2 Chapter One

Caroline had heard many rumors about the Count prior to arriving at the estate. But she wasn't one to listen to that dribble, especially if it was about her husband-to-be. Caroline was a daddy's girl and had complete trust that her father would find her a good husband.

It was already the week before she left when she had begun to question that. Her father began to act very strangely; he seemed nervous and would bring up a new topic every time she had asked a question about the Count.

In the end, she decided this was normal behavior for a father who was about to marry off his daughter. After all, her father loves her very much.

This conclusion was Caroline's first mistake and the beginning of her untimely undoing.

"Did you hear what I said?" the Count asks.

His voice snaps Caroline from her thoughts.

"No, I didn't quite catch that."

"I said that the wedding will proceed as planned. For now, you will be staying in the White Lily Wing," the Count repeats.

"Oh, yes, of course."

He continues, "And I know that your father's final situation is… complicated, to say the least."

She tenses up in her seat.

"So I've hired a tutor to help prepare you for the wedding. She'll be arriving next Wednesday."

"Oh, thank you-"

"Sadly, I will not be there to greet her, I'm leaving for a business meeting tomorrow evening."

Caroline had heard that the Count was a cold man, but she never imagined that he would leave only a day after her arrival.

"But I've only just arrived."

"It will only be a few weeks. I'm sure you can manage."

"I-"

He shoots her an icy glare as if to say, "Be happy I even bothered telling you," which sends a shiver down her spine.

"Yes, of course."

"Good. Now if you don't need anything, I have work to do."

"Oh, actually-"

He interrupts her by pulling the bell at his desk, alerting the staff that he’s ready for her to leave. Before she has the chance to say anything, the door abruptly opens to reveal a maid a few years younger than Caroline, with two bright red pigtails.

“Ms.” The young maid squeaks nervously, “are you ready?”

“Yes,” Caroline says hesitantly, getting up from her chair.

She walks to the end of the room before stopping and turns back to her fiancé.

“I’ll see you at dinner?” she asks hopefully.

He doesn't respond nor bothers to even look up. She lets out a sigh, knowing that he’s already lost in his own world and that he can no longer hear a thing she says. She turns on her heel and walks out of the room, defeated.