~Chapter 7~
Only then did Jeffrey act surprised and politely showed respect.
“I will guide you right away, Miss Elin. Please follow me.”
Ashamed of judging her by appearance and comparing her to a noble lady, he treated her with great respect as he led her inside.
The atmosphere feels different today…
Elin stepped carefully inside, taking a small breath in.
Yesterday, the hall had been dazzling—
Today, it felt like a quiet, solemn museum.
“This way. Please watch your step.”
As they slowly walked up the arched central staircase, Jeffrey carefully observed her.
Being treated like an important person all of a sudden made Elin feel uneasy.
After walking through a long corridor with a red carpet and large windows, he stopped.
Knock, knock.
After a perfectly measured knock, he entered first.
A moment later, he came out and opened the door wide.
“Please go in.”
“Thank you.”
After Elin entered, the door closed gently behind her.
Her heart, which had been calm until now, began to beat again.
She took a breath and looked around.
One wall was filled with books like a scholar’s study.
The other looked like a hunter’s room, with trophies and rifles.
On the desk, documents were neatly arranged.
The room smelled clean and deep, like a forest.
It was nothing like her father’s office, which always smelled of smoke and dust.
“You kept your promise.”
At the Duke’s voice, Elin flinched slightly.
He walked out from inside, holding a crystal glass.
In daylight, he felt different from last night.
“Sit there.”
His voice was cold and emotionless, like he was about to negotiate.
“…Yes.”
Elin sat neatly on the sofa and looked at him firmly.
Her mind had been troubled on the way—
But now, strangely, she felt calm.
He’s not the kind of person to say something unreasonable…
“I’ll get straight to the point.”
His tone changed slightly.
“I need someone to marry. As soon as possible.”
Elin blinked slowly.
She didn’t fully understand his words.
“I looked into your situation. It seems difficult. Your brother is also sick and in the hospital.”
At the mention of Eddy, her lips parted.
“You… investigated me? Even my brother?”
It didn’t feel good, no matter the reason.
“If that upset you, I apologize.”
The Duke stood and walked to his desk.
“After looking into it, it seems you’re in a difficult situation—just like me.”
He handed her a document.
As Elin read it, she was shocked.
Everything was written—
Her family, her late mother, her great-aunt, Baron Mackenzie…
Even personal things about Royce.
The next page was worse.
Details about Eddy’s illness, hospital, even his doctor.
Why would he go this far…?
“Why are you doing this to me?”
Her mind went blank.
“Is this revenge for that night? What are you trying to do with this? No one cares about my miserable family.”
She was already overwhelmed—
Now this too?
“I hope you don’t misunderstand.”
The Duke sat in front of her again, leaning forward slightly.
“At first, I was just curious because you ran away from me.”
“I already apologized for that—”
“It seems like something you can’t handle alone. I can help you.”
His cold eyes stared straight at her.
They were so sharp, she felt like she would disappear.
For the first time, she felt ashamed.
Her worn dress… her old gloves…
Everything felt pitiful under his gaze.
So… how does he plan to help me? Out of pity?
Her pride felt crushed.
“If you marry me for one year, I’ll make sure your brother gets the best treatment at the royal hospital.”
It felt like she was struck in the head.
“After one year, we’ll divorce cleanly. I’ll give you enough compensation—more than you can imagine. Even a house, if you want. Enough for you and your brother.”
Silence filled the room.
Elin couldn’t speak.
A home with Eddy.
Financial freedom.
The best treatment.
Everything she had ever wanted—
“…”
And all she had to do was marry him for one year.
Even marrying him had once been her impossible dream.
Wait… what is he saying?
She tried to think clearly.
A contract marriage… for one year?
“If you refuse, I won’t force you. Take your time and think.”
He continued calmly.
“You can marry that old drunk… or leave your family and struggle with your brother. I think my offer is better. But the choice is yours.”
As he stood up—
Elin spoke quickly.
“You don’t have to wait. I will never marry for money.”
He gave a faint mocking smile.
“And marrying that old man isn’t for money? Or is that a ‘real’ marriage?”
His words hurt deeply—
But Elin stood up calmly.
“If you’ve said everything, I will leave now.”
She bowed slightly and walked out.
He said nothing more.
When she opened the door, the butler was waiting.
“I will escort you to the entrance.”
He looked at her with slight concern.
“Are you alright? You look pale.”
“I’m fine. Thank you.”
She smiled lightly and followed him.
Even on the way, he kept looking back, worried she might fall.
Elin refused the offer of a carriage and walked out.
Her mind was too messy.
After walking for a long time, she reached a busy street.
She stopped in front of a fancy boutique and saw her reflection.
There must be many beautiful noble ladies… so why me?
“I need someone to marry. As soon as possible.”
“After one year, we’ll divorce and I’ll compensate you.”
Maybe I’m the only one desperate enough to accept something like that…
A bitter smile appeared on her lips.
As she stared at a ruby brooch—
She suddenly felt strange.
People nearby were whispering and looking at her.
Is something wrong with me?
Even as she walked away, people kept staring.
Two noblewomen looked at her closely.
A woman inside a carriage leaned out to see her.
Did I get something on my clothes?
There was nothing unusual.
“Elin!”
Charlotte ran out of a hat shop.
“Elin.”
Smiling, Elin greeted her—
But Charlotte grabbed her arm and pulled her aside.
“What’s going on?”
Elin asked.
“Is it true?”
“What do you mean?”
Elin was confused.
Something was clearly happening.
“At the party yesterday!”
“If this is about me leaving early—”
“No! There’s a rumor that you were alone with the Duke on the terrace. And that it looked very intimate.”
Charlotte spoke quickly, barely lowering her voice.
“What…?”
Elin was about to deny it—
But then she remembered last night.
Was someone watching us…?
It had been dark and quiet.
She thought they were alone.
If someone had seen them—
It would look suspicious.
Ah… so that’s why!
She suddenly remembered—
The moment when the Duke leaned in close,
As if he were about to kiss her.
