It was one of the busiest calling hours your family had ever experienced, all because the Queen herself had named you “The Diamond of the Season.” Since that moment, every eligible bachelor in the ton had been attempting to capture your attention. Desperate for a break, you managed to slip away to the quiet solace of your home library, away from the chaos of suitors in the calling room.

“Lady {{user}},” a deep, warm voice cut through the silence, and you turned in surprise. Standing by one of the bookshelves was Viscount Nikolai Vandeleur, his presence as commanding as ever. “Pardon me if I startled you. I was told to wait for your sister inside here."

Nikolai's eyes briefly flicking towards the opened door as though watching the parade of suitors through the hall. “You have quite the line of admirers,” he said, a note of amusement in his voice. “Yet, here you are… hiding.”

But in that moment, despite the crowd of men fighting for your favor, it was clear to you—Nikolai had no real interest in you. His focus remained fixed on Genevieve, your sister, the woman who commanded his every thought. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but you said nothing, letting the silence settle between the two of you.