Magic classes had improved remarkably. While the teacher was as strict and perpetually dissatisfied as ever, the shift to the practical use of spells had made the lessons far more engaging. Ravina found herself thoroughly enjoying the sight of her classmates flinging fireballs and summoning blades of wind—something she could watch again and again without ever growing tired of it.

The real problem, however, lay in finding time with Earl. On paper, Earl was nothing short of a genius, able to craft and execute spells with an ease that made him the envy of many. Practically speaking, he was just as skilled, casting spells effortlessly, while Ravina often struggled to explain how she performed her own magic. In that sense, most students flocked to Earl for help, monopolizing much of his time.

As Ravina watched the flurry of magic around her, she couldn’t help but feel a twinge of guilt. She had made another date at the same time and was planning to cancel on Earl. She hated the idea of letting him down, but surely he would understand. They could reschedule, right? She just had to tell him… somehow.

The days came and went far too quickly, and before she knew it, Ravina was being pampered by her maids once again, preparing for her date.

“I don’t know... there’s just something about him I don’t like,” one maid mused as she carefully adjusted Ravina’s hair. “I can’t quite put my finger on it.”

“Oh, please,” another scoffed. “He comes from a very respectable family.”

“And he’s good-looking to boot. I’ve never seen such handsome eyes before,” chimed in a third.

“And did you see the flowers he sent for the lady?” The final maid’s voice carried a hint of envy.

Now that the maids knew exactly who Rupert was, they talked about him openly—and incessantly. It was bad enough that Ravina liked him, but hearing her maids gush over his looks and status made it all the more overwhelming. She tried to focus on her own thoughts, but their chatter filled the room, leaving little space for reflection.

Finally, she was ready. Just as she began to admire the reflection of the elegantly dressed woman in the mirror, a knock came at the door. The caretaker entered with a quiet smile. “My lady, Mr. Maklerin has arrived.”

As Ravina descended the stairs, she couldn’t help but admire Rupert, who was dressed to the nines in a deep purple suit that complemented his light green shirt perfectly. He matched her so beautifully, with her bright green dress and purple shawl, it felt as though the evening had been meticulously planned.

He offered her his hand, and she took it, savoring the short walk to the carriage. With his usual grace, he helped her aboard, and once they were seated inside, the carriage began to rumble along the cobblestone road. That was when the moment she had been dreading finally arrived.

Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.

“So… about tonight,” she began cautiously.

“Nervous?” he teased, his eyes gleaming with playful warmth.

“No, not at all,” she replied, though the knot in her stomach told another story. “The problem is... I had scheduled another appointment for tonight before you invited me. Unfortunately, it’s at the same restaurant, and... well, it’s a bit embarrassing, but I wasn’t able to cancel in time. I may need to meet with someone briefly.”

Rupert stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Ravina shifted uncomfortably, wondering if she had insulted him.

But then, he smiled. “I see... well, alright. It’s not like I need all of your time. Besides,” he added, his voice light, “I have to check in on my investment as well.”

A weight lifted from Ravina’s chest. “Thank you for understanding.”

“Anytime, my lady,” he replied, his tone as smooth as ever.

“Also…” Ravina began hesitantly.

“Yes?” Rupert asked, his curiosity piqued.

“We’re not dating,” she blurted out quickly.

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m sorry?”

“Earl and I—that is, the other individual I’ll be meeting—um, remember the bet I lost?”

Rupert’s expression softened with recognition. “I assume Earl is the one with parents who worry about him.”

“Yes, exactly... so he asked me to keep up the charade for a year, and I sort of agreed,” she confessed, her words rushing out.

“I see.”

Silence fell between them, broken only by the rhythmic clatter of the carriage wheels on the stone road. Then, to her surprise, Rupert began to laugh, a warm, genuine sound that filled the small space. “So not only did you have to go as his date, but you thought, why not go for broke?” His teasing question made her puff out her cheeks slightly in frustration.

“I felt bad for the guy! He had to lie to his parents because he couldn’t even dream of talking to a woman. Besides, I was never interested in dating, so I thought it would be a good excuse!”

Rupert, still amused, stood up from his seat and moved beside her, gently taking her hands in his. He lifted them to his face, pressing her palms softly against his skin. “Really? So, are you still not interested in dating?” His voice dropped, a playful challenge in his tone.

“I-I...” Her heart raced as she found herself lost in the beauty of his eyes.

“I couldn’t help but notice,” he said softly, “that you never used him as an excuse to avoid going out with me. In fact, you even forgot about your prior engagement with him.”

Flustered, Ravina forced herself to look away. “I’ve never been against dating you,” she mumbled.

“That’s good,” he murmured, lifting her chin with a gentle hand, turning her to face him again. “Because I always look forward to our time together.” His voice was soft, but the intensity in his eyes drew her in. Before she could gather her thoughts, he leaned in, closing the space between them, and their lips met in a soft, tender kiss.