My Fiancée Hates Me [Completed]

Chapter 26: Duchess in Nariel

I wonder why I dreamt of Mother's death...It is such an ominous sign.

"I am looking for someone," a woman said in a quiet voice.

"Arielle, someone is here for you," Maura said.

I quickly made my way down the stairs from the second floor. At the entrance of Exurbia Library was my mother Duchess Amalie Ira Nereus Maddox. She was wearing a white high collar navy blue dress and had her gentle long pink wavy hair tied back into a low ponytail.

"Greetings, Mother," I said as I formally greeted her with a curtsy.

"Greetings, Arielle," she said as she returned my greeting.

My mother and I had gotten close in our first lives because of her illness. Without the illness, we never really had any chance to talk to one another. We were back to our strained relationship.

I know that she actually loves me a lot under her cold demure from our first lives, but I am unsure if she feels the same way now.

"What brings you to the capital, Mother?" I asked.

"...Your father invited me to come along with him on a business trip. I thought that I might as well show my face to you while I am here," she said monotonously. "Am I bothering you?"

"Not at all. The Exurbia Library is not busy around this time," I said.

"Your father will not be out of his meeting for another three hours. I will be free until then," she said.

Did she have to specifically tell that to me?

"I see," I said.

Her bottom lip seemed to quiver a bit.

Is she ill?

"It seems that Miss Arielle is free today," Garett said.

"Is that so?" Mother asked.

"She would like to spend time with you," Garett whispered to me.

Is that so?

Mother is really awkward...Why could she not have said it outright?

"Mother, would you mind accompanying me while I go shopping?" I asked.

Her cold face brightened up like a child for a moment but quickly stiffened right afterwards.

"...I do not mind spending time with my daughter," Mother said with her usual cold tone.

Is she happy or bothered about spending time with me?

"I will take over for you, so go spend some quality time with her," Garett said as he took over my list of duties.

"Thank you," I told him.

"Arielle, who is this young man?" Mother asked.

Is Mother also unaware of Garett's identity? He is literally the carbon copy of Prince Erik if not for his hair color and glasses and is Prince Erik's cousin...

"He is my colleague," I answered.

Mother gave a light curtsy in Garett's direction.

"Thank you for looking after my beloved daughter," Mother said.

She said 'beloved'...I am a little embarrassed now.

"She is not much trouble," Garett said with a smile.

Mother and I left after that.

"I like that boy," Mother said suddenly.

"Come again?"