80 Chapter 80: Antithesis (1/2)
Laurice paid no heed with the subtle mockery on her aunt's tone. As much as she wanted to talk back, she was in a compromising position where allowing herself to freely speak her mind will only ruin her image in the end.
She cocked her head slightly to her left when she noticed a fair-skinned hand gently pushing a plate filled with various fruits to her side. A lady who was about her age was oddly serving her across the table despite the indifferent attitude she carries. It was too simple a gesture and barely noticeable but Laurice could not miss it. She knew exactly who the person was anyway.
The lady was a distinguised and highly esteemed noble and shrew in the industry of business and commerce. Despite her quite young age, she was very well-known in the field already and has been recognized by some reputable bodies and organizations here and abroad. Her accomplishments so far is currently unrivaled and not to mention, she was a rare beauty herself, too.
Laurice sheepishly nod in gratitude and acknowledgment as she glanced at the woman near her without saying a word.
Laurice caught her own breath.
Beautiful.
Julia Miller Ledesma was simply, beyond beautiful in the flesh.
If that could ever suffice her description of her. But she was simply in awe. Seeing the lady herself in person, Laurice can finally attest that her cousin whom she was related to by blood, was indeed a stunner as the rumours claimed. She failed to notice her presence at first as she wasn't paying too much attention around her but looking at the woman now, felt more like she was looking at a model strutting runways and shootings ads instead.
Her facial features were all well-defined. She had such a prominent jawline and cheekbones, pointed nose and has the most exotic clear dark unfathomable eyes that she have ever seen in a long time. Laurice could also tell with great confidence that Julia possessed a statesque figure even with her only seating rather leisurely on her seat. Her cousin's native roots were apparent enough for anyone to recognize that she was of mixed race. But not only was Julia born Half-Filipino and Half-American, she was also a quarter British which only made her looked even more prettier and just way too attractive in person, especially in Laurice's eyes. And she could not help but be drawn by her enigmatic presence and demeanor, as if a magnetic force was pulling her attention towards her.
Laurice was in a trance as she gawked at her cousin with stars in her eyes.
Ah.
If only she was half as impressive as her cousin was then maybe, just maybe ...
Laurice's bright eyes dimmed as she retrieved her gaze, suppressing a bitter smile. She bit her lip in disappointment forcing herself to quit daydreaming.
...
At that moment, Julia glanced back at Laurice with a blank stare plastered on her face. No one could ever guess what she was thinking of. Her gaze was that impenetrable as if nothing can alarm her. She was always poised, well-mannered, had a dignified aura around her and was ever as calm as the sea. Completely different from Laurice's personality who is likely a ticking time bomb that may explode when provoked anytime. They were simply poles apart but will their differences in their attitude stand in their way of becoming closer in the future? This matter was something even a good fortune-teller can never predict.
...
There was no exchange of courtesies between the cousins but their interaction surprisingly didn't feel awkward at all. There was just an indescribable space that hinders the both of them from showing their emotions and putting them into words which the other guys noticed. Eduard in particular, paid close attention at them the most. He was actually quite baffled by the ladies' small gestures towards each other and he took note of them one by one thinking it may be of use in the future. He glimpsed at both his sister and his cousin meaningfully one more time before finishing off his meal.
As Eduard wiped his mouth with a napkin, his grandmother suddenly rose from her seat freaking everyone out ever so slightly with the sound of her cane.
Thud. Thud.
The old madam left a word to her daughter Camilla before leaving the dining hall followed by her husband as usual.
”The room next to yours is vacant.” Adelina spoke sluggishly before exiting the hall.
Camilla was momentarily dazed by her mother's decision. Does she mean...? Camilla's face cracked an expression in disbelief. Odd. Her mother was never that hospitable. The old residence was a home that never welcomes strangers. Not that Laurice was a complete stranger but still.
Did the old madam accepted her granddaughter just like that? Was her allowing Laurice to stay for the night meant that or was there something else? Knowing her own mother, it wouldn't be that simple. Realizing something was definitely amiss but not letting go of the chance card, Camilla have made a decision herself but fought the urge to let out a sneer. She could not help a little sigh instead.
”You heard your grandmother. You'll be occupying the room next to mine. Don't worry, i'll take care of your needs.”
Laurice tilted her head to the side and met her mother's reassuring eyes deliberately staring at her in a rather firm and absolute manner but a bit ... tensed? Why was there a present stiffness in them that was making Laurice feel worried for some inexplicable reason?
Her heart started to pound against her chest.
Stay for the night?