The Arscott carriage arrived in front of the Saunder mansion.

Lilian and Gilbert entered the hall, everyone’s attention turned to them as the young couple walked through the main entrance. The heirs of both the Saunder and the Arscott’s house entering as partners became a big issue amidst the noble society.

Although they knew this was bound to happen, it was pressuring for the two young nobles to withstand all of the attention from the other guests.

They ignored everyone’s stares and went to their assigned table which was next to the main table where the Delia’s were seated. “Rosetta!” Lilian ran towards her friend.

“Lilian! Thank God, you made it! Look, this is my new baby brother!” Rosetta grabbed Lilian and pulled her into the centre of the main table, to where the newborn’s cot had been placed.

“This is the new heir of the Delia, isn’t he adorable?” asked Rosetta, pinching the soft cheeks of the baby.

“He is cute, but aren’t you upset that you couldn’t become the heir?”

“Well, a little, but I never really wanted that position. I want to marry someone I love, ya know,” Rosetta looked around, then slowly placed her hand next to Lilian’s ear, leaning into her, “not for the family business.”

Lilian suddenly felt something break within her, then she blankly smiled at Rosetta, “Is that so?”

They both returned to where Gilbert was, frozen on the side of the dance floor. There were a lot of women surrounding him, asking him to a dance.

Lilian crumpled her face at this scene, not knowing what this uncomfortable feeling was. Rosetta glanced at Lilian’s face; it was unmistakenly the face of a jealous woman. Rosetta giggled at the scene of two clueless dummy’s young love. Rosetta tapped Lilian on the shoulder and whispered, “Go quick, someone might steal your man.” Lilian hurriedly grabbed her ear and blushed. Her pupils shivered from embarrassment as her lips strongly clenched together. “It’s not like that,” said Lilian as she looked down at her feet. Rosetta could not believe how oblivious this friend of hers was. Rosetta faintly slapped Lilian at the back of her head and pushed her into the crowd. From the sudden push, Lilian lost her balance and fell straight into Gilbert’s arms.

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Not knowing where she had fallen into, Lilian piercingly gazed at Rosetta who smile and pointed behind her. Not understanding the meaning behind her signal, Lilian turned her head around to find Gilbert, cheeks gradually turning bright red from the tight embrace. Lilian face also reddened as realisation hit her hard. She waved her arms high in the air, struggling to find the words to explain the situation.

Upon seeing Lilian’s flushed face, Gilbert lightly placed her hands in his. Lilian looked up and saw his usual calm smile. It made her feel as if she was back home, cuddling her soft cushions in bed. She knew, immediately, that he was the one she longed for. They were meant to be, but she couldn't give up her dream for love.

Gilbert watched as Lilian’s smile gradually dimmed away. She looked confused and mournful.

He wished to know what she had in her mind, but kept quiet, allowing her to reorganise herself.

They quietly headed into in powder room. Lilian finally got a hold of herself, trying to calm herself down.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience, Gilbert. Please, go enjoy yourself without me.”

“No need, it’d be no fun without you anyways.”

Lilian’s eyes sparkled as her heart warmed. It was definitely love that she felt that day, but she tried hard to suppress the overflowing sensation. Unwilling to express the hopeless love that cannot be fulfilled. “…Thank you, Gilbert, for always being there for me…” Lilian grabbed onto Gilberts arms tightly, head rested against his left shoulder. Gilbert softly brushed and rubbed her hair as they waited for the halls to settle down. Hours passed and as the clock hit midnight, they could hear the crowd move from one side of the room to the other. The assembly grew louder and louder. Gilbert, although not wanting to leave Lilian’s side, wondered what all the commotion was about. “One second Lily.” Murmured Gilbert whilst he lightly pecked her sleeping forehead.

Gilbert stepped out of the room, trying his best not to make a sound.

Upon turning around, he understood the reason behind the commotion. It was the arrival of the Hinderson family.