[Bonus chapter]Just about time

Stefan had taught Lilou how to read and write, but also made her read books for her to learn about etiquette and the sort. Still, never once since she came with Stefan, did she ever dress up luxuriously — at least, not this luxurious as to wear a grand dress adorned with sequence and pieces of jewelry that illuminated the sparkle of the chandeliers hanging up in the banquet hall. 

It was more of a little upgrade as she didn't have to wear ragged clothes and she could bathe because Stefan was a "little" concerned about her hygiene. But after he received that letter — an invitation — three days ago, things had spiraled to a 'concerning' turn, as the two of them had been busy preparing. 

Well, mostly, she was busy staring at the dress that arrived Stefan procured without her knowing, while the latter was preoccupied with something else. Stefan often stayed in the study and barely made time for her until the last day before tonight.