THE DUKE!

CHAPTER 16

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Evelina stepped out into the chilly spring night, her heart pounding with anticipation, yearning to escape the stuffy ballroom. As she closed her eyes and inhaled the crisp air, a wave of elation surged through her body. The deafening sounds of the crowded party were drowned out by the soothing rustle of leaves and the melodic chirping of crickets. She felt as though she had finally broken free from the suffocating walls of the ballroom and could finally breathe again.

As she made her way towards the garden, her senses were instantly awoken by the stunning sights and heavenly aromas encompassing her. The tranquil oasis surrounding her was filled with delicate shades of pink and purple blossoms, shimmering under the soft moonlight. The fresh aroma of blooming flora fused with the wholesome smell of freshly turned soil, caressing her with each step.

With a heavy heart and a nervous twinge in her stomach, she tiptoed carefully through the garden, her eyes fixated on the glowing moon above. Its ethereal light danced across the garden, highlighting the delicate blooms and their tender shoots. Despite the beauty of her surroundings, her anxiety continued to build, threatening to consume her.

Finally, she found a quiet spot by a bubbling fountain, but even the tranquil sound of the water couldn't soothe her racing thoughts. Her body longed to sink into the soft grass and bask in the serenity of the night, but she couldn't bear the thought of shaming her mother. The weight of her expectations bore down on her, crushing her spirit.

As she looked back on her night, memories of her overbearing mother loomed over her, threatening to strip away any possibility for joy …

She stood there, stifling her impatience and feigning interest in the endless parade of strangers, her heart sank with each passing minute. She had been dreading this ball for weeks, knowing that her mother would force her to endure the tedious task of meeting and greeting a sea of people whose names she would never remember. It was all so tiresome, so utterly predictable.

As the orchestra began to play, she felt a knot form in her stomach, knowing that the ritualistic dance was about to begin. The Countess sanctioned for her to be whisked away by some aristocrat with whom she'd have to endure an excruciating sequence of awkward small talk, navigating a sea of snobbery and pretense. As the man's cologne and arrogance engulfed her, she resisted the urge to recoil in disgust. She'd smile and nod, pretending to be interested, while her mind wandered to faraway places where she could be free.

With every passing moment, she felt trapped, suffocated, longing for escape. She kept up the charade, struggling to maintain her composure and maintain a semblance of civility, but inside she was screaming, begging for it to end. She tried to keep her thoughts from escaping, lest her façade crumble. But all she could think of was how much she wanted to be anywhere but there.

In time, she slipped out of the dance floor, escaping to the edge of the hall where she'd hoped to blend in with the wallpaper.

As Evelina stood there, watching the other girls twirl and swirl on the dance floor, she couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness and jealousy. She wished Priscilla had found her sooner. Not that her best friend could save her from the torment that came with being a woman in this society. Women had no rights, no freedom, and no recognition. It seemed all they were good for was being silent and looking pretty. Evelina's mother had drilled it into her head from a young age that her only worth was in her beauty, not her intellect. But Evelina refused to settle for that.

As she pictured Hetty and Archibald, the only couple who seemed to genuinely love and accept each other for who they were, Evelina longed for something similar. She missed her sister dearly and wished she hadn't married so quickly. If Hetty were still around, their mother's pressure to marry off Evelina to a man of status and wealth would be less intense. But for now, Evelina was determined to defy societal expectations and pursue her own happiness, even if it meant going against the wishes of her family.

Evelina's thoughts raced as she attempted to quell the anxiety threatening to overtake her. She knew she couldn't let her nerves get the best of her, but the looming obligation of attending this party was consuming her thoughts. She couldn't help but feel like a complete fraud; pretending to be happy and carefree for the sake of others.

It was just another day, but for her, it was one filled with dread. She took a few deep breaths and tried to shake off the sense of unease. This wasn't just any night, it was a night that held the potential to completely unravel her.

Despite her reservations, she'd mustered up the courage to face the night head-on, even if it meant plastering on a fake smile to get through it.

Walking quietly, she made her way deeper into the garden, forcing her mind to enjoy the peacefulness and beauty around her. As she wandered through the rows of plants, she couldn't help but appreciate this little corner of paradise that could bring her solace and calmness if she let it.

Suddenly, she heard footsteps approaching her. She turned to see a man emerging from the shadows. It was the same man who had given her an odd look when she was introduced to Colin. What was he doing here, and what did he want from her?

He remained silent for a while, studying her with his piercing gaze, and she couldn't shake the feeling that something was off about him. Despite her instincts telling her to flee, she stood there, unable to move, knowing that she was in danger. The man appeared to be in his fifties, but his eyes gleamed with an ominous light, and she couldn't shake the feeling of unease that lingered within her.

«You shine like a radiant diamond,» the man finally spoke, his voice low and menacing. Evelina's heart pounded in her chest as she took a step back. She felt vulnerable and exposed, like a deer in the headlights.

«Thank you,» she managed to whisper, her throat feeling dry and scratchy. She tried to back away slowly, but the man matched her pace, keeping a steady distance between them.

«I've been watching you,» he continued, his eyes narrowing in on her. «You have a certain quality that I find intriguing. You're like a bird, wild and free.»

Evelina felt a shiver run down her spine as the man circled around her, like a predator stalking his prey. She realized she was completely alone, with nobody around to help her. She needed to get away, fast.

As she tried to dart away, the man grabbed her wrist, his grip tight and painful. She struggled to break free, but he was too strong, his fingers digging into her flesh. Evelina's fear turned into panic as she realized the danger she was in. She needed to fight back, with all the strength she had left in her.

With a sudden burst of energy, Evelina twisted her arm and rammed her elbow into the man's stomach, causing him to double over in pain. Taking advantage of his momentary weakness, she pulled away and ran as fast as she could, not stopping until she burst into the main gardens, where she immediately sought the safety of the guards. She turned back one last time, just in time to see the strange man disappear into the darkness, leaving her shaken to the core. She released her breath she'd been holding since. Her heart racing, Evelina knew she had narrowly escaped danger, and that she would never forget this chilling encounter.

«Might I gather the reason for which you are fleeing?»

Her heart raced as she heard that voice, a voice that seemed to trigger long-buried emotions within her. Memories of days gone by flooded her mind as she recognized the distinct arrogance and foolishness in his tone. She knew deep down that it couldn't possibly be him, but her body tensed up, nonetheless. She wasn't sure she was ready to face him again.

As she slowly turned around, her eyes locked with his ever-intimidating raven-black gaze, and her breath escaped her in a soft gasp. His eyes still held the same power they did over her two weeks ago, and her heart struggled to keep up with the rapid pace it had set for itself. Her shoulders slumped as she let out a deep sigh, knowing that she couldn't hide from him any longer.

This novel is exclusive to Web Novel, please contact me through the chapter comments if you find that all or any part of this publication is being uploaded elsewhere (on another site). Thank you.