments for our guest. Julius looked longingly at the tea and cakes before him. Had he sensed that Volker is the kind of person who pays back?

‘It’s nice to meet you…’Julius said, he gave a wry smile, ‘I wonder if I can say that.’

I could tell he was nervous.

‘It’s alright. It is kind of you to visit.’ I said as I offered tea, but he shook his head stubbornly.

‘I have done terrible things to you, so I thought I should apologise.’

Volker’s hand twitched but I held on tightly.

‘But at the time, I was thinking that it would be better if you were jilted than to have a hard time married to that family.’

My mouth dropped and Volker’s eyes narrowed at the golden haired person,

‘You’re Julia?’ he asked harshly.

Julius nodded solemnly.

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