Although our family library had countless books, there were only a handful of rare books like this one. I never thought it would be treated like this, or whether it was possible to restore it.
I carefully fished the book out of the water and asked the servants to bring it back to the library.
"Matthew, tell me what you like, and I'll find it."
Matthew glanced at me sideways, then left with a fling of his sleeves.
Witnessing the scene, everyone around began to whisper.
"Who could've thought a poor guy with no connections whatsoever could so arrogant!"
"That's right. Even the adults in my family have to watch their manners in front of Miss Simmons, yet look at his nerves! The fact that he can hold a birthday banquet in this villa is all thanks to Miss Simmons' arrangement!"
"Where's Ruby? Why didn't she come? My mother said her weak and timid look is just an act. But men usually like that!"
...
The whispers went on.
I closed my eyes in annoyance.
I was named Princess Serena when I was born. I was always the center of attention, treated like a treasure, always having my ways.
Except when it came to Matthew.
Matthew's family had no power or influence, with only his widowed mother alive.