“Thank you, my lord,” Angela replied. “But I’m not a busybody. Wilhelmina has decided to marry you, and she will keep every promise. I just hope you can give her some time to say goodbye to her past.”
Both turned their gaze to the dance floor. The music reached its climax, with Wilhelmina joyfully spinning with Kerns, as if her previous hesitation had never existed.
The dance ended with laughter, bowing, and applause.
Angela finally became angry, “Wilhelmina is marrying Albert of her own choice. Even if you’re jealous, don’t take it out on me. You men are so narrow-minded and pitiful, always blaming women for being vain.”
“I’m not…” Cairns protested, lowering his voice.
“Enough,” Angela said imperiously. “If you don’t want to dance with me, I’ll find someone else.”
“Wait!” Cairns grabbed her gently, “Shall we dance?”
Angela’s expression softened, and she placed her hand in his.
Chapter 58 Hans Berg avoided the whispering couples and walked to a corner of the terrace. Just as he lit a cigarette, a familiar voice sounded behind him.
“I didn’t know you smoked.”
Hans Berg removed his glasses and turned to look at Wilhelmina, leaning against the railing without moving.
“Sometimes during border patrol, the pressure was too great, and I gradually developed the habit,” he said, turning the cigarette between his fingers. “Don’t worry, I’m not addicted.”
Wilhelmina slowly walked over and leaned against the railing, two steps away.
“I’m sorry,” Hans Berg said softly, “I missed it. You must be disappointed?”
Wilhelmina smiled faintly. “It’s okay. I believe I still have over seventy birthdays to go.”
“Happy birthday.”
“Thank you.” She glanced at him silently. “It seems Schneider values you highly.”
“Well,” Hans Berg replied, “I feel I’ve finally found the right direction. Although I’m starting at thirty, which is a bit late, I have a substantial resume.”
“I’m happy for you,” Wilhelmina said sincerely. “If you like it, then I support you, Owen. As a queen, I can’t interfere arbitrarily, nor can I participate in the election. But I will always pray for you.”
Hans Berg gazed at the young girl before him, his heart swelling with painful emotion.
Something seemed to tear, and hot blood flowed out. The more she smiled faintly and appeared indifferent, the more painful he felt.
