Episode 010
In the eyes of the two facing each other was an insight that they both recognized the false pretenses they had been wearing were just for show.
“I knew it.”
Though expected, it seemed Ian Crawford also had no intention of marriage.
Diana waited long enough for an answer before speaking.
“You’re not answering.”
“…”
“The reason you can’t answer this question immediately must be why we shouldn’t marry.”
“…”
“The good news is, I don’t intend to marry either. So let’s stop pretending.”
Ian’s face turned expressionless, one she had never seen before.
As the forced smile vanished, the atmosphere grew silent—like the power going out in the middle of the night.
“You don’t want to marry, so you won’t… and I’m the same…”
Finally, Ian spoke.
“Such words are just childish tantrums, aren’t they?”
When he dropped all pretense, the air changed.
“Diana, for nobles like us, marriage is business. It’s a contract where both parties want something in return.”
The effect of the villain opening his eyes was tremendous. The temperature seemed to drop by at least three degrees. Diana shivered involuntarily.
“Both our families support us. Do you think there’s room for personal will here?”
Ian, who had been resting his chin on his hand, now leaned back gracefully, crossing his legs.
His profile, nodding slightly, reminded Diana of a mafia boss in a noir film.
…As expected, he turned 180 degrees.
Only the slight angle of his smiling mouth changed, but it clearly conveyed a sneer.
If he was holding back this smile usually, he must have great acting skills.
“Or do you think your childish tantrum has that much value?”
“You speak very kindly,” Diana replied calmly.
“Should I thank you for at least not being hypocritical now?”
“Even hypocrisy, I learned, is the gentleman’s virtue when used as necessary kindness.”
“If you know gentlemanly virtues, why did you threaten someone?”
“Virtue is virtue, not obligation.”
Ian sneered cynically as if the chivalry of old times was nonsense, looking somehow relieved.
“To be honest, this situation surprises me too. Diana…”
He snorted and paused.
“…Yet you still sent me an invitation as if nothing happened at our first meeting.”
What was that? It sounded like he deliberately changed his words. What was he trying to say?
Diana narrowed her eyes but Ian casually ignored her gaze.
“So I thought you were the same kind as me.”
“The same kind?”
“People who smile easily for their goals and choose pretense over feelings for something more important.”
Did that mean she lied so well she was in the same class?
Not exactly a compliment!
“If that’s the case, I thought maybe I could pretend as a married couple with you for life, through pretense… at least for a while.”
“Are you serious? That’s the worst determination from a future husband.”
“If that’s how it sounded, too bad.”
His tone showed no regret at all.
Ian had a talent for casually saying empty words—innate talent, even.
“It’s true I considered the Wellington family for marriage. But I found you dull and unworthy of my choice.”
“And now?”
“Enough to clear my drowsiness.”
…Sarcasm was a talent of his too.
‘No wonder he’s the villain, so selectively talented at everything.’
If he had this much talent for empty talk and sarcasm, his insults and threats must be excellent too.
Ian was a surprisingly versatile and sharp-tongued person beyond expectations.
“Enough small talk, I’ll refuse your proposal. It’s not attractive as is.”
“But helping run the casino…”
“I don’t care what education you had. Your abilities aren’t proven yet anyway.”
He narrowed his eyes, fingers touching.
“If I’m going to pretend to be your fake lover, there must be a more definite profit than casino management. That’s how I make a profit.”
“…”
Is it going to end like this?
She dragged him to the negotiation table with struggle, but maybe this was the limit.
‘I have no rebuttal.’
Ian was not wrong.
Diana knew about the training and original story info.
Still, compared to Ian appointed as next prime minister, she had achieved nothing.
Back when the subordinates who disappointed Ian first got the casino, they probably flattered him saying they’d do well.
Objectively, Diana wasn’t much different from them now—maybe even telling them to just trust blindly.
‘What do I do? If it stays like this…’
Diana clenched her fist.
What sure profit could she guarantee him?
‘Maybe better to change strategy and threaten him instead?’
No, that would get her killed quietly before even leaving the duke’s mansion.
‘Then what do I do…’
While nervously thinking in silence, Ian suddenly broke in.
“But since this is an interesting proposal, let me add a condition.”
“A condition?”
Surprisingly, Ian offered a lifeline first.
“Write your will by hand here, right now.”
“…What?”
Write what?
Diana couldn’t believe her ears.
“Your will, Diana. Date it one year from now. Content… trusting Ian’s consistent affection and character, granting him the authority to manage the family’s assets.”
“Wait…”
“Have him responsibly return the property to the crown, and also manage part to be used for charity to the poor.”
Before she could say anything, Ian wasn’t finished.
“Don’t worry about details. Your signature and handwriting are what matter.”
He was openly saying he’d forge someone’s will.
“If you can write your will right now, I’ll accept your proposal.”
“…”
Diana was speechless.
Even if the world is cruel, how could this exist?
‘Write a will to transfer property? To someone who threatened my parents’ lives days ago?’
What after writing?
No guarantee Ian wouldn’t kill her and her parents in an accident.
Could he steal the property instead of charity?
He even hinted he’d manipulate the will as he pleases.
‘This is madness.’
Diana stared incredulously.
How could she trust him to write a will…
‘…Ah.’
Then a lightning intuition flashed.
‘I see.’
The deep red eyes looked into her, asking:
Can you do it?
Can you trust the man who just threatened you?
No way.
Impossible.
Because just like her, he couldn’t trust her either.
Right?
‘He’s testing my resolve.’
Probably the first and last chance.
If she refused, it would be a final ultimatum since he might kill her anytime.
Realizing the hidden meaning, she snapped to attention.
“Please give me paper and pen.”
“…”
Ian’s barely-there smile faded somewhat.
While handing the quill and paper, he kept his eyes on Diana.
Was he serious?
Or simply insane? His gaze seemed to ask.
Scratch. Scratch.
Scratch. Scratch.
Diana’s hand writing the will was calm.
Neither rushed nor scribbled hastily.
She simply steeled her resolve.
To escape this terrible cursed doll’s grasp and surely see the morning sun.
“Lord Ian.”
Finally setting down the quill, Diana called him.
“Do you know why people say ‘give all you have but keep your life’?”
Ian didn’t answer.
He only scanned the will ink still wet.
“Because life is worth that much. And I never miscalculate. I know what truly matters.”
“Life?”
“No, opportunity.”
Trust gained from the villain.
“I will pay the price for this chance. I’ll bet my life and trust you.”
“…”
“Now it’s your turn, Lord Ian.”
The original plan to cut ties with the villain had completely failed.
But one success was that she stripped his pretense entirely.
“Do your best to be my fake lover.”
Diana’s blue eyes shone like a lighthouse.
Only Ian Crawford recognized the unwavering will sparkling there.
“Very well. I accept your proposal.”
His lost smile finally returned.
“One year limit, with the condition to restore the casino on the brink of bankruptcy to its original state.”
His smile contained a brutal fierceness.
The predator’s smile was sharp as a razor blade.
Diana steadied her trembling heart before the long-lasting sting of that smile.
“I’ll play the kingdom’s best lover for you, Diana.”
There was no turning back now.
💕💕