THE ROYAL MATE

4. The Matchmaking

The drink gushed from Clarissa's lips until the beautiful dress was wet. "Oh, my God!" Clarissa grumbled.

Loris Carson felt guilty. Even though he was just trying to greet the beautiful lady, he hastily took out his handkerchief and handed it to Clarissa. "I'm sorry, Miss McLaren," Loris said politely.

The future Duke was indeed different. Even before he took that position, Loris' figure was stunning. Unfortunately, Clarissa doesn't have any interest in Loris. She was indeed fascinated by the charisma of the future Duke. However, Clarissa did not have feelings for this dashing and handsome man.

Sharma, who saw her daughter with the future Duke, looked enthusiastic. She knew that the two were very compatible. Moreover, they have known each other since childhood.

"I'm fine, Mr. Loris Carson. I'm just surprised. Next time you can greet me from the front position," Clarissa said.

Loris Carson smiled sweetly. The man was not grumpy. Every girl in this town wanted to be proposed to him.

"Would you like to dance, Lady Clarissa?" asked Loris. His demeanor was so gentlemanly that Clarissa didn't feel good if she had to refuse. But she knew the consequences if she wanted to be invited to a dance by the future Duke.

"Very well, Mr. Carson. It was an honour for me to be able to dance with the future Duke."

Loris Carson held her hand politely for ask Clarissa to dance. And Clarissa welcomed Loris' outstretched hand with a cheerful smile. They headed to the center to dance.

Everyone stares at this couple: the beautiful Clarissa and the future Duke. There's no denying that the two of them look very compatible—the dashing and handsome Duke. And Clarissa is so beautiful and also has a reasonable manner. Anyone wants them to be a couple. Unfortunately, both are bachelors who don't want to get married in a hurry.

"Everyone is looking at us, Mr. Carson," Clarissa said.

Loris smiled as she looked at the girl. "Call me Loris, as usual. I find it strange when you call Mr. Carson," Loris said.

Clarissa blinked until her beautiful eyelashes were visible in Loris' eyes. The girl is indeed gorgeous even though she is not young. "You know that women have to be polite in public. I have a bad reputation because of my attitude. I promised my mother that I would be nice tonight. So don't bait me." Clarissa tried to warn this young man.

"Have you met Michael?" Loris aksed. And the look on Clarissa's face showed her disinterest in talking about Michael. Loris laughed. He knew these two young people had been enemies since childhood. "Why do you hate Michael so much? He's very interested in you," Loris said.

"Interested in me?" Suddenly Catherine fell into denial. How could Michael be attracted to her? They are even hostile to each other. "That can't be, Loris. He and I hate each other. Michael was just playing around!"

"Hey, don't hate him too much. What if he was your soulmate? It's not good to hate someone too much. Love and hate shouldn't be too attached to humans, Clarissa."

Clarissa was in awe of this man, besides being handsome and dashing. Loris is brilliant too. He doesn't talk casually. Maybe it was because he was a future Duke that whatever came out of his mouth was so sweet and meaningful.

Clarissa danced with Loris until Michael's arrival spoiled the atmosphere. The ladies scattered to approach Michael, who had a good look not much different from Loris. These brothers do have good genes. Even The Duke, who was fifty years old, still looked handsome even though his hair had turned white.

Clarissa looked at Michael's popularity at the end of the room with a cynical face. Yes, cynical. Does she hate that young man just because of a shoe? It's ridiculous, but that's how it is. Nobody doesn't know what made Michael always bother Clarissa since the first. He is very kind and friendly to others but always mischievous to Clarissa.

When Clarissa's gaze wasn't so cynical at Michael, he accidentally glanced at her. Michael smiled. But Clarissa didn't like Michael's smile.

"Oh, no, no, no. Michael, don't come here!" Clarissa was already frightened when Michael walked toward her. Clarissa was confused about where to hide. But there's nowhere to hide.

"Hi, Lady Clarissa," Michael greeted so cheerfully.

"Oh, yeah, hi!" Clarissa returned Michael's greeting. She still has manners even though she hates Michael.

"Where is your future husband?" Michael aksed, looking around. He did intend to seduce Clarissa.

"Are you making fun of me?" shrieked Clarissa.

"Oops, I'm sorry. Nothing, huh?" Michael changed his face as if he was concerned about Clarissa's unmarried state even though she was already two years old and very ripe for marriage.

"You'd better focus on those ladies. Don't come here, or you'll become the gossip of the mothers in this town!" Clarissa warned. She wanted Michael to get away from her.

"Michael?" Sharma's voice made Clarissa have to be more patient. She wanted Michael to stay away from her, but her mother's arrival would throw everything into chaos.

"Oh, Lady MacLaren. You're just getting more beautiful," Michael said while kissing the back of Sharma's hand as a sign of courtesy. So polite that Clarissa was sick of Michael.

"You're also handsome, Michael. I didn't think you'd be more handsome than Loris. Ah, if only you lived in this city," Sharma said, rubbing Michael's face. Sharma did like the Carson brothers. Of course, they had the sons of a Duke—a very respected position in this city.

Clarissa saw Loris outside the party venue. He was alone after a few dances with the ladies, including Clarissa.

"Mama, I'll be there first," Clarissa said, pointing at Loris.

Sharma turned and saw Loris Carson. Michael also saw his brother outside.

"Okay, you can go. Don't forget to smile," Sharma said.

Clarissa was so happy that she had a reason to avoid Michael. She'd be willing to talk to Loris if she could escape a man named Michael Carson.

Sharma looked so happy when she saw her daughter close to Loris. She hoped they would get along and Loris would propose to Clarissa.

"Are you so happy, Lady MacLaren?" Michael had to destroy Sharma's imagination at this point.

"Oh, Michael. I'm sorry. I'm so happy to see your brother close to Clarissa. I hope they get along and can be together," Sharma said hopefully.

"Together?" Michael mumbled. He looked outside—the direction where Clarissa and Loris were chatting.