"What else has he sent this time?" Audrey grumbled as she descended the stairs of her house. Can't she get a single day off from a man named Lewis?
It turns out that both harsh and gentle refusals have no effect on that man. Audrey became increasingly annoyed seeing Lewis's insistence on wanting her. Besides being his secret wife, what else does Lewis want from her?
"It seems this dress is also the jewelry that Mr. Lewis wants you to wear. It's all one package," said Delima, who was also watching a few servants bring the gift package into the house.
"If possible, just return it. Our relationship has ended three days ago." Audrey rolled her eyes lazily, then was about to step back to the stairs.
"Accept it. And you must wear it. This is an order." Jonathan stopped Audrey's steps with his voice.
The woman turned around. "Why should I obey a father who has kicked out his own child? Don't worry, I will leave this place soon."
Nevertheless, Audrey was still forced to attend her daughter's 18th birthday celebration. Audrey had tried hard to close the door and her ears so that she couldn't hear the sounds from outside her room. However, her efforts were in vain. In the end, Audrey still left with Lewis.
The unlucky day seemed to always follow her. Now, Audrey was in the same carriage as Lewis. Yes, that man came to pick her up as if no argument had ever occurred between them. The carriage was different from the one their family rode.
"I just realized that you are not wearing the dress I sent. Why? You don't like it, do you?" Lewis asked with a slight pout.
"I kept it, besides I really have no intention of going to this celebration." Audrey replied casually.
Audrey changed her outfit but still wore a dress of the same color. At least with this, Audrey still appreciated Lewis's presence.
The party started off well, all the guests followed the procedures that were directed properly. Except for Audrey, she felt alienated now. Perhaps because she had never socialized before. Neither in her youth nor in the future. She had no friends, maybe that's also the reason why Audrey relied so much on Lewis's presence.
Now maybe not. Audrey exhaled while swirling the drink in her hand. Her eyes scanned the surroundings, hoping for something to do other than stand and listen to other people's conversations.
Her eyes landed on a man. That's Duke Lawress from yesterday! The difference this time was that his expression looked more serious, as if he was thinking about many things. Audrey immediately took a step closer, her hopes were high.
"Do you have time to talk, Duke?" she asked while standing next to Lucas.
The man turned, closing his eyes in frustration. "Miss Howgart seems to be stubborn as well, doesn't she? Even though she has a boyfriend, she is still looking for another boyfriend?"
"Boyfriend? I think you are mistaken, sir. A boyfriend is someone we give affection, love, and warmth to. And I think I am not giving that to anyone else."
"Say what you want to talk about."
"May I guess something?"
Lucas didn't answer, but gave a curious look.
"Maybe you don't know yet, or maybe you already do. You will be faced with a battlefield. I don't know when, but certainly soon." Audrey paused her words for a moment.
"You will choose to go to the battlefield or marry the king's daughter? Aren't those two choices the same in outcome? It would be better if you married me, right?"
Lucas frowned. "How do you know about that?"