The sweet venom Chapter 3: 2

Read chapter 3 of The sweet venom by aspa201 on NovelPedia.

Helia sat before her mirror, the sunlight gently caressing her hair as her maid, Lucille, carefully arranged her locks into an elegant hairstyle, paying special attention to her bangs. Lucille was a woman in her early thirties, with dark hair and warm brown eyes, her soft features framed by a gentle face permanently marked by patience and kindness. Today, Helia was to meet her fiancé, Adrian, for an afternoon in his company. "Miss, are you satisfied with your hairstyle?" Lucille asked, securing the last pin. Helia nodded with a smile, though her mind was elsewhere. Thoughts of Adrian wouldn’t leave her, and the mere idea of seeing him again filled her heart with tender warmth. Adrian was no ordinary man. The second son of a duke, he was one of the most sought-after men in high society. His beauty, charisma, and status made him the subject of many ladies' conversations. Yet, he had chosen her. She, with what she considered ordinary features, her light brown hair without any remarkable shine, her small stature, and her rounded figure. Unlike the dazzling beauties that graced the salons, she had always felt like she simply blended into the background and her introverted nature did little to help her social standing. And yet, Adrian had been one of the rare few to notice her. He had been the one to close the distance, the one to take the first step. She had never understood why a man like him had set his eyes on her, but she was deeply touched. Every day, she felt grateful to have found someone who loved her for who she truly was, rather than for appearances or societal expectations. When the carriage was ready, she settled in comfortably, her thoughts drifting between the upcoming engagement celebration and her recent activities. The carriage came to a stop in front of an elegant café, where Adrian was already waiting. Seated at a terrace table, a newspaper in hand, he wore his usual concentrated expression. As always, he was impeccably dressed, his jet-black coat contrasting with his neatly groomed blond hair. He rose as she arrived, smiling politely, and helped her down. "Helia, as lovely as ever," he said, assisting her into her seat. She blushed slightly. "You're always so flattering, Adrian." They took their places as the waiter approached, carrying the order Adrian had arranged in advance. "How is your father?" Adrian asked, leaning back comfortably, a neutral expression on his face. She sighed slightly, setting down her cup. "Still as busy as ever. He only returns late at night, and even then, it's often just to leave again soon after." "That must be exhausting," he replied with a sympathetic smile, cutting a piece of cake. "My father is equally burdened with responsibilities... especially with the situation at the borders. He's doing his best to lend support." She looked up, suddenly concerned. "Is the situation that critical? How is your father handling it?" "As well as can be expected, I suppose," he replied with a slight shrug, taking another sip of tea. "My brother was sent there recently. It seems the Empire is mobilizing more forces, so…" He paused, his expression darkening for a brief moment. "It's tense, but we're hoping things will stabilize." She slowly nodded, a fleeting worry in her eyes. She was tempted to ask more, but before she could press the issue, her fiancé smoothly changed the subject. "By the way," he said, adjusting his sleeves with a practiced motion, "I've recently started developing a new business in jewelry trade." She smiled, though her mind was still preoccupied. "Really? Tell me more." "It's still in its early stages, but I have plans for expansion. I'm considering exploiting the duchy's gemstone mines. I was wondering," he paused thoughtfully, "if you could perhaps mention it to the marquis. Establishing connections with influential families would be invaluable for me." The marquis, Helia's father, was a pillar of high society. Renowned for his keen business sense and negotiating prowess, he