Standing up, Julia Bluen gave Glades Horne an apologetic look before turning and leaving the rooftop.
Glades Horne did not get up immediately. He maintained his squatting posture, taking in the image of Julia's earlier strength.
After a while, he stood up straight. He sat in the lounge chair for a moment, quietly observing the tranquil swimming pool, then finally rose to leave the rooftop of the Bluen Family villa.
Julia Bluen had gone through a breakup and was extremely upset, but in this vast world, she was not the only one whose mood had plummeted at that moment.
In the Horne Family's grand villa, located in T City's prime residential area—Golden Kirin Garden—sat a young man who shared some resemblance with Glades Horne. His handsome face differed slightly from Glades Horne's. While Glades exuded an air of looking down on the world, making him unapproachable, this man had a rather dark complexion. He possessed a pair of cold, extremely imposing eyes, a high-bridged nose, and full lips. He was dressed in a neat and striking military uniform. He sat on the sofa, his expression indifferent yet radiating an imposing aura that inspired a degree of reverence.
This was Marcel Horne, Glades's younger cousin and the second young master of the Horne Family. He was thirty years old. His father was a chief of staff in a Military District, and Marcel himself was also a soldier—a battalion commander. Having finally come home for a visit, he had wanted to meet with Glades, but to his disappointment, Glades had left early in the morning.
He had heard that Glades had gone to the Bluen Family.
Thinking of the Bluen Family, a flicker of pain crossed Marcel's impassive face as an image of a beautiful, round face flashed through his mind. But he quickly suppressed it, unwilling to dwell on it further.
He glanced at his watch. Time was running short; he would soon need to return to his military unit.
Several times he took out his phone, once entering Glades's number, but before the call connected, he hung up. He knew his cousin, who had taken over the vast family business and was a prominent figure in T City, was extremely busy. He didn't want to disturb him.Then, almost unconsciously, he would key in a number so familiar he could recite it in his sleep. Yet, he didn't dare to actually make the call, simply staring blankly at the string of digits.
Uncle Ying, the head steward of the Horne Family, approached Marcel. He suggested kindly, "Young Master Marcel, shall I call Young Master Glades for you? Or you could go directly to his company. He should be there at this hour."
"No need." Marcel raised his hand in a stopping gesture and replied, "Glades is very busy; let's not bother him." In truth, the person he most wanted to see was the woman by Glades's side—his future sister-in-law.
"CLACK! CLACK!" Suddenly, the rapid sound of high heels approached from outside. Following that, a young woman rushed in. The young woman had a beautiful, round face, fair and flushed. She possessed straight, long, flowing black hair, bright and clear apricot-shaped eyes, a small cherry-like mouth, and a slender, well-proportioned figure, standing at 168 centimeters tall.
She was Ruby Bluen, the eldest Miss of the Bluen Family, Glades Horne's fiancée.
"Miss Ruby, you're here?" Uncle Ying saw her and immediately greeted her with a smile.
Ruby stopped running, catching her breath. She subtly yet urgently smoothed her standard white-collar outfit—a white blouse and black skirt—before asking Uncle Ying, "Is Glades at home?"
Uncle Ying was slightly taken aback and responded, "Young Master Glades, as usual, went to see you early this morning."
"Oh, yes. He took me to the company and then left," Ruby said, her lie sounding somewhat unnatural. "I have something I need to discuss with him now, but he isn't answering his phone, and I couldn't find him at the company. So, I came here to look for him." Her bright apricot eyes had already glanced past Uncle Ying towards the tall and robust figure in the room.
Upon her arrival, Marcel's expression became even more detached. His sharp, well-defined eyebrows didn't twitch as he remained motionless, his imposing gaze not even flicking towards Ruby.
Their conversation echoed in his ears. He appeared inattentive, but in reality, he heard every word clearly. Soon after, Uncle Ying left the hall. Ruby, however, slowly walked over and sat down opposite Marcel.
Her apricot eyes fixated tightly, almost greedily, on his handsome, dark-complexioned face. She questioned, "You come home only once in five years, and for just one short day at that. Couldn't you even let me know?"
Marcel glanced at her indifferently, then averted his gaze. He responded with a non-sequitur, "I heard you and my brother are about to get married."
Her heart suddenly clenched, as if pierced by a knife. Ruby stared hard at Marcel, a hint of mockery touching her lips. "Yes, the elders are selecting an auspicious date. Once it's set, Glades and I will register at the Civil Affairs Office first, and then hold the wedding ceremony."
"Well…" Marcel fell silent. His handsome face grew tauter, his indifference deepening as if this news meant nothing to him. After a long pause, he said in a low tone, "In that case… I congratulate you and my brother in advance."
After speaking, he stood up. He left her with the words, "I must return to my unit now, so I'm leaving. If you see my brother, please tell him I'm doing well and that he needn't worry about me."
He didn't wait for Ruby's response, turning and striding out.
"Marcel Horne!" Ruby shouted after him, but he didn't even pause for a moment before disappearing from her sight.
Biting her lower lip, Ruby also stood up and chased after him.
By the time she reached the Courtyard, Marcel's car had already driven out of the Horne Family's grand villa.
Ruby also moved very quickly. She dove into her own car, started the engine, and sped off, pursuing Marcel as he left the Horne Family estate.
She was about to marry Glades. Although he treated her exceptionally well—so well that there was nothing to complain about—she knew clearly in her heart. The man she loved was not the seemingly omnipotent young heir of the Horne Family, who was uniquely good to her. Instead, it was Marcel Horne, the one who spoke of 'serving in the army to defend the country, a youth of no regrets,' yet was always so cold and dismissive towards her.
She also wanted to explain everything clearly to everyone. But every time the words reached her lips, she found herself unable to utter them.
She was acutely aware of how much her own family anticipated her marriage to Glades. Moreover, she knew all too well that the Bluen Family could never compare to the Horne Family.She was terrified that her actions would cause the Bluen Family to offend the Horne Family. Therefore, she had always maintained her romantic relationship with Glades.