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~Chapter 5~
As the party began, the Duke of Linderto stood at the center staircase of the hall.
With his hair neatly slicked back and dressed in a deep blue suit, Dominic looked even more tall and handsome than usual.
He quickly scanned the guests entering the hall.
Then—
His golden eyes suddenly found someone.
They began to shine brightly.
“You’ve finally come.”
Elin stepped into the hall, her face tense as she looked around.
Whenever she saw a man with a similar build to the Duke, she quickly hid her face behind her fan.
‘Phew… not him.’
Even as she lowered the fan, she kept looking around carefully.
Not knowing—
That the Duke was watching her the entire time.
He let out a quiet chuckle.
She looked like someone returning to a crime scene.
Dominic didn’t rush.
He wanted to enjoy watching Elin Nelson’s nervous behavior a little longer.
Just then, a rich fragrance filled the air as Sylvia approached him.
“Why did you wait so long to host such a wonderful party? Everyone is enjoying it.”
She smiled and handed him a glass of red wine.
Dominic looked at it with slight discomfort, accepted it—
Then placed it on a servant’s tray.
“I’m glad to hear that.”
He replied indifferently, barely paying attention to her gaze.
“The Crown Prince was looking for you earlier.”
Sylvia pouted slightly.
“I already met him. Is that all you have to say to me?”
She didn’t hide her disappointment.
“I wore a red dress for the first time today. Doesn’t it match your suit?”
Dominic glanced at her dress.
“It does. It suits you well.”
After that short compliment, he looked away again.
Elin—who had been in his sight—was suddenly gone.
He began scanning the hall again.
“Who are you looking for?”
But he didn’t answer.
“Enjoy your time.”
He lightly kissed the back of Sylvia’s gloved hand and left.
“Duke!”
He turned slightly and added—
“The best moment tonight will be you dancing with the Crown Prince.”
Sylvia’s shoulders dropped as she watched him leave.
At that moment—
“ Sylvia?”
The Crown Prince appeared and invited her to dance.
She took his hand, aware of everyone watching.
As Dominic said, their dance became the center of attention.
Meanwhile—
Dominic continued searching.
Elin had disappeared.
On the other side, Elin walked toward the food tables.
“I can finally relax here.”
Everyone was busy socializing, and only servants moved around the table.
‘They look so pretty.’
She ate a small dessert in one bite.
“Elin?”
A gentle voice called her.
She choked in surprise and turned—
“Charlotte!”
It was her childhood friend.
“ I didn’t know you’d be here! You said you were in Castia.”
“I came back. What about you?”
“My husband is abroad for business, so I returned home for now.”
“I’m so happy to see you again.”
They held hands like they were children again.
“I saw Janice earlier. She’s stuck to Royce like a pair of cockroaches.”
Charlotte still disliked him.
Elin laughed.
“How is Edward?”
“The same… but he seems more at peace than when he was at home.”
Charlotte understood immediately and looked troubled.
“You must be going through a lot.”
“Let’s not talk about sad things. Tell me about you.”
Elin forced a smile and changed the topic.
They chatted happily.
Meanwhile, Rosana searched for Elin.
Janice suddenly grabbed her arm.
“Mother! The count’s daughter is over there. Let’s go greet her.”
“Sylvia Muas?”
“They say she’ll soon become the Duchess. This party might even be for her.”
Rosana’s eyes widened.
“Then we must greet her.”
They approached Sylvia.
She looked at them with annoyance.
“Sylvia, you look beautiful.”
“This party is wonderful, isn’t it?”
Sylvia glanced at them coldly.
Their dresses were flashy—but tasteless.
“Is that so? Thank you. I hope you enjoy the party.”
She smiled politely—
Then turned away immediately.
“How cold.”
“Mother! Don’t say that.”
Janice looked at Sylvia with admiration.
“She’ll soon become a Duchess… how lucky.”
At that time, Elin, now alone again, slowly explored the mansion.
“The count’s mansion was impressive… but this is on another level.”
Since she felt she wouldn’t meet the Duke, she relaxed.
She admired everything—
The painted ceiling, marble pillars, golden staircase.
Then—
She saw the terrace.
‘What would it feel like to wake up here every day?’
The fountain outside sparkled beautifully.
It felt like a dream.
Then—
“Are you waiting for someone again, alone like this?”
A deep voice spoke close behind her.
Elin froze.
The Duke stood there—
Leaning casually against the wall.
“D-Duke!”
He smiled faintly.
She looked just like she did in the greenhouse—
Scared at first.
Then bold.
The woman who spent a passionate night with him—
And disappeared like a dream.
This time—
He blocked her path.
“I think we have something to talk about.”
Elin cursed herself.
She should never have come.
But it was too late.
‘How much does he remember…?’
Maybe only the greenhouse?
Maybe he just wanted answers?
Then—
“I remember everything. Even how you seduced me.”
Her legs weakened.
She grabbed the curtain.
‘What do I do…?’
“N-no… that day you were drunk… I didn’t mean to… you suddenly came into the greenhouse…”
She stepped back—
Until she reached the terrace.
The night breeze cooled her face.
She calmed herself.
‘Don’t run. Just be honest.’
She spoke carefully.
“I heard people coming, so I had to leave. I’m sorry I disappeared… but staying would have made things worse for you.”
It wasn’t a lie.
It would have ruined her too.
“Why didn’t you come find me later?”
“You didn’t look for me either.”
“So you thought I wouldn’t remember? Or were you planning something?”
Her eyes widened.
“Planning something? If you’re worried I’ll spread rumors, don’t be. I would never do that.”
Her expression was honest.
“That’s good.”
“I’m sorry for everything. Please forget that night. I will too—”
“I don’t think I can.”
“What?”
He stepped closer.
“Since that night, my peaceful life has been ruined. I can’t even focus because of you.”
She stepped back—
Until she hit the railing.
He trapped her between his arms.
His golden eyes shone.
“If you shook me like that, you should take responsibility. Don’t you agree, my lady?”
“R-responsibility? What do you mean…?”
She looked like she might cry.
He almost smiled.
“Come see me tomorrow. Alone. We’ll decide how you’ll take responsibility.”
He leaned closer—
And whispered softly near her ear.
