enter

Taking a deep breath in an attempt to calm herself, she found her trembling body unresponsive, unable to move her feet. The idea of entering the room without permission plagued her mind, but the silence and foreboding atmosphere held her back, shrouded in hesitation.

"Diana," a voice called out, but it wasn't her husband's. Involuntarily, she raised her head in surprise. Standing before her was an elderly man, aged yet possessing an air of handsomeness and strength. It was undoubtedly Ezra's father, as the resemblance between them was striking. His aged eyes met Diana's, as if preparing to speak.

"Are you waiting for permission?" he asked, gesturing towards a chair. His words served as an invitation.

Diana nodded and quietly entered the room. Her hair was elegantly curled, cascading like waves, and she wore a serene blue dress that complemented her appearance. The Duke, Ezra's father, motioned for the maids to begin serving the meal.

"How was your trip?" the Duke asked gently, attempting to initiate a conversation.

"It was pleasant, sir," Diana replied, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Please, call me father," he said in a soft tone. Diana was taken aback, her mind struggling to process his request. "Excuse me?" she stumbled, seeking clarification.

"Father," he repeated, a gentle smile tugging at his lips. "You were married to my son, and soon you will be carrying my grandchild. It shouldn't come as a surprise to you."

Confusion and bewilderment swirled within Diana's thoughts. What was the motive behind this father and son? Were they playing a game? Countless questions raced through her mind, but she knew there was little she could do. The only response she could muster was a hesitant, "Yes, father." She refused to dwell on this absurdity, for her time in this place was already limited. Instead, she focused on the food before her, attempting to find solace in the act of eating.

"I never thought you'd resemble your mother so much," the Duke remarked, his words causing Diana's eyes to widen and her heart to race. "My mother?" she uttered unconsciously, her voice barely audible. "Do you know my mother, sir?" she inquired, her curiosity piqued.

With a sincere smile, the Duke responded, "I must, indeed." His demeanor remained unnervingly normal, but the question lingered: How did he know her mother? Diana possessed no knowledge about her mother whatsoever. Her father had always emphasized how much she resembled her mother, a fact he despised. Unable to contain her curiosity any longer, she voiced the question that consumed her.

"How do you know my mother, sir?" she asked, her tone filled with anticipation.

Before the Duke could respond, Ezra stormed into the room, his anger palpable. "Were you enjoying dinner with my wife, Father?" he questioned, his voice laced with hostility.

"We would have continued our conversation if an insignificant interruption hadn't occurred," the Duke replied, his gaze fixed upon Diana, a smile playing on his lips. An involuntary smile tugged at Diana's face, though it quickly faded as she met Ezra's intense gaze. He stared at her as if he could devour her whole.

"Aren't you going to sit, Ezra?" the Duke interjected, surprising Diana with his ability to command Ezra so effortlessly. And then, he added, "And stop looking at Diana as if you're going to devour her." The Duke's ease in addressing Ezra beside her left her in awe.

Ezra shifted his gaze towards Diana, his lips moving silently, as if contemplating something. "Maybe I will," he finally uttered.

Diana immediately lowered her head, fixating her attention on the food, pretending as if nothing had transpired. Her face flushed with embarrassment, while Ezra smirked and resumed eating. The weight of the humiliation prevented her from partaking in the meal fully.

Unbeknownst to her, the Duke noticed her discomfort and inquired, "Diana, are you alright?"

"Yes," she responded, her voice barely above a whisper. To divert attention from her embarrassment, she focused on her plate and began eating.

"How was last night? Did you sleep well? I heard you arrived early last night and fainted... Are you feeling better now?" the Duke inquired, his concern evident.

"I'm fine, thank you for your consideration," Diana replied, her voice tinged with weariness.

"We are family now. There's no need for formalities," the Duke asserted, surprising Diana with each word he spoke. It was far from ordinary. She was the daughter of their enemy, and their words could be nothing more than deception. She remained silent, feeling uneasy. Her only desire was to retreat to her room as soon as possible.

Suddenly, a chill ran through her body as she noticed Ezra's angry glare. Just asEzra was about to speak, a servant entered the room, diverting everyone's attention.

"Sir, the letter has arrived," the servant announced.

The Duke rose from the dinner table, addressing Diana, "See you tonight," before departing with the servant. Now, Diana was left alone with Ezra.

"I see you're upset that my father left," Ezra remarked, his tone laced with sarcasm.

Diana nodded, feeling a pang of sadness. Being alone with this man, especially after the events of the previous night, was a daunting prospect. She tried to push those memories out of her mind, not wanting to dwell on them.

"What are you thinking?" Ezra inquired, his gaze fixed on her.

"Nothing," Diana replied, her voice barely audible.

"Are you excited?" he continued, a hint of mischief in his voice. Diana was surprised by the question, unsure of its meaning.

"What do you mean?" she asked, seeking clarification. Ezra's smile widened.

"For tonight," he elucidated, his intentions becoming clear to Diana.

Realization dawned upon her, and she stared at him intently. The implications of his words were not lost on her.

With a smile, Ezra stood up and began walking towards her. He took her hand and kissed it gently. "Don't worry," he assured her before leaving the room without uttering another word.

Diana found herself once again alone at the dinner table, but this time, she refrained from shedding tears. She quietly finished her meal, her mind preoccupied with the upcoming events of the evening.

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