fiance chapter 14

The question was unexpected, interrupting her important clarification—that her confession hadn’t been real. Besides, such a question seemed more suited to a hopeless romantic, not a man who wore an air of perpetual boredom. Did he believe in love?

Or maybe that’s it. He’s telling me love doesn’t exist, so I should be grateful for this advantageous marriage proposal and just accept it.

Sophia looked up at him, a rebellious thought forming in her mind. The duke’s usual playful expression was gone, replaced by a serious gaze.

“What if I don’t?” she challenged. The duke smiled gently.

“I’d advise you to start believing in love.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re going to have to love me eventually.”

“What?” Sophia frowned at his perplexing statement. The duke offered no further explanation, simply adding, “If you have to do something eventually, it’s better to believe in it. Humans need faith.” With that, he turned and walked away, leaving Sophia standing there in bewildered silence. The scent of lilies hung heavy in the air, almost suffocating.

***

Sophia often replayed that conversation in the garden. “It hurts me to see you so wary of me. It stings when you look at me with suspicion, as if I’m lying. Frankly, it’s baffling. You confessed your love for me, and now you’re treating me like a thief.”

At the time, the duke seemed genuinely convinced of her love. But when she confessed her feelings weren’t real, he’d simply looked at her with a calm expression, as if he’d expected it all along.

Her conversations with the duke were enigmatic. And what did he mean by, “You’re going to have to love me eventually?”

After days of contemplation, Sophia interpreted his words as a warning: she couldn’t let rumors spread that she’d been swept away by a drunken confession and had accepted the proposal out of obligation. She had to make her feelings genuine.

Given the duke’s arrogant nature, such a statement seemed entirely plausible. Sophia felt a prick of indignation, but quickly resigned herself to the situation. Everyone knew this marriage was beyond her reach. She didn’t understand why he’d chosen her, but even if it was out of pity or a sense of responsibility, she had to give the duke her all. This scandal would ruin her, not him. He was taking on an unnecessary burden.

So, whether he truly loved her, or whether she truly loved him, was ultimately irrelevant. She had to love him. It was the only way to find happiness in this marriage.

“And really, when you think about it, it’s not such a difficult task,” Sophia mused, resting her chin on her hand. The duke wasn’t difficult to love. His unparalleled beauty, his imposing height and strong physique…his appearance was beyond compare. Furthermore, as long as she didn’t irritate him, he seemed willing to treat her with kindness.

“Alright. Let’s get married,” she declared, clenching her fist.

It was a marriage she had to enter into anyway. The prospect of becoming a duchess was daunting, but she would adapt to the power and wealth. She was ascending to a position envied by all.

Having made up her mind, Sophia announced at the next meal, “Thank you for waiting. I’ve decided to accept the Duke’s proposal.”

Her parents stared at her in disbelief. The aristocratic composure Sophia had carefully cultivated vanished.

“Weren’t you waiting for my answer? Isn’t that why the engagement hasn’t been finalized?”

“Sophie, don’t be childish. The engagement was postponed because the Duke prioritized your health, not because of your whims,” her mother stated firmly, picking up her silverware. Sophia gaped at her breakfast, utterly bewildered. Her father was engrossed in the morning paper and correspondence, not even glancing her way.

“By the way, Solid arrives today, so make sure everything is prepared, Sophie.”

“…Yes.”

Despite the injustice and absurdity of the situation, the news of her best friend’s arrival provided a small comfort. Sophia forced a reply and picked up her fork. Well, it’s a marriage I’ve decided on anyway. What does it matter what my family thinks? She suppressed her disappointment. Seeing her friend after so long was more important. Yes, much more important.