mong the guests with their extravagant outfits and resounding laughter. She wore an off-white silk dress, with a simplicity that contrasted with the jeweled and e

d to observe, size up this crowd befo

." Some laughed, amused to see Mr. Darcy, this powerful and influential man, associated with such an "ordinary" stranger. Clara, who had heard everything the day before, continued to move arou

elegant woman, dressed in an ornate dr

, her voice soft but her tone almost mocking. "I hope

with a slight smile, n

lied calmly. "I even fi

ection, a clue that she did not belong in this world of appearances and pretensions. After a few seconds, the woman walked away, visibly destabilized. Clara too

erfectly fitted, expertly designed. She wore a pair of discreet pearl earrings, and her hair was pulled up in a delicately crafted bun, letting a few strands escape to frame her face. The most attentive guests not

recognized him immediately, even though it had been years since they had seen each other. It was Vincent Delacroix, an old friend of his father, an influential and respected man in the business world. The

aimed, approaching

ion. Some wondered how a seemingly modest young woman knew a man of such sta

, touched to see him ag

long," she replied, acc

rised, I didn't realize you were... Mr. Darcy's fiancée! » he said,

nny surprises, doesn't it? »

e knew Clara well enough to guess that, despite the rumors, there was more to her than others seemed to see. H

re would be impressed if they knew everything you've accomplishe

llusion. She knew what he meant, but she wasn't ready to rev

creet," she whispered, lo

y are all hungry for details, for secrets. They will want to know more about you

denly, she was no longer the simple and discreet young woman we ignored. The curious looks now had a reason to linger. Eyebrows were raised, murmu

as characteristic of him. An imperceptible glint in his eyes betrayed a touch of satisfaction. Clara was not an or

et herself be carried away by the warmth of this meeting. She felt supported, recognized. And every

red in a deeper voice, a glint of pride in his eyes. "I hope that those who d

rld which sometimes seemed hostile to her. His gaze met that of Mr. Darcy, who was still observing in silence, an imperceptible

had come to be understood that she was not simply "Mr. Darcy's fiancée", but a woman with a rich past and influential connect

but Clara knew that behind each compliment hid an insatiable curiosity. We sought to understand his story, his link with Vincent, his place i

d. She understood better how to integrate into this universe, and a new air of