It is not very pleasant to realize that your great and bright love can only be a consequence of other people's dirty tricks and a heightened sense of justice of black magic. But in any case, knowing this did little to help. What's the point of telling someone that the grass isn't really green if that someone still sees it as exclusively green...?

Cherishing such dull thoughts, I stood at one of the columns and pretended to be completely carried away by someone else's playing the piano. The girl, whose name I managed to safely forget, really played wonderfully. And even the fact that she clearly showed off in front of the public did not spoil her skill in any way. I wonder if Eliza was into music? And if so, will I fail on this? ..

"Lady Eliza," the soft voice above my ear sounded so unexpected that I almost jumped. She turned around right away.

Igor's double stood literally a couple of steps away, at the most etiquette-allowable distance, not counting the dances. And up close, Irwin's pallor, haggard eyes, and sunken cheeks made an even more depressing impression.

“Forgive me for disturbing you again,” he spoke in a barely audible voice and so hastily, as if I was guaranteed not only to interrupt him, but at least to fan him in the face, “but this is beyond my strength. Those words of yours during our last conversation that such a miserable nonentity like me is not even worthy to talk to you, still ...

He was not wrong in his expectations. I interrupted.

- You are not a nonentity at all, - the indignant whisper turned out to be a little louder than I expected. Fortunately, the music sounded loud enough to hide our conversation from others.

I hastily added:

“Even if Al…I said so, it doesn't mean that I think so. It was simply said in the hearts under the pressure of certain circumstances. But believe me, I really don't think so at all. And you can’t even imagine how ashamed I am now for such statements.

No, well, what a bastard Eliza! Not only did she bewitch a guy she didn’t need for a hundred years, she also slapped him!

Irwin didn't answer right away. He looked at me as if this contemplation could easily be the meaning of his life. And it even gave me goosebumps. Very bad goosebumps of instinctive fear ... It seemed that only completely driven fanatics capable of anything could look at the object of adoration in this way ...

- You can not even imagine how gratifying your words are to me, - Irwin's voice trembled. “And if you would allow me to talk to you at least for a little while in the future, I would already be unspeakably happy. You know, I breathe only you, I live only you ... - but then he pulled himself up: - Most humbly forgive my liberty, dear Eliza. I don't dare to bother you anymore, - nodding, as if in farewell, he hastily walked away.

And then the reason for his flight taxied out among the other guests.

Yeah, so Irwin just noticed Ryan approaching, that's why he bowed out so quickly. That's just ... it even became easier for me to breathe. Let me understand all the absurdity: Eliza did it, but I am ashamed and ashamed of her. But still there was nothing she could do about it. Irwin evoked agonizing guilt and a desire to help. And it is unlikely that the reason for this was black magic. Rather, banal compassion.

- And what did they talk about so nicely? Ryan, who came up, inquired as if by the way.

- About nothing. Usual empty secular shuffling - I did not look at him, supposedly completely absorbed in the performance of the performer. And let her play longer!

But Ryan was in no hurry to lag behind.

Leaning close to my ear, he said in a barely audible voice:

- Once again, you will decide to run away from me so brazenly, and you will definitely regret it.

"Will I regret not running far enough?" I still gave him a quick glance. Ryan, I'm sorry, but I'm not afraid of you. If you really want to intimidate someone, find yourself a more receptive candidate.

Although he chuckled, his eyes showed growing curiosity:

- I don't want you to be afraid of me. But you must respect.

I instantly frowned.

Did I do something disrespectful? Did she defame you, dishonor you, betray you? Not at all. Well, the fact that you do not like my manner of communication, what to do, is your own fault.

- And what did I manage to do? He looked at me with a smile, but I still tried to keep a straight face.

“Disappointed me,” I replied as a matter of course. - I got married in the hope of a great and bright future in a strong loving family, but alas, alas ... So let's just conclude a non-aggression pact and try to somehow survive the remaining six days without victims.

- Do not think in advance, - it sounded quite ambiguous. “So what exactly were you whispering to Irwin about?”