I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 6: The First Crack
[Aedrian’s Chambers – The Proof of a Duke]
Elysia’s heart pounded so loudly she could barely hear the crackling fireplace.
Aedrian’s fingers, firm yet hesitant, brushed against hers. He was close—closer than ever before.
His intense blue eyes held hers captive, and for a moment, the world outside this room ceased to exist.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You want proof?
His voice was a low whisper, a challenge wrapped in silk.
But now, standing this close, she wasn’t sure what she wanted anymore
Aedrian took another step forward, eliminating the remaining distance.
Elysia felt her breath hitch as he lifted her hand, his fingers tracing slow, deliberate circles over her wrist.
His touch sent a shiver through her—not from cold, but from something much more dangerous.
Elysia Verdan
Aedrian… *softly*
For a split second, his grip tightened, as if he was at war with himself.
The warmth disappeared, leaving behind only the lingering ghost of his touch.
Aedrian took a controlled step back, his expression unreadable once more.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
You should get some rest, Elysia.
Elysia blinked, thrown off by the sudden shift.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
What more do you expect?
A hundred things. A thousand things.
All she knew was that the moment between them had felt different—like something had cracked in the foundation of their carefully built lie.
And she wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or terrified
[The Noblewoman’s Game – Breakfast Tension]
The next morning, Elysia took her usual place at the long dining table across from Aedrian.
The tension from last night still hung in the air between them, unspoken but undeniable.
But before either of them could address it, an unwelcome voice interrupted
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh, I do love early morning meals at the duke’s estate. *cheerfully*
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Everything always tastes better here.
Elysia’s spoon froze midair.
Aedrian’s expression darkened ever so slightly.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
I wasn’t aware we were expecting company this morning. *coldy*
Seraphina merely smiled, unbothered.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh, I’m sure you weren’t.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
But you see, His Majesty was so pleased with our performance last night that he invited me to stay for a while.
She turned to Elysia, her soft pink eyes gleaming
Lady Seraphina Everhart
I do hope we can become friends, dear fiancée.
Elysia gave her an equally sweet smile, ignoring the burning urge to throw her tea in Seraphina’s lap.
Elysia Verdan
Oh, of course!
Elysia Verdan
After all, nothing strengthens a new relationship like an ex moving in unannounced.
Seraphina chuckled, unfazed.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh, I wouldn’t say I’m an ‘ex.’ It was merely an engagement that never reached completion.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Surely you understand?
Elysia Verdan
Ah, yes. Like a dress that was tailored but never worn.
Elysia Verdan
Still, once something has been returned to the shop, it’s not really the customer’s anymore, is it?
A sharp silence filled the room.
Seraphina’s smile remained, but there was something almost calculating in the way she studied Elysia.
Then, she turned her attention back to Aedrian.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
You know, Aedrian, it truly is amusing how quickly things change.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
You were never one for public displays of affection before.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
But now? A new fiancée, a grand act of love before the court. It’s almost… inspiring
Aedrian didn’t reply immediately.
Then—slowly—he set his teacup down.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
It isn’t an act, Seraphina.
Seraphina raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh?
Aedrian didn’t look at Elysia, but his next words sent a shock through her.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Elysia is mine.
The words hung in the air, heavier than anything he had ever said before.
Elysia felt her heart hammering against her ribs, unable to tear her gaze away from him.
Seraphina regarded him for a moment, then smiled—a slow, knowing smile.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
How fascinating
Then, as if nothing had happened, she took a sip of her tea.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Well then. Since we’re all such good friends now, why don’t we go for a ride this afternoon? The weather is absolutely lovely.
Elysia knew a challenge when she heard one.
And she would be damned if she backed down now.
[The Riding Grounds – A Dangerous Game]
Elysia hadn’t been on a horse in years.
Yet here she was, riding alongside Aedrian and Seraphina across the open estate grounds.
The sun was shining, the breeze was cool, and yet—Elysia felt like she was in the middle of a battlefield.
Seraphina, of course, rode with perfect elegance, handling her mare with practiced ease.
Then, as if sensing an opportunity, she glanced at Aedrian.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Race me?
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
That would be unfair. You know you never win against me.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh, I wasn’t challenging you.
Her eyes flickered toward Elysia.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
*I was challenging her. *
Seraphina’s smile widened.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
What’s wrong? Scared?
Elysia straightened, gripping the reins.
Aedrian exhaled sharply, but before he could protest, Seraphina had already taken off.
The world blurred as the horses galloped across the field, the wind whipping against Elysia’s face.
Seraphina was ahead at first, her posture flawless.
She leaned forward, urging her horse faster.
And then—at the last moment—she surged past Seraphina, crossing the finish point first.
Elysia Verdan
Looks like I win.
Seraphina’s expression didn’t falter, but her grip on the reins tightened just slightly.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
How impressive. But let’s see how long you can keep up.
Seraphina wasn’t here to rekindle an old romance.
She was here to test her.
And Elysia would not lose.
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