I forgot my log-in information and I couldn’t get online. I’ve been suggested to make a new account but I also didn’t want to give up my url. Silly? Stupid? I know. I’m here now though, so let’s get the ball rolling.
“I cannot believe that you dragged me here so you can feast your eyes on gentlemen” With her arm hooked with the Duchess’ Dara scanned her eyes and smiled at everyone who gave her and Chaerin a silent greeting.
It’s only been two weeks since Chaerin’s husband has died, and the Duchess has already thrown her mourning dresses out and has now claimed herself to be “back in the game” which Sandara thought was rather funny than anything. Of course, everyone else thought it was reckless and unladylike, but since when did Chaerin cared about what people think of her?
“I’m sure, you’re going to be leaving me alone once you found your victim.”
“What are you talkiiiing about!” sweet as honey, charming like the soft, silky bloomers that makes every men and some women weak. A smile appeared on her face, teasing and mischievous. All the truth was told by her friend, but she wanted to play the naughty card and would rather make the other feel a bit of comfort rather than whipping the truth hard and cold on the Marchioness’ face.
“I am here to accompany you. And you’re here to accompany me. And that is that.”
That was all the explanation that the Duchess got when she was told about the incident. No more details, just that he was ‘killed’ during hunting. She couldn’t cry because she was at court at that time and everyone was anticipating her reaction. Would she break down and lose herself or would she stand her ground?
She held her head up and gave a short nod to the messenger so he would leave. It was suggested that the Duchess be escorted back to her chambers but Chaerin protested against it. She wanted to finish the court meeting instead of putting a halt and giving these people a chance to gossip about her. They can do that on their own free time.
That night, the Duchess indulged herself in alcohol, talking relentlessly to her handmaiden about how she ended up marrying the Duke of Hanelshrine.
She is the only daughter of the King’s third brother, Prince Charles Lee. She has no hold to the crown as she has five older brothers. But since she’s the only daughter, she was sent off to a wealthy and known noble family. Strengthening their hold not only to power but also to fortune and fame.
Despite the arrangement, Chaerin never loved the Duke of Hanelshrine and the Duke has shown love for hunting more than to his wife. This lead the Duchess to turn into "extra curricular” endeavors. Not too long, the Duchess found out that the Duke has his own extra curricular activity and the two has settle down into an agreement; they’re secret stays safe between them and they will protect their reputation and marriage for the sake of their name.
2 weeks, the Duchess endured the mourning, the black and the fake sympathy of their so called friends. The death of the duke made her sad, of course, he was good to her after all. But his loss doesn’t affect her as much as everyone thought; everything was named after her, all her riches and his combined made her a very wealthy woman on her own. And it’s hard to enjoy that fact when you’re in mourning.
Purple Reign. Her time has come. She stands on her own, playing the game that men usually swims in. Because in this life, all that matters is money, her smile, her beauty and sex. Love has no place to be.
The Duchess has exhausted hr handmaidens for the night’s outfit. Literally. For two days, all the women were running around, asking the Duchess whether the dress that they have chosen for her were suitable for her taste. And though they’re all glamorous, regal and expensive, Chaerin has rejected them all. The reason? They’re all black. She was supposed to be in mourning, but the Duchess says she’s been in mourning for so long. A week, apparently, has been a drag for the Duchess already.
** as worn by Keira Knightly in The Duchess
“But Your Grace...”
A glare and that’s all it takes for the young handmaiden to shut up. Opinionated servants is one of the triggers that set Chaerin’s temper on fire. Chaerin loves the gown, and feels beautiful in it.
“You’re supposed to be in mourning...” a whisper broke the silence and made the Duchess turn around. Her two hand maidens who were fixing her hair took a step back. Chaerin stepped forward towards the new addition to her servant crew, a thirteen year old, highly opinionated girl who she heard was the daughter of their gardener.
“Tell me, my child. Would you rather have me cut your tongue, or burn it?”
“You are very beautiful, Your Grace”
“I know.”
She at herself and felt the satisfaction growing from the depths of her stomach. She’s young, wealthy, and the death of her husband could be very well a weapon she can use to get what she wants.
Chaelin hated staying in one place. But apparently, she wasn’t strong enough to break chains as she thought she was.
What the public knows wasn’t everything. Obviously.
She’s happy, for her own little success. Her solo tour that happening in November was a success. GZBs and Blackjacks both supported her and she felt their heartwarming presence. She loves them deeply.
Yes and No. Yesses and Nos. “What if they just tell me to give up and they’ll write the song?” “Or no no. What if they make the album themselves?” “Fucking...” She hates being told what to do, true. But in this industry, it’s impossible not to be told what to do. She tried her best to keep her attitude hidden underneath the fur coats and the smiles. It worked somehow, she suppose.
Delay, delay. And more delays!
Nothing is more frustrating for Chaerin than to see her fans lose their patience. She’s aware of the growing hate towards her and her fans, falling out because of the outstretched time span that she has given her album. She asked again and again for her fans and for herself to be patient.
The year started with a goodbye. With the maknae’s departure, the future of the group has been cloudy. Questions. But the answer was given months later, when it was finalized that it was better for things to end.
Good byes and Endings.
Apparently, deaths weren’t the only thing 2016 was good at. She loved him, but he didn’t know. She had to cover her feelings up with one night stands, so she could smile at him when he tells her that he loves her. She loves him but he loves her more. He loves her even before Chaerin came around. He loves her even when he’s fucking with her. Even when he kisses her. Even when he touches her hair and tells her that he ‘loves’ her. She’s always better than Chaerin.
Distance does not mean a burned bridge. Work takes over life but that doesn’t mean you are hated. She did not only lost a group member, a legendary group or a lover. She also lost a couple of friends through out 2016. Lack of communication was taken as lack of care. You cannot do anything to someone who does not want to believe you.
Heartaches, pain. But there’s always a rainbow after the rain.
She gained new friends. She felt the love of her loyal fans, who waited and remained patient with her. She gained a stronger bond with her sister. She gained the trust of a special friend.
The light dimmed and so did the music, until there was nothing left to be heard but the growing whispers of the guests. A spotlight appeared on the elevated balcony, overlooking the all of the ballroom
A lady appeared, she wears a white gown, flowy and blooming. She looks like a white bouquet of flower, you thought. And when she stepped onto the lime light to face everybody, the clock strikes 12.
Ding Ding Doooong.
“Thank you all, for coming” she started, her voice was lustrous, like an old wine, warming your throat “despite not knowing who the invitation is from, everyone still made time and effort to be here. I hope I am somewhat reaching your expectation for the night” her soft chuckle sounded like wind chimes.
You are enchanted. She’s alluring, and the way that she speaks made you feel like she can see right through your soul.
“The night is still young, the party is yet to begin.” You wonder what she meant, but you didn’t mind. Somehow, you find yourself smiling, as if her words are taking power over you.
You saw her opened her mouth, as if she was saying something, but you cannot hear what. She’s too far away. She touches the pendant that she wears on her chest, hanging by thick lines of pearls. Something that you didn’t notice her wearing. Somehow, you feel lightheaded. You thought it was just the alcohol, so you ignored it.
Lee Chaerin was not disappointed when she stepped out of the car. There was a (what felt like) 3 hour drive from the main gate to the front door and receiving area of the chateau. (It was a 2 minute drive; given that guests are arriving and the driver had to keep his pace low in order to not crowd the receiving area). Walking in such setting alone made her feel a little out of place; how she wish she has forced any of her friends to come with her. All of them said they were busy, which made Chaerin think “of what?!” but of course, she never pressed it on them.
“Lee Chaerin” she told the male who has greeted her upon entering the marble floor path. There was a pause, as if the male was waiting for her to confirm that she came alone. But Chaerin just stared back at him. After a while of exchanging silent stares and an awkward whisper of ‘someone’s already waiting at the door’ the male proceeded to check on Chaerin’s name and finally let her through.
‘What’s his deal?’ Chaerin thought to herself.
Inside the chateau was a time travel itself. The intricate design of architecture, with a grand staircase, welcoming the guests. As well as the smallest details, leading to a cluster of curls and cursive to the corner of each wall, ceiling and floor; all are meticulously crafted and are very aesthetically pleasing.
The mysterious invitation did not disappoint.
Lovely music were lulling the guests in the Grand Ballroom. A banquet to feast any appetite is presented by the side of the room, though she sees that it was barely noticed by the guests as most of them were already dancing along in the middle of the dance floor, with a music that shed only hear from fairy tale movies.
This wasn’t 2017, this is some time back in the early 50s, she thought. This wasn’t a welcoming of a new year but a skip back in time. And she loves it.
Excitement wouldn’t cut it for how I feel about this ball. I cannot believe I would have to be late for it.
No one’s to blame, as Chaern hated pointing fingers. She spent 5 days searching for a dress, yet none of them would satisfy her. (Truth was, most of the dresses that she chose appealed to her, but because they all did, she had difficulty choosing which one to wear)
But once she found the right dress, the dress that made her feel something, she laid it down along with the accessories and shoes.
**Valentino 2015 couture; minus the headpiece, the necklace and the bracelet.
**this will go on top of her shoulder, covering down her breast and torso; being the top’s accessory on top of the black fabric.
** a humble earring.
**a humble ring to match the humble earring.
**because CL is so extra.
**a belt to accentuate the blank waist.
**you don’t see it but it’s there.
**finishing the outfit off with this hairstyle and make up.
ellievsbear
blakekathryn
theartofmadeline
dededos
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