How to Escape from My Possessive Fiancé - Chapter 59

‘This guy.’

Yulicias bit the inside of her cheek. He hadn’t even bothered to look for her before, and now he suddenly showed up like this. It felt like an attack on her.

“Do you think I’m hiding Miss Hilden or something? Miss Hilden is not in good health, and also, my cat broke its leg, so she said she would stay and look after it instead of coming to the ball. She really likes my cat. She even cried when it got hurt.”

“So, you’re saying Sophia is in the Princess’s palace now?”

“Yes.”

So why not give up now? Yulicias smiled brightly at the thought. But then, the Duke turned his body. Yulicias was surprised and stepped aside, but soon blocked his way with her body, thinking that if she let him go like this, everything would be over.

“You’re not really thinking of leaving now, are you?”

“I am.”

“That’s rude. You’re just going to leave the victory ball without staying long? Is that all your patriotism is worth?”

“You’re talking to me about patriotism?”

Yulicias realized her mistake. She had forgotten that the person in front of her was none other than Duke Silveto, a founding hero of the country and the Emperor’s most trusted man.

“I’m sorry. I said that because I didn’t want you to leave. Don’t go, please dance with me instead. Miss Hilden asked me to look after you. If you care about her and me, please don’t say no.”

In the end, Yulicias became desperate and pleaded. She could almost hear Casgen laughing at her from afar. ‘What? You think the Duke will ask you to dance?’

Still, keeping the Duke here and having the first dance with him was the most important thing right now. Yulicias looked to her father for help. The Emperor must have noticed because he came over and placed a hand on the Duke’s shoulder.

“Yes. Let me ask you. I’d be very happy if you would take my daughter’s first dance.”

Even the people who had been secretly watching the subtle tension between the Princess and the Duke and rooting for him had to admit—it was over with the Emperor stepping in.

Who could refuse those words? Even if Sophia Hilden were here, the Duke wouldn’t be able to go against the Emperor’s request. People exchanged glances as they fanned themselves.

‘The Princess won.’

‘Well, with the Emperor involved, what else can he do?’

They whispered to each other. Everyone started to move aside to give Yulicias and the Duke space to dance. But then, the Duke’s quiet voice echoed.

“As expected, no. I don’t want to.”

His voice was so firm that it seemed to slice through the air.

‘What… no?’

People looked around, unsure if they had heard correctly. But the Duke simply smiled politely and bowed neatly.

“May the strength of Piemanta be with you. Once again, congratulations on Forester’s victory.”

He bowed to the Emperor and walked away. The hall was so quiet, it felt like even a pin drop would be heard.

Meanwhile, Sophia was sighing inside her room. Even though the palace was far away, she could still hear music and the sounds of the party from a distance. Everyone must be dressed up and laughing, talking, and dancing. Thinking about the ball, with dresses twirling in circles, made this dark room feel even lonelier. Looking out at the carriages heading to the palace, Sophia murmured,

“Looks like I can’t keep my promise.”

A few days ago before the Princess told her not to attend the ball she had made one last promise to the white-haired thug.

‘Will you dance with me at the victory ball?’

That was the wish the white-haired thug had saved up. Sophia had blinked in surprise.

‘I have to dance with the Duke.’

‘Even if it’s my wish?’

‘Wait, were you even a noble before?’

The man had just smiled silently. Sophia blushed and pushed him away.

‘Why didn’t you tell me?’

He shrugged and replied casually,

‘I never lied. I just never said anything about my status.’

‘But you acted like a knight. You even wore the uniform.’

‘I am a knight.’

‘I’ve never heard of a noble who looks like you. White hair?’

‘It’s because I went to war.’

‘And your name is Kiel… is that really your real name?’

Sophia asked with narrowed eyes, full of suspicion. He smiled and said,

‘Then how about this? I’ll tell you who I really am and ask you to dance. If I do that, will you say yes?’

They had argued for a while after that—‘Say yes to what?’ ‘I have to be with the Duke’ but in the end, Sophia agreed to grant his wish. After dancing with the Duke, she would accept his dance request.

“But look at me now.”

She hadn’t even seen the Duke’s face, let alone the white-haired thug. Hugging her knees, she gloomily poked the nose of the cat she brought. The cat, who had been wary of her at first, was now finally used to her and sleeping soundly. Its nose was damp. Its fur was soft.

“Your owner’s crazy, leaving someone as cute as you behind. Who cares about a Duke?”

Sophia murmured, petting the cat. Just then, a maid knocked and asked her to come out.

“Please come out, my lady.”

“What’s going on?”

Sophia spoke cautiously. The maid looked flustered and told her to come out quickly someone had come to see her.

It was unexpected, but not shocking. Maybe Felix had come. After all, her family had been disappointed when they heard they couldn’t meet her.

‘But I’m supposed to meet Felix and my family tomorrow morning?’

Curious, Sophia walked to the door. But when she saw who was standing outside, she couldn’t hide her shock. Even in the dark, his golden hair shined, and his pale blue eyes looked warmly at her.

“No way…”

Sophia couldn’t help but say it out loud.

“Duke? Why are you here?”

She couldn’t believe it and even tried to pinch her cheek, but before she could, the Duke grabbed her hand.

“Sophia.”

The Duke smiled, as if everything were completely normal.

His warm hand seemed to mess with something deep in her heart. Sophia bit her lip and pulled her hand away from his.

“This is a female-only area. You’re not allowed here.”

“Then come out.”

The Duke answered casually. His face showed he had never once thought she might reject him. Sophia held back her rising emotions and answered firmly.

“No.”

“What?”

“I said no. I don’t know why you’re here, but please go back.”

Then Sophia stepped back in and slammed the door shut. She even felt a little satisfied.

‘What, does he think I’m a joke? Ignoring me all this time and now showing up like I’ll wag my tail at him?’

She stuck her tongue out at the door. But she had forgotten just how bold the Duke could be when turned away.

The door suddenly burst open. Since she was still holding it, Sophia lost balance and fell into the Duke’s arms. He hugged her like she had come out to greet him.

She could see the guards behind them close their eyes tight.

“Are you insane?”

Sophia yelled, clearly flustered, and pushed the Duke. He let her go easily but looked at her like he didn’t understand.

“Why?”

“What do you mean, why! I told you this is a female-only zone! It’s the Princess’s palace! Men aren’t allowed without permission!”

“That’s why I said to come out.”

“I told you I didn’t want to!”

Sophia said strongly. The Duke tilted his head like he had no idea why she was angry. His face was way too innocent. Sophia felt like her blood was boiling. This time she stepped back just far enough so he couldn’t grab her again.

“I don’t want to see you, Duke. Please leave.”

“You keep saying that, but why?”

“Do I need a reason? Can’t I just have a day where I don’t want to see you? Why? Just because you’re a Duke and I’m a Count’s daughter?”

“You’re really twisted today. Still, I came to see you because I’m your fiancé. Aren’t you happy to see me?”

“No. I’m not happy at all.”

“Hmph.”

The Duke arrogantly raised his chin and looked down at Sophia. She stood firm, staring up at him with a sneaky smirk that said, ‘You won’t catch me.’ That irritated the Duke’s pride. The female-only rule or the Princess’s palace meant nothing to him.

He took one step inside. Sophia gasped and shouted at the guards.

“What are you doing? The Duke is coming in!”

But the guards didn’t move, as if they couldn’t even see him. Were they seriously scared of the Duke? Sophia quickly took a few steps back. But that distance meant nothing to someone like the Duke.

With a calm smile, he confidently walked in.

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