Used And Discarded

"I beg your pardon?" the man frowned looking at Olivia.

A strange pain clenched her heart. She would have felt gleeful if such an offer had been received in the past. Too bad, she had not changed herself this much and dressed so finely to get a second son of a count! Her trap was bigger!

"The song had ended, my lord." Olivia took a step back and bowed her head. The man blinked and followed her actions.

Was that a refusal? Still confused, he was compelled to leave the stage when another man offered his hand to Olivia and she took it.

One by one, she danced with seven men. And four of them showed their desire to court him in a single night.

 Olivia did not know whether to be happy about it or cry over her luck.

Her eyes moved to the stage again but she frowned when she did not notice Edward sitting there anymore. The stage was empty save for the empress drowning herself in wine.