[BL] Accidentally Becoming the Healer of the Deranged Archduke novel Chapter 82

Chapter 82: Like A Fallen Angel

At first, Xion wasn’t sure if what he saw was reality or just an illusion. The girl standing near the open doors bore little resemblance to the freckled maid he had once called a friend.

But as soon as their eyes met, he knew.

"E-Eli...?" The words left his lips before he could think. His breath caught in his throat as Eli walked toward him, and for a brief moment, something flickered in her deep brown eyes.

Perhaps recognition. Or hesitation. But just as quickly, it was masked by a dazzling smile, so perfect it almost seemed unnatural.

"I knew you would be here, young master." Her voice was warm and gentle, yet it oddly made Xion’s ears itch and not in a good way.

Xion took a step forward, his brows drawing together. That wasn’t the way she used to smile.

There had been a time when Eli’s laughter had been restrained with shyness, but it was bright, nonetheless. Her freckles used to dance across her cheeks in the sunlight whenever she grinned.

But now... now they were hidden beneath a layer of pale powder. Dressed in a frilly pink gown, she appeared every bit a Barbie doll.

Xion noticed it now. She was acting like a noble lady.

"Why are you here?" His voice was softer now. He wanted to ask how she had been, or how Boris was treating her, but suddenly the questions felt a bit too personal.

Eli tilted her head, eyes gleaming. "I came with my husband, Lord Boris. He has given me the title of his main wife, you see." Her lips widened and a high-pitched laughter spilled from her red-painted lips, "They all have to bow to me, now. Is that not amazing, young master?"

Xion’s breath hitched.

That explained everything. Her sudden transformation, the extravagant pink gown that clung to her thin frame, the glistening jewelry that adorned her wrists and neck.

It explained why her once dull, tangled hair now shone under the bright lights. They were curled and styled with meticulous care just like her entire personality.

But most of all, it explained that new look in her eyes.

Ambition.

Greed.

Xion swallowed, pushing down the discomfort rising in his chest. "Congratulations, then." He forced a small smile. That was all he could utter.

Eli let out a soft chuckle, lifting her delicate hand to touch the pearl necklace at her throat. "And look at you," she spoke wistfully. "Dressed like a prince. I envy you."

Her words carried a lighthearted tone, however, Xion caught it. That flash in her eyes and the way she measured him. It was not as a friend, not even as an old acquaintance, but as something else entirely.

For a second, Xion felt like a stranger standing before her. He wanted to ask, was this truly what you wanted, Eli? Are you happy?

But he knew better. Some things were not meant to be asked. And some answers weren’t meant to be heard. Not when the said friend looked at him as if she were assessing his worth.

Eli had always known that despite being huddled under heavy scrutiny, Xion was beautiful. He was pretty in a quiet, almost unassuming way.

Back in the Marquis’ household, his attractiveness had been muted, hidden beneath the exhaustion and quiet suffering.

Even then, it had stirred young master Soren’s desires.

Now that he was out of the Marquis’ estate, he looked taller and happier than before.

His pristine white suit accentuated his slender frame to perfection.

It was the same pair of clothes she wished to wear tonight. She had wanted to flaunt herself before all those concubines. _{freewebnoveℓ.com}

However, someone bought the entire set. Both the lady’s gown and male suit were gone.

Like a fallen angel.

He was still the same. Untouched. Unstained.

No matter how lavish her clothes were, no matter how high she climbed, she still failed to achieve what she had desired. And it was all because of Xion!