I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 5: The Games of Nobility
[The Banquet – After the Dance]
The applause rang loud, but Elysia barely heard it.
She watched, forcing her expression to remain neutral as Aedrian and Seraphina moved together in perfect synchrony.
The way they stepped, the way their movements flowed—it was nothing like Elysia’s stiff, awkward practice.
This wasn’t a simple dance.
A reminder that Seraphina knew Aedrian in ways Elysia never could.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
*mocking* Oh my, I can’t tell who the real fiancée is.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Can you, Lady Elysia?
Elysia turned her head slightly to meet Vivienne’s smirk.
Elysia Verdan
After all, only one of us still wears his ring.
Vivienne’s smirk twitched as she glanced at the silver ring on Elysia’s finger—the undeniable proof of Aedrian’s claim.
But Elysia wasn’t satisfied.
She lifted her glass, taking a slow sip of wine.
Elysia Verdan
Though, it is touching to see such a reunion.
Elysia Verdan
I suppose some people simply can’t move on from the past.
Vivienne narrowed her eyes, but before she could respond, the dance ended.
Aedrian and Seraphina parted, and for the briefest moment, Seraphina’s gaze flickered toward Elysia.
[The Balcony – Confrontation]
The moment she could slip away, she made her way toward the balcony, letting the cool night breeze calm her nerves.
She had prepared for a lot of things when she agreed to this ridiculous contract. Scheming nobles. Hidden dangers. The ever-present possibility of being exposed.
But she had not prepared for Seraphina Everhart.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Enjoying the evening?
Elysia stiffened, turning to find Seraphina standing beside her, gazing out at the garden below.
Elysia Verdan
Oh, absolutely.
Elysia Verdan
Nothing like being reminded that my fiancé has history with someone far more qualified than me.
Seraphina chuckled, tilting her head.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
How refreshingly honest.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Most nobles would pretend not to care.
Elysia Verdan
Well, I’m not most nobles.
Seraphina’s lips quirked in amusement.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Yes. That much is clear.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Do you love him?
Of all the questions, she hadn’t expected that one.
She forced herself to laugh.
Elysia Verdan
What kind of question is that? We’re engaged, aren’t we?
Seraphina studied her for a moment. Then, she smiled—a knowing, almost pitying smile.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
You didn’t answer the question.
Before Elysia could respond, Seraphina turned away, stepping back into the ballroom.
Elysia clenched the railing, her heart pounding.
Because Seraphina was right.
[Aedrian’s Chambers – Unspoken Words]
Later that night, after the banquet had ended, Elysia found herself in Aedrian’s study, where he had summoned her.
He stood near the window, his posture as composed as ever, but something about him seemed…
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You left the ballroom early.
Elysia Verdan
Didn’t think I was needed, since you were so occupied.
Aedrian finally turned, his sharp blue eyes locking onto hers.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Is something bothering you?
Elysia Verdan
Oh, not at all.
Elysia Verdan
I always enjoy watching my fake fiancé dance with his real almost-wife.
Aedrian’s expression didn’t change, but something flickered in his gaze.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You’re being dramatic.
Elysia Verdan
*mocking* My apologies, Your Grace.
Elysia Verdan
Next time I’ll smile wider while my replacement twirls in your arms.
A tense silence filled the room.
Then, to her surprise, Aedrian took a step closer.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You are not my replacement for anything.
The weight of his gaze, the seriousness in his voice—it was too much.
She needed to break the tension.
Elysia Verdan
Then prove it. *forcing a smirk*
Aedrian raised an eyebrow.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Prove it?
Elysia Verdan
That you don’t care about Seraphina.
Elysia Verdan
That I’m not just a stand-in for someone else.
The words left her lips before she could think.
Aedrian stared at her, expression unreadable.
Then, slowly, he reached out.
Elysia’s breath hitched as his fingers brushed against her wrist, then slid up to her hand, pulling her just a little closer.
The warmth of his touch sent a shiver through her.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You want proof?
Because at that moment, she wasn’t sure if she wanted him to stop.
Or if she wanted him to keep going.
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