NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Chapter 7
'Oh, man, I wanted to witness the face-off between these two,' Claudia thought as she nodded and turned to leave, the faintest of smirks tugging at her lips.
Emilio hesitated for a moment, watching Claudia walk away, his gaze following her every step. He moved as if to follow, but in a flash, a sword appeared in front of him, its cold steel gleaming in the dappled sunlight.
Lucius's voice, low and chilling, cut through the air. "Don't you dare move an inch. If you do, I will not hesitate to stab you."
Emilio stiffened, confusion and unease flashing across his face. 'What on earth is this sudden fury? What did Claudia say to him?'
His thoughts spiraled. 'Please, I hope she didn't tell him everything I…' His stomach twisted into knots. 'This is bad. Very bad.'
Swallowing hard, Emilio glanced back at Lucius, trying to regain his composure. "Look, Lucius, it's just a misunderstanding. I just want to clear things up—"
"Lord Lucius," Lucius interrupted sharply, his voice cold and unwavering. "Lord Emilio, please leave. Before I lose my mind. And don't come back."
Emilio's jaw tightened, and before he could stop himself, he blurted out, "But… what about the deal?" His eyes widened in horror as he quickly covered his mouth. Ah, how could I let that slip?
Lucius's eyes narrowed slightly, as if the weight of the words had just hit him. 'So that's what he's after?' The realization made a bitter laugh rise in his throat. 'My goodness, how did I not see this?' He thought, shaking his head with a dark chuckle. 'I thought he was truly my friend.'
A scoff slipped from Lucius's lips, his eyes turning hard, mocking. He let the tip of his sword hover dangerously close to Emilio's chest. "I will not approve it," he said, a mocking grin spreading across his face. "If you have any decency left, you will leave. Now."
Emilio, his face pale and straightened his posture, pushing down the swell of emotions threatening to overwhelm him. He took a deep breath, forcing his voice to sound remorseful. "You're right, Lucius... I've crossed a line," he said, his words carrying an almost desperate sincerity. "I'll leave. I'm sorry for everything."
Lucius didn't respond, his gaze cold and unwavering, but the relief on Emilio's face was undeniable as he turned on his heel, his steps measured as if trying to leave with dignity intact.
But as he walked away, his back to Lucius, the mask of regret began to falter, his lips curling into something far more sinister. His eyes gleamed with a malicious fire that only he could see, and his thoughts turned venomous.
'Lucius... you will regret this...' Emilio thought, a cold smirk tugging at his lips. 'No... wait, the real culprit is that wretch Claudia!'
The image of her perfect face flashed in his mind. 'I will end her first. Right in front of you, Lucius. I'll make sure you watch every moment of her downfall.'
His grip on his thoughts tightened, a sense of satisfaction filling him as he pictured the scene. 'And when I'm done with her, I'll turn my attention to you. You, Lucius. I'll kill you too. I'll kill you all.'
But for now, he reminded himself, he couldn't reveal his true intentions. 'I have to play it cool. Act sorry. I can't let this deal slip through my fingers.'
A week later, Claudia Debunte had come. Her name was whispered in the air like a delicate promise, yet her mind was a whirlwind of thoughts.
I feel bad for Lucius, but that friendship he had with Emilio had to end one way or another. I don't regret it, though, Claudia mused as the maids tightened the golden laces of her dress, adjusting every inch of the luxurious fabric. Her icy blue eyes glittered as they caught the sunlight streaming through the window. The dress was a soft lavender, complimenting her blonde hair, flowing like a pale mist around her shoulders—elegant, but not ostentatious.
Once they were finished, a knock echoed on her door.
One of the maids opened it, and there stood her older brother, Lucius. He was nothing short of striking in his tailored suit, the deep charcoal gray highlighting his strong build and sun-kissed eyes. His blonde hair fell just right, and his posture screamed authority—yet all of that melted away when he saw her.
'Oh no, not again. Please don't go full doting brother mode. Not today,' Claudia thought, already feeling the warm blush creeping up her neck at the idea of his usual affections.
Lucius's eyes softened as he caught sight of her, and before she could even respond, his thoughts burst into her mind.
'She's like the sunrise on a dark day, so radiant, so perfect… I swear, if I could, I'd buy the entire world just to see her smile. How does she do it? How does she look like that?'
Claudia winced, feeling the full force of his admiration flood her mind. ' Oh my Goodness this is too much!!'
'Nope. I can never get used to this. Is there an off button to this mind-reading stuff?' she thought, cringing at the intensity of his thoughts. It was like listening to a love-struck poet who had a very limited vocabulary.
Lucius cleared his throat, visibly shaking off his overwhelming thoughts before stepping forward, his voice smooth and charming.
"You look beautiful, Claudia," he said, his hand outstretched, the faintest smile tugging at his lips. He kissed the back of her hand with such practiced grace that anyone watching would have sworn he had done this a thousand times before.
Claudia fought back a smile, managing only a faint nod. "Thank you, brother," she replied, her tone carrying a touch of exasperation, though her heart softened at the gesture.
Lucius beamed at her, his expression proud, but there was still that underlying softness only she could sense.
"Let's leave, shall we?" he said, his voice full of affection.
"Yes," she replied, and with a last look at her reflection, they left, heading toward the grand ballroom where her debutante celebration awaited.
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The grand ballroom was a spectacle of opulence, with crystal chandeliers casting shimmering light over the polished marble floors. Lush velvet drapes adorned the towering windows, and a soft murmur of conversation filled the air as elegantly dressed nobles mingled, their laughter subdued and polite.
As the large double doors at the top of the grand staircase began to open, a hush swept through the room. All eyes turned toward the entrance, and the herald, standing at the base of the staircase, struck the marble floor with his staff. The sound echoed sharply, silencing the last whispers.
"Presenting the radiant flower of the Barberini family, Lady Claudia Barberini," the herald declared, his voice ringing clear. "Escorted by her brother, Lord Lucius Barberini."
Claudia stepped into view, the crowd visibly stiffened, though their smiles remained plastered in place. Her graceful descent on Lucius's arm was a picture of refinement, her lavender gown shimmering faintly in the candlelight. Her poise was flawless, her chin held high, and her eyes scanned the crowd with an air of indifference.
'There she is,' many thought, their expressions betraying little.
'The lovesick fool. Emilio's shadow. If only she could see how pathetic she looks following him like a dog,' one noblewoman thought, her lips twitching into a faint sneer before smoothing into a smile.
Others exchanged discreet glances, their silent judgments flickering in quick, nervous eye contact. No one dared speak aloud, all too aware of the storm they'd stir by provoking the Duke's wrath.
Claudia felt their thoughts buzzing in the back of her mind like a swarm of relentless bees. 'Ah, this is annoying. Do they ever stop?'
She kept her expression carefully neutral, blocking out the mental noise. Focus, focus, she reminded herself.
Beside her, Lucius radiated an air of authority, his posture that of a warrior escorting royalty. His hand rested protectively over hers, as if daring anyone to challenge him. No one even thought about meeting his gaze for too long.
As they reached the bottom of the staircase, Lucius leaned in slightly, his voice low. "You're doing great, little dove."
Claudia's lips twitched upward just enough to be considered a smile. "I know, brother."
They moved into the sea of nobility, greeted by murmurs and polite bows. Duke Antonius and his wife, Giuliana, stood at the far end, surrounded by influential figures.
'I guess the Duke and Duchess are tied up, so I can't approach them yet. What now?' Claudia glanced around, letting Lucius handle all the talking for now.
'Shall I look for Lord Vanitas? Hmm, no... first things first—can I spot the key players here?' Her eyes scanned the crowd. Then, they landed on a striking woman with dark purple hair and moonlit eyes, draped in a violet gown embroidered with silver. She stood beside an older man who had the same eyes but sported dark, slicked-back hair.
The man was deep in conversation with Duke Antonius, but it was the woman who had the room's undivided attention.
Claudia's eyes widened. The main villainess of the original story—Lady Selene Albinoni, daughter of Duke Valentin Albinoni, and fiancée to the male lead, Cassian Valmont.
"As expected," Claudia muttered under her breath, "the villainess really does live up to her reputation—she's stunning."
Just then, Selene turned and locked eyes with her from across the room, a knowing smile curling at the corners of her lips.
'What? Why is she smiling at me like that? I'm sure Claudia and Selene have never spoken before!' Claudia's breath caught in her throat, her eyes widening in alarm. The smile was anything but friendly. And then, to Claudia's growing horror, Selene began walking toward her.