Chapter 19 : A Delicate Deception
Duke Alexander’s Mansion – Private Dining Room
Lucia delicately placed her fork down, still processing the delicious meal. Marian had excitedly insisted on helping her get ready earlier, making sure she looked her best for this dinner. Though Lucia didn’t think much of it at first, she soon realized Alexander had something important to discuss.
The candlelight flickered softly, casting shadows over Alexander’s sharp features as he leaned forward, his expression serious.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(hesitant) You’ve been quiet since we finished eating… Is there something on your mind?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
There is. We need to talk about how we’ll handle your return to high society.
Lucia tensed slightly. She knew this conversation was coming, but the reality of it still sent a chill through her.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Everyone believes I died in that fire two years ago. If I suddenly appear by your side, questions will be raised. My enemies will know I survived.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
(nodded) Exactly. Which is why we must be careful. If we announce our marriage too soon, it will only make people suspicious. But there’s a way to turn this in our favor.
He met her gaze with an intensity that made her breath hitch.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
We will use your memory loss as a shield.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(Frowned) What do you mean?
Alexander took a sip of wine before setting the glass down.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
We’ll invite your aunt to the mansion. I’ll tell her I found a young woman who resembles you but has lost her memories. When she sees you, she will be forced to acknowledge your return—but if you act as though you don’t remember anything, she won’t see you as a threat.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Lucia slowly nodded, understanding where he was going with this.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
She’ll believe that even if I survived, I remember nothing about what happened that night. She won’t try to get rid of me.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Exactly. If you claim to remember nothing—not even her—she won’t see a reason to silence you. She may even try to manipulate you, thinking you’re vulnerable.
Lucia bit her lip. A part of her still didn’t want to believe that her aunt could be involved.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
And if she’s innocent?
Alexander’s expression didn’t change.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Then this plan will prove it.
Lucia exhaled slowly. This was the only way to find out the truth.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Alright… I’ll do it. I’ll act like I don’t remember anything. But I need to see her reaction with my own eyes.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Good. She will likely insist you come live with her. But you must refuse—politely, of course.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I’ll say I’m grateful for her kindness, but I feel safer here, with the man who saved me.
Alexander’s lips curved into a small, approving smile.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Perfect.
He then leaned back in his chair, watching her carefully.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
This will also allow us to gauge how much your aunt knows. If she was directly involved in the conspiracy, she may slip up.
Lucia inhaled deeply, steeling herself.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I can do this. If it means getting closer to the truth, I’ll play the role of the lost noblewoman.
Alexander studied her for a long moment before finally speaking, his voice softer this time.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
You’re walking into a den of vipers, Lucia. Are you sure you’re ready?
Her green eyes met his, unwavering.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I have to be.
Alexander’s gaze darkened with something unreadable, but he said nothing. Instead, he stood and extended a hand toward her.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Then let’s begin the game.
Lucia placed her hand in his, a silent vow passing between them.
But just as Alexander was about to step away, Lucia tightened her grip on his hand.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Wait.
Alexander paused, turning back to face her.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(hesitant) I’ve been meaning to ask you something… You’ve been investigating this conspiracy for a long time, haven’t you?
Alexander’s expression remained unreadable.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
I have.
Lucia studied him carefully.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
Why?
Alexander’s jaw tensed slightly, but then he sighed, releasing her hand.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
At first, it was a mission.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
(blinked) A mission?
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
The Crown Prince tasked me with uncovering the corruption among the nobility. Your father’s case was one of many… but it became personal after I found you.
Lucia’s breath caught. Personal?
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
So… if you hadn’t found me, would it still have been just a mission to you?
Alexander didn’t answer immediately. He simply looked at her, his blue eyes shadowed by something deeper, something unspoken.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Does it matter?
Lucia’s chest tightened. She wasn’t sure why, but it did.
She exhaled, forcing a small smile.
Lady Lucia Sinclair / FL
I suppose not.
Alexander held her gaze for another moment before turning away.
Duke Alexander Ravenswood / ML
Get some rest, Lucia. Tomorrow, we set everything into motion.
Lucia watched as he left the dining room, her heart unsettled.
Why did it feel like there was more to his reason than what he was telling her?
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