Mixed Emotions

"You really take after, your mother, Anabelle. Did she teach you this habit too?"

My father seemed shaken beyond belief—but in a good way. He probably never expected me to pull off such a card in front of everyone.

"To confess your love, though... that took a lot of guts, I have to say."

The Helmsworths approached us at this point.

Their faces still maintained the stoic expression that Maria usually had, and the way their eyes glimmered as they drew closer gave me mixed feelings.

Maria's parents both had polished appearances, and their black and silver outfits were in tasteful contrast to my father's white and gold outfit.

To each family their own, I suppose.

Duke Franklin Helmsworth suddenly placed his hand on mine, giving me a gentle gaze—though his face was still stone-cold.

I could sense a soft sincerity in his eyes; so, even though it felt a little overwhelming, I knew everything was alright.