I Became the Fake Fiancée of the Ice Duke!
Episode 7: The Storm Behind the Smile
[The Estate Gardens – A Battle of Wits]
The afternoon sun painted the estate gardens in golden hues, but beneath the peaceful façade, tension crackled like an approaching storm.
Elysia sat at a small table beneath a blooming wisteria tree, trying her best to ignore the woman seated across from her—Lady Seraphina Everhart.
After the morning’s race, Seraphina had requested tea with her, under the guise of friendly conversation.
But Elysia wasn’t foolish enough to believe that.
Seraphina wasn’t here to chat.
She was here to test her.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
*pouring tea*
Lady Seraphina Everhart
You know, I must say… you’ve been quite the surprise, Lady Elysia.
Elysia raised an eyebrow.
Elysia Verdan
Oh? And what exactly did you expect?
Seraphina smiled, stirring her tea slowly.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Nothing personal, of course. But Aedrian has always been… particular about who he allows into his life.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
The fact that you, a merchant’s daughter, managed to become his fiancée is… intriguing, to say the least.
Elysia returned the smile, though hers was sharper.
Elysia Verdan
Well, they say opposites attract, don’t they?
Seraphina chuckled softly, but her gaze never wavered.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Indeed.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Though, I do wonder…
She placed her teacup down and leaned forward ever so slightly.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Do you truly believe you can keep up with him?
Elysia’s fingers tightened around her cup.
The real purpose behind this conversation.
Elysia met Seraphina’s gaze head-on, refusing to flinch.
Elysia Verdan
Why don’t you wait and see?
Seraphina’s lips curled in amusement.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Oh, I intend to. *smirking*
[The Study – Aedrian’s Warning]
Elysia stormed into Aedrian’s study later that evening, still seething from her conversation with Seraphina.
Aedrian barely glanced up from his desk.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Judging by your expression, I assume tea time went well.
Elysia huffed, dropping into a chair.
Elysia Verdan
Your ex-fiancée is insufferable.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She always was.
Elysia Verdan
Then why was she ever your fiancée in the first place?
Aedrian was silent for a moment. Then, he leaned back in his chair, regarding her with unreadable eyes.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Because, at the time, I believed alliances mattered more than people.
It was rare for Aedrian to speak so openly about his past.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Now, I believe in different things.
The weight of his words settled between them, thick with unspoken meaning.
Elysia’s heart pounded, but before she could ask anything else, Aedrian sighed.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Seraphina is testing you, Elysia.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She won’t stop until she’s satisfied
Elysia Verdan
And what exactly will satisfy her?
Aedrian’s gaze darkened slightly.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
She wants to see if you’ll break.
As if she were some fragile ornament?
Her frustration turned to determination.
Elysia Verdan
Then I suppose I’ll just have to prove her wrong.
Aedrian studied her for a long moment, then—unexpectedly—he smiled.
It was small. Subtle. But it was real.
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Yes…
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
I Suppose you will.
[The Ballroom – A Night of Unmasking]
That night, a small gathering was held at the estate. It was meant to be a quiet event, but with Seraphina present, nothing was ever quiet.
Elysia arrived dressed in a deep sapphire gown, knowing full well that every noblewoman in the room would be scrutinizing her.
Including Seraphina—and her companion, Lady Vivienne Althros, the Earl’s daughter, known for her icy demeanor and sharp tongue.
The two women stood near the edge of the ballroom, graceful and composed like marble statues watching over the crowd.
Seraphina’s eyes flickered to Elysia with amusement. Vivienne, however, barely spared her a glance at first, sipping from her crystal flute.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Ah, Lady Elysia.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
Finally embracing the role of the Duke’s beloved, I see?
Elysia smiled as she approached, keeping her posture relaxed.
Elysia Verdan
It would be a shame to waste such a beautiful title.
Vivienne raised an eyebrow and glanced at her friend.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
So bold for someone so new.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
I wonder if that confidence will last when the games truly begin.
Elysia Verdan
I’ve played far tougher games, Lady Vivienne. This one just happens to come with prettier gowns.
Vivienne’s eyes narrowed slightly—whether in amusement or annoyance, Elysia couldn’t quite tell.
Lady Seraphina Everhart
She’s clever, I’ll give her that.
Lady Vivienne Rosenthal
Cleverness can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
Elysia Verdan
Then let’s hope mine are the right ones.
Vivienne finally gave her a slow, curious smile—one that didn’t reach her eyes.
Before the conversation could escalate further, Aedrian appeared at Elysia’s side.
Without hesitation, he reached for her hand
Duke Aedrian Frostbourne
Dance with me?
Elysia barely had time to react before he pulled her into the center of the ballroom.
As the music swelled, Aedrian guided her through the steps effortlessly, his grip firm and unyielding.
For a moment, it felt as if they were the only two people in the room.
But as they twirled, Elysia caught sight of Seraphina and Vivienne watching from the sidelines.
Seraphina had her usual cryptic smile…
Vivienne’s expression was unreadable—like someone studying a chessboard, already planning her next move.
Comments
Xavia
The vivid descriptions and imagery in this book transported me to another world. 🌟
2025-04-05
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