~Chapter 8~
He knew someone was watching. He even expected these rumors to spread.
Elin felt dizzy at the Duke’s persistence.
“So it wasn’t just a rumor. I can tell by your face.”
Charlotte quickly guessed from Elin’s shocked expression.
“It’s true I met the Duke, but the rumors aren’t. We just talked.”
“Hmm. You talked… with the Duke of Linderto?”
Charlotte crossed her arms and smirked.
“Yes… I’m sure that’s all.”
Her teasing smile made Elin feel uneasy.
“There’s no way rumors like that would spread about me and him. People will forget in a few days.”
Charlotte tilted her head.
“Will they? I heard someone even saw you entering the Duke’s mansion today.”
“That’s…!”
Elin didn’t know how to explain.
Seeing her troubled face, Charlotte softened and held her hand.
“So something did happen. But it’s nothing serious, right?”
Elin only nodded.
Inside, she was in chaos—
But she didn’t show it.
Of course, her stepmother had already heard the rumor.
As soon as Elin returned home, Rosana was waiting.
“Is it true? That rumor spreading in the capital?”
She followed Elin closely up the stairs.
Her tone was different—
Not harsh, but strangely gentle.
“Is that why you refused the baron? If something like this happened, you should’ve told us earlier, Elin.”
Just imagining Rosana’s reaction made Elin feel sick.
Her father was pacing downstairs, clearly anxious.
Elin went into her room and locked the door.
“Elin! Let’s talk!”
Ignoring the voice, she opened the window.
Cool air flowed in.
Sitting on the bed, she thought quietly.
I thought refusing his proposal was enough… but now rumors have spread.
Rumors in high society spread quickly—
And this one involved the Duke.
It’s more shocking because it’s me.
Some people probably didn’t even believe it.
She pressed her forehead.
Now even her family knew.
“If you marry me for one year, I’ll make sure your brother gets the best treatment at the royal hospital.”
His words echoed clearly.
The royal hospital…
Her brother might be thrown out of his current one—
But the Duke offered the best care.
It was tempting.
Is this really the time to think about pride?
She asked herself honestly.
“After one year, we’ll divorce cleanly and I’ll give you generous compensation.”
Why did he need a wife for just one year?
Still—
It could be her escape.
“Just one year… and I’ll be free from this house.”
And Eddy could go to a better hospital.
“…Ha.”
She laughed weakly.
It was almost ridiculous how convincing it sounded.
He’s basically offering me salvation.
But—
Marriage… with the Duke of Linderto…
It was something she had only dreamed of.
She imagined him asking her to dance.
Looking at her.
Bringing flowers.
In her imagination, she had already married him many times.
It’s nothing special… I’ve already married him many times in my dreams.
Since it was fake—
What did it matter?
Still, it would be a loveless, business marriage.
She stood up and pulled out a metal box from under her bed.
Taking out the scarf, she held it tightly.
Her eyes became firm.
“Fine. Why am I hesitating? I’ll do it. I’ll become the Duke’s wife.”
At least she wouldn’t marry that old baron.
And for Eddy—
That was enough reason.
Even if it ruined her chances of ever marrying again—
It didn’t matter.
She had already given up hope.
I won’t regret this choice.
Sunlight poured through the large arched windows.
The chandelier sparkled beautifully.
A luxurious meal was laid out.
Dominic sat perfectly composed, cutting his food—
While observing the King.
Clang!
The King dropped his fork—
Then even his plate fell.
Servants quickly cleaned up.
His hand trembled as he held his glass.
“Your Majesty, let me help you.”
The Queen gently assisted him.
She looked young enough to be his daughter.
“Good. Well done.”
She wiped his mouth softly.
Everyone at the table stayed silent.
The King’s health was worsening—
And the Queen’s care was intense.
Everyone knew why.
Dominic raised his glass—
And met the Crown Prince’s eyes.
The Prince gave him a meaningful look.
It felt like pressure.
Dominic quickly drank.
“You know the old king doesn’t have long, don’t you?”
The Queen’s devotion showed her ambition.
The mining rights should have been his long ago.
If not for the Queen and Rachel…
After the meal, Dominic walked through the marble hall.
“Your Grace.”
He turned.
It was Count Rachel.
“Are you here to see the Queen?”
“Yes. My sister is worried about His Majesty.”
He’s here to check when the King will die.
Dominic almost laughed.
“I see. Then go ahead.”
As he turned away, his smile disappeared.
Flatter all you want. The mine will be mine anyway.
Still, he felt uneasy.
I’m even worse… planning a fake marriage for this.
It’s too late to turn back.
He straightened himself and walked on.
The next day, at the royal museum party—
Dominic received many suspicious looks.
No one dared ask directly—
But everyone was talking.
“I didn’t expect you to surprise me like this.”
The Crown Prince approached, amused.
Dominic looked calm.
“A baron’s daughter? Why don’t I remember her?”
“Because she’s not worth remembering.”
“Really? Still strange.”
Dominic took a sip of his drink.
“Did you spread this rumor yourself?”
He didn’t answer.
That was answer enough.
The Prince smirked.
“Should I congratulate her… or pity her for a loveless marriage?”
Dominic looked at him coldly.
“You’re not going to pretend you don’t know how this started.”
The Prince coughed awkwardly.
“Alright, alright. No need to remind me.”
He raised his glass—
Then stopped.
“Looks like the real trouble is coming. I’ll leave.”
Dominic turned.
Sylvia was walking toward him.
She looked like she might cry—
Her steps unsteady.
