Chapter 144: Sunday afternoon tea I

Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Sunday afternoon tea I

Claire was putting the finishing touches on her makeup when a knock sounded at the door.

"I’ll get it."

She opened the door to find Amelia and Eleanor waiting outside.

Amelia stepped inside first, Eleanor following quietly behind her.

"You two are actually early," Claire said.

"I know," Amelia replied, looking rather pleased with herself. "It’s a miracle."

Eleanor smiled faintly.

"I believe she’s been ready since she woke up this morning."

"I was excited."

Claire laughed.

"I noticed."

She glanced toward the closed bathroom door.

"Vivienne’s still getting ready."

Amelia raised an eyebrow.

"Still?"

Claire nodded.

"I think she’s been in there for nearly forty minutes."

"Really?"

"She said she couldn’t decide between two lipsticks."

Amelia laughed.

"That sounds like Vivienne."

Claire smiled.

"It does."

Eleanor glanced at the clock.

"We still have plenty of time."

"We’d better."

Amelia adjusted one of the diamond studs in her ear.

"I refuse to arrive late."

Claire shook her head.

"You make it sound like we’re attending a royal banquet."

"We might as well be."

Amelia grinned.

"The Student Union only organizes these tea gathering a few times a semester."

Claire laughed.

"You’ve been talking about this all week."

Amelia grinned unapologetically.

"Can you blame me?"

"It’s the first time I get to attend this, so of course I’m excited. Don’t tell me you aren’t?"

Before Claire could answer...

The bathroom door finally opened.

Vivienne stepped out.

Silence.

Claire stared.

Amelia blinked.

Even Eleanor paused.

Vivienne looked from one face to another.

"...What?"

Nobody answered.

Claire finally managed,

"...Wow."

Vivienne frowned.

"Is something wrong?"

Amelia slowly walked over.

She looked Vivienne up and down.

Once.

Then again.

Finally...

She folded her arms.

"...Anthony Ashford is an idiot."

Claire burst into laughter.

"Amelia!"

"What?"

"I’m serious."

She gestured toward Vivienne.

"If a man told me he didn’t love me..."

"...and then saw me looking like this the very next day..."

She shook her head.

"He’d spend the rest of his life wondering whether he’d just made the biggest mistake of his life."

Even Eleanor nodded.

"I think most people would."

Vivienne laughed.

"I thought today was supposed to cheer me up."

"It is."

Amelia smiled.

"And you’re making it surprisingly easy."

Only then did Vivienne glance down at herself.

She had taken just as much care with her appearance as she always did.

Ever since arriving at Saint Albion, she had rarely left her room without making sure every strand of her hair lay where it ought to, her makeup was carefully applied, and her clothes were perfectly chosen.

Once...

She had done it because she always wondered if she might run into Anthony somewhere across campus.

Old habits, however, were not so easily abandoned.

Today...

She simply wanted to look her best.

Not for Anthony.

Not to prove anything to anyone.

But for herself.

She had chosen a sleeveless ivory summer dress that skimmed her figure before drawing in gently at the waist, the fitted bodice flattering her graceful silhouette while remaining tastefully elegant. The skirt ended a few inches above her knees, swaying lightly with every step.

Her long blonde hair fell in carefully styled soft waves over her shoulders.

Small diamond studs caught the afternoon sunlight whenever she turned her head.

A delicate white-gold bracelet rested around one slender wrist.

A touch of blush warmed her cheeks.

Rose-colored lipstick completed the look.

Nothing about her appearance was extravagant.

Every detail was understated.

Yet together...

She looked quietly radiant.

Claire smiled.

"I think that’s my favorite dress you’ve worn."

Vivienne tilted her head.

"Really?"

"It suits you."

Amelia nodded enthusiastically.

"Very much."

Then she grinned.

"Now let’s go."

"There are a lot of handsome single men waiting for us."

Vivienne rolled her eyes.

"I had a feeling that’s what you were really excited about."

"I never denied it."

The four girls laughed together as they left the room.

--

.

The walk from the women’s residence to the Student Union Hall took only a few minutes.

The afternoon sun hung pleasantly overhead, bathing Saint Albion University in warm golden light. Tree-lined paths bustled with students making the most of the quiet Sunday, laughter drifting through the campus as groups made their way toward the same destination.

It quickly became apparent that the Student Union’s Sunday Afternoon Tea was far more popular than Vivienne had imagined.

Groups of young ladies chatted excitedly as they made their way toward the same destination.

Young men in neatly pressed shirts and tailored jackets laughed among themselves, some carrying small boxes of chocolates or flowers they had clearly decided to bring at the last minute.

Claire smiled knowingly.

"I don’t think I’ve ever seen this many people voluntarily attend a Student Union function."

Amelia laughed.

"That’s because this one has an excellent reputation."

Eleanor glanced toward the growing crowd ahead.

"And an even better unofficial one."

Vivienne followed their gaze.

At the end of the avenue stood the Student Union Hall.

Unlike the University’s formal assembly buildings, the hall possessed a warmer character. Tall arched windows overlooked the central gardens, while banners bearing the University’s crest fluttered gently beneath the stone portico.

Even from outside...

They could already hear the lively murmur of conversation drifting through the open entrance.

Dozens of students had gathered beneath the front steps.

Some greeted old acquaintances.

Others introduced themselves for what was obviously the first time.

The atmosphere felt strangely different from lectures or university functions.

Lighter.

More relaxed.

Almost festive.

As the four girls climbed the broad stone staircase, Vivienne couldn’t help looking around with quiet curiosity.

"So many people..."

Claire smiled.

"I told you."

"It isn’t really about the tea."

Amelia grinned.

"It’s the only Student Union event where everyone actually hopes to meet strangers."

Vivienne laughed softly.

"I can see that."

Near the entrance, several Student Union volunteers stood behind long registration tables, welcoming arriving students with practiced smiles.

Beyond them...

The hall itself had been transformed.

Gone were the rows of chairs usually arranged for assemblies.

Instead...

Nearly thirty elegant round tables filled the spacious ballroom-like hall, each covered with crisp white linen and fresh floral centerpieces. Delicate china teacups rested beside neatly folded napkins, while silver stands displayed finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and miniature cakes waiting to be served.

Soft music from a string quartet drifted through the room, blending effortlessly with the steady hum of conversation.

The entire hall felt less like a university function...

And more like a refined afternoon gathering hosted by one of the old noble houses.

Vivienne slowed almost unconsciously.

"...It’s beautiful."

"It is," Eleanor agreed.

"I wasn’t expecting them to go to this much effort."

Amelia leaned closer with a conspiratorial smile.

"If they’re trying to encourage people to fall in love..."

"I suppose they have to create the right atmosphere."

Claire laughed.

"I somehow doubt that’s written anywhere in the Student Union proposal."

"It definitely isn’t."