The Cursed Villainess and the Tyrant Duke Episode 8: The Game Begins

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Evelina stands near the balcony, the cool night breeze caressing her skin. Inside the ballroom, the celebration continues, but she takes a moment to herself, away from prying eyes. The encounter with Valerius still lingers in her mind.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*I need to stay away from him. He's dangerous. Too charming for his own good.

Before she can retreat further into her thoughts, a presence approaches. She turns, expecting another noble eager to chat, but instead finds Valerius leaning casually against the marble railing, a glass of wine in hand.

Valerius Draven

Hiding already, Lady Evelina? The night is still young.

Evelina Everhart

I could say the same to you. Shouldn’t you be inside, terrorizing the nobles?

He chuckles, taking a slow sip of his wine before setting the glass down.

Valerius Draven

Tempting, but I find you far more entertaining.

Evelina crosses her arms, trying to appear unaffected, though her heart beats a little too fast for her liking. His gaze is intense, as if he sees right through her.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Why does he always look at me like that? Like he knows something I don’t…

He steps closer, his voice dropping just above a whisper.

Valerius Draven

You’re different tonight. Tense. Almost as if… you’re hiding something.

Evelina Everhart

And you’re as insufferable as ever.

Valerius smirks, clearly enjoying her defiance. Then, without warning, he reaches out. His fingers brush against her cheek, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The unexpected gentleness sends a jolt down her spine.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*Oh no. No, no, no. This is not happening.

She instinctively steps back, but he catches her wrist, his grip firm yet oddly careful.

Valerius Draven

Running already? I thought you were braver than that.

Evelina Everhart

Let. Me. Go.

She yanks her hand away, but in doing so, she stumbles slightly. In an instant, he’s there, steadying her. Their faces are too close now—his breath warm against her skin.

For a brief second, the world stills. The distant music, the laughter, all of it fades as she finds herself caught in his dark gaze.

Valerius Draven

Careful, my lady. You keep falling around me.

Evelina Everhart

*In mind*If I don’t move now, I might actually do something stupid… like kiss him.

Summoning all her willpower, she pushes away from him, composing herself.

Evelina Everhart

If you’ll excuse me, Duke Draven, I suddenly have the urge to be anywhere but here.

With that, she turns on her heel and strides back into the ballroom, ignoring the way her heart betrays her with every beat. Behind her, Valerius watches, his smirk widening as he swirls the remaining wine in his glass.

Valerius Draven

(Softly)This is going to be fun.

Scene fades as Evelina disappears into the crowd, her mind in turmoil.

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