fiance chapter 5

From Sophia’s perspective, the sudden engagement was bewildering. However, the maids, privy to the rumor of Sophia’s confession to the Duke, mistook her bewilderment for bashfulness. They fussed over her, gently kissing the back of her hand and guiding her to a sofa. 

“There’s no need to be shy, Miss,” they reassured her. “You may have initiated it, but after witnessing the Duke’s devotion, no one could claim he doesn’t love you. He’s been utterly devoted. Every single day, he sat by your sleeping form for two, sometimes three hours, holding your hand and praying. He summoned every physician in the realm to ensure your comfort. See? It’s been over five months, and you’re just as you were before!” Another chimed in, “No, I think you’re even more beautiful!” 

Their words tumbled over each other, each anecdote a testament to the Duke’s unwavering care. Just one night…no, five months ago, these same maids knew nothing of the Duke. Now, they championed him before their mistress. Even Sophia’s father, upon her awakening, seemed more concerned with justifying the engagement and defending the Duke’s position than with her well-being. Her mother had rushed off to inform the Duke the moment Sophia opened her eyes. It struck Sophia that everyone in her household seemed to be acting on the Duke’s behalf more than her own. Overwhelmed by the sudden shift in her reality, she sprang up, pushing past the maids and out the door into the hallway.

The mansion’s windows were open, draped with light curtains, and a gentle spring breeze flowed through the house. Sophia grabbed a thick shawl and hurried down the hall. If she stayed inside, her mother and the maids would surely drag her to the Duke. She intended to escape the mansion and hide in the garden maze, so she ran towards the main entrance. 

As she descended the familiar staircase, the front door opened, and someone stepped inside. Bright light flooded in through the doorway. The man pushed the door open himself, rather than having a servant do it. Sophia first saw his strong fingers gripping the door, then his forehead above his swept-back hair, and finally, his sharp, sculpted nose. She stared, mesmerized.

She had seen that handsome face just last night. Then, he had seemed bored, lounging with an air of arrogance greater than the Emperor’s. Now, the man entering the doorway seemed like a vibrant young man, full of life. 

“Sophia.” He smiled tenderly, without a trace of surprise, as if he’d known she would be there. His voice, as he spoke her name, was soft and sweet, laced with affection. His gentle demeanor, as if they were truly lovers, flustered her. She had never imagined the Duke capable of such a smile. During her year in society, she had seen him occasionally. 

Searching her memories, she could only recall him looking down at people with a cold expression. He had never asked a lady to dance, nor engaged in private conversation. He seemed like a man born solely to inherit the legacy of the Dukedom, a legacy that stretched back to the Empire’s mythical founding. “I…” I’m not your fiancée. That’s what Sophia wanted to say.

But at that moment, the man opened his arms as if inviting an embrace. As if drawn by an unseen force, Sophia stepped towards him, forgetting the stairs beneath her feet. Her unsteady gait faltered, and she nearly stumbled, but he caught her. The natural movement transformed from a supportive gesture into an embrace, as if welcoming a lover. Startled to be held by a strange man, especially the Duke, Sophia pushed against him, but he held her tighter. 

“You’re truly awake, Sophia. Of course, I believed you would awaken, but still…” He pulled back slightly to look at her face. The soft curve of his eyes made him seem like a different person. The Duke she knew always appeared aloof, his gaze icy, his lips curled in a subtle sneer. Yet, this man was smiling, a smile softer and sweeter than any she had ever seen. Sophia couldn’t believe it, but she couldn’t deny the words he whispered.

“I’m so glad.” His voice, overflowing with genuine emotion, left no room for doubt.