Chapter 3: Avoiding the Duke

Chapter 3: Avoiding the Duke

The days following her unsettling encounter with Duke Adrian were filled with anxiety for Layla. She became increasingly vigilant, avoiding any situation that could bring her into contact with him. Every day was a balancing act, as she maneuvered through her responsibilities while keeping a constant watch for Adrian's presence.

Layla’s strategy was to limit her interactions with anyone who might lead her to Adrian. She requested a change in her daily routine, opting to spend more time in the estate’s more secluded areas. She dedicated her mornings to wandering the lesser-used gardens and her afternoons to organizing her personal library—a sanctuary where she could immerse herself in books, away from prying eyes.

One particular afternoon, as Layla perused through the dusty volumes in the library, she heard the distant sound of approaching footsteps. Her heart immediately began to race. She had been working in the library for a few hours, hoping to stay hidden from the world outside. But now, it seemed her refuge was compromised.

“Mary, is that you?” Layla called out, trying to keep her voice steady.

“Yes, my lady,” came the soft response from the maid, who entered the room carrying a stack of papers. “I’ve brought the documents you requested.”

Layla relaxed slightly. “Thank you, Mary. Please leave them on the desk, and you can return to your duties.”

Mary placed the documents on the desk and gave a respectful curtsy. “Very well, my lady. If you need anything else, just let me know.”

As Mary exited, Layla allowed herself a moment of reprieve. She had to remain cautious, but she couldn’t live in fear all the time. The estate’s gardens and corridors were vast, but she needed to ensure she didn’t accidentally cross paths with Adrian.

To further her avoidance tactics, Layla made arrangements to dine alone in her chambers, using her meals as another opportunity to avoid social gatherings where Adrian might appear. She also instructed her maids to send polite but firm refusals to any invitations to events or meetings that could bring her face-to-face with him.

Despite her best efforts, Layla’s luck seemed to be running out. One evening, as she walked through the estate’s labyrinthine corridors, she found herself in an unfamiliar part of the mansion. The walls were lined with elegant tapestries, and the air was filled with the soft hum of an orchestra from a nearby room. She was about to turn back when she heard a voice—deep and familiar—coming from just around the corner.

“Lady Layla,” Duke Adrian’s voice carried through the corridor. It was unmistakable.

Panic surged through Layla as she quickly ducked behind a large potted plant, her heart pounding in her chest. She could see Adrian’s polished boots through the foliage and held her breath, hoping he wouldn’t spot her.

Adrian’s voice grew louder, and Layla could make out his words. “I need to speak with you about the upcoming ball. Your presence is crucial.”

Layla felt a chill run down her spine. This is exactly what I was trying to avoid. She had hoped to escape such a confrontation, but now she was trapped, hidden behind a mere plant.

Just then, a soft rustling noise indicated that someone else had arrived. Layla dared a peek and saw Kate approaching Adrian. Her heart sank. Kate and Adrian exchanged a few words, their conversation filled with the kind of familiarity that suggested an ongoing rapport.

Layla used the opportunity to slip away silently, moving as quietly as possible down another corridor. The last thing she wanted was to be seen overhearing their conversation, especially by Kate, who already harbored ill feelings toward her.

Once safely back in her chambers, Layla collapsed into a chair, her breath coming in quick gasps. Her avoidance tactics had worked, but she knew it was only a temporary reprieve. Adrian’s presence seemed to intrude on every corner of her carefully constructed isolation.

She needed a new plan, one that would keep her out of his reach and prevent any accidental encounters. Her mind raced with strategies and contingencies, all while she tried to calm her frayed nerves. I need to be smarter about this, she thought resolutely. I can’t let my fear dictate my actions.

The days ahead would test her resolve, but Layla was determined to face the challenge. If she wanted to change her fate, she would have to navigate this treacherous path with care, avoiding Adrian while finding a way to alter the course of her prophesied doom.

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