How to Escape from My Possessive Fiancé - Chapter 58

On the day of the celebration, Yulicias’s mood soared so high that no one could pull her down. Everything had gone better than expected almost too perfectly and she even worried she might be walking into a trap. Sophia Hilden wasn’t allowed to attend the ball, her dress had arrived just two days ago, and Yulicias looked absolutely flawless in the mirror.

And…

“Any word from him?”
“None. Still no message today.”
The duke was treating his fiancée like she was hideous—no contact at all. It was perfect from Yulicias’s point of view.

Wearing her dress, she spun around humming. The gown puffed out like a tulip, flowing in beautiful layers. Colorful feathers and gold decorations on it glittered everywhere. No one could make an entrance more stunning than this.

She imagined all her suitors, especially the duke, being captivated by her radiance. It wasn’t unrealistic though Sophia had never seen him, Yulicias had. Every time she met the emperor, the duke was by his side. He’d smile politely at her, nodding in agreement when the emperor praised Yulicias’s beauty. He never spoke to her directly, but Yulicias believed he liked her.

Once, she had even taken a bold step.

“So why so quiet? Haven’t you heard Miss Hilden became my maid? It’s been over three months.”

The duke had raised an eyebrow and replied softly, “I did hear that.” He looked slightly surprised, almost sorry. That gave Yulicias courage.

“Did you get her letters? She writes every night.”

“Yes, I got them.”

That short answer erased any hope he’d missed them. He’d read them yet he remained cold.

“You look happy.”

Prince Casgen greeted her as she climbed into the carriage. Yulicias shrugged.

“If I become the duchess and help you claim the throne, you won’t forget me.”

Casgen chuckled. “Don’t brag just because you broke a cat’s leg.”

“Don’t worry. My first dance will be with the duke.”

“Of course. Father will expect it.”

“Wanna bet? Whether the duke asks me first.”

“What’s the wager?”

Casgen crossed his legs and smirked. “How about you admit you broke that cat’s leg in front of everyone.”

Yulicias threatened back. Casgen laughed at his eager sister, but soon looked out the window. Undeterred, Yulicias gazed at the ornate, fire-lit garden.

Her entrance wasn’t in vain: she stunned society. Arm in arm with her brother, like a fairy, she was unforgettable. Her flaming red hair, flawless fair skin, bright green eyes, tall and slender—all perfection.
“Truly as beautiful as the rumors,” people whispered, turning in small groups to admire her.

Royalty rarely showed such beauty. Her brother, Prince Casgen, would have been just an average attractive noble if not for his crown. The emperor wasn’t notably handsome, and the empress lacked Yulicias’s fiery charm.

As Yulicias greeted the emperor and empress, she glanced at the duke standing with them. He was casually scanning the ballroom, and when he caught her eye, he gave a polite nod—a warm gesture that made her heart beat.

Following her debut, other noble ladies lined up to greet him too but none stole his attention like Yulicias did. He didn’t search for Sophia Hilden in the crowd; he simply waited quietly, as if bored.

Then…

“Sir Wendel Miford’s knights will enter.”

All eyes shifted; the Second Prince’s knights returned. Yulicias watched with displeasure as the door opened to reveal shining silver-armored knights, led by the Second Prince himself. He glowed in the chandelier light.

“My son!” the emperor exclaimed, rushing down to embrace him. The prince presented the flag of Forester’s estate proof of thirty years of war.

The emperor, tears in his eyes, said, “I always knew you would return with this flag…”

Yulicias nearly bit her nails. She was supposed to be the center of attention. Inspired by victory, the Second Prince looked handsome and noble, and the hall buzzed even more than when she arrived.

“Still, that pure white hair gives him away,” Yulicias reassured herself. Unlike the empire’s red-haired royals, his hair was stark white everyone could tell from obvious bloodlines.

“I doubt the duke will support him,” she thought. The duke cast a cool gaze at the Second Prince too. Seeing that, the prince returned the look. They exchanged a silent stare that felt tense and unsettling to Yulicias.

But just then, the duke began approaching Yulicias.

She extended her hand gracefully and inclined her head to greet him. He barely looked at her hand and smiled dismissively.
“…!”
Yulicias nearly blushed in shock. She quickly withdrew her hand and noticed noble maidens turning away, hiding behind fans.

“Well,” she thought, “a kiss on the hand followed by a dance request might be too much.”

She forced a gentle smile and greeted him.
“Count Silveto.”

“Where is Sophia?”
The duke’s question hit her like an arrow. Her carefully practiced expression nearly fell apart.
‘What’s he saying? Why ask me all of a sudden?’

“You really can’t say anything else?”

She forced a polite smile. The duke raised an eyebrow.

“What should I say?”

She thought she heard a snicker somewhere. Clenching her fists, she smiled tightly.

“A simple ‘Congratulations on your debut in society’ would be polite, right?”

If he apologized, her pride would be somewhat saved. She’d prepared some witty replies. But instead, the duke said:

“Tell me where my fiancée is, and I’ll apologize. I’d like to see her by now, but I haven’t been able to.”

He sighed low, sounding impatient as if longing for his fiancée, depending on who heard it.

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