Episode 2: A Dangerous Encounter

Chapter 2: The First Encounter

Layla spent the next few days adapting to her new life, determined to stay out of trouble. She studied the layout of the grand estate, memorizing the routes that kept her away from the main areas where Duke Adrian and others might pass. She kept her interactions brief, fearing that her unfamiliarity with the original Lady Layla’s relationships would expose her secret.

Her days were carefully planned until, one afternoon, she heard a knock on her chamber door.

“Lady Layla, your presence is requested in the drawing room,” Mary announced, her tone respectful but firm.

Layla’s heart sank. She had managed to avoid any significant encounters, but it seemed her luck had run out. “Did they say why?” she asked, hoping for a reason to decline.

“No, my lady. Only that the duke himself is present and wishes to speak with you.”

Layla’s stomach twisted into knots. Adrian. She couldn’t refuse a summons from him without raising suspicion. “Very well,” she said, her voice steady despite her nerves. “I’ll be there shortly.”

She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. This is fine. She just needed to act natural, avoid eye contact, and leave as quickly as possible.

Layla made her way down the ornate hallway, her footsteps echoing softly against the marble floor. The estate was even more magnificent up close, with its tall ceilings, intricate woodwork, and walls adorned with beautiful paintings. She paused before the drawing room door, taking a final breath to steady herself before pushing it open.

Inside, the room was filled with a warm glow from the afternoon sun streaming through large windows. A few nobles were gathered, but her eyes were immediately drawn to the tall figure standing by the fireplace. Duke Adrian.

He was just as she remembered from the novel—dark hair, intense blue eyes, and a presence that seemed to fill the room. He exuded a sense of command, his posture straight and his gaze sharp as he spoke to a gentleman beside him.

Layla’s breath hitched, and she quickly looked away, bowing her head slightly in a show of respect. “Your Grace,” she greeted softly, trying to keep her voice from trembling.

Adrian’s eyes flickered toward her, and for a moment, Layla thought she saw a flash of curiosity. “Lady Layla,” he replied, his tone even. “Thank you for joining us.”

Layla nodded, trying to keep her expression neutral. She needed to stay calm and collected. “Of course, Your Grace. How may I assist you?”

Before Adrian could respond, a familiar voice chimed in from across the room. “Oh, Layla, you finally decided to grace us with your presence,” Kate said with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

Layla forced herself to smile back. “I apologize for the delay, Lady Kate. I wasn’t aware my presence was required.”

Kate’s smile faltered for a brief second, but she quickly recovered. “No matter. We were just discussing the upcoming ball. Surely you must be excited?”

Layla’s mind raced. She vaguely recalled something about a ball from the novel, but the details were hazy. “Yes, of course. It sounds like a grand event,” she replied cautiously.

Adrian watched the exchange with a quiet intensity, his eyes lingering on Layla a moment longer than she would have liked. “Lady Layla,” he said, cutting through the tension, “I was hoping to have a word with you in private, if you don’t mind.”

Layla’s heart skipped a beat. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. But she couldn’t refuse. Not without raising even more suspicion. “Of course, Your Grace,” she said, her voice steady despite the panic rising inside her.

Adrian led her to a quieter corner of the room, away from prying ears. Layla’s mind raced with a hundred possibilities, each more nerve-wracking than the last. Just stay calm. Act normal.

“I’ve noticed you’ve been keeping to yourself these past few days,” Adrian began, his tone measured. “Is something troubling you?”

Layla swallowed hard, choosing her words carefully. “I’ve just been... reflecting, Your Grace. A lot has happened recently, and I wanted some time to think.”

He nodded slowly, his gaze never leaving hers. “I see. Reflection can be good, but I would caution against isolating oneself too much. There are those who might take it the wrong way.”

Layla nodded, understanding his veiled warning. “Thank you, Your Grace. I’ll keep that in mind.”

Adrian studied her for a moment longer before offering a slight smile. “I hope to see you at the ball, Lady Layla. It would be a shame if you missed it.”

Layla forced herself to smile back, though her mind was still spinning. “I’ll be there, Your Grace.”

With that, Adrian nodded and turned away, leaving Layla standing there, her heart still racing. She had survived the encounter, but she knew this was only the beginning. The game had just begun, and she would have to be more careful than ever if she hoped to change her fate.

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