Ending The Wicked Love - Chapter 6

The next day, Alina and I got ready to go see Duke Lysander. I wore a blue dress that had sleeves with ruffles, while Alina wore a similar red dress.
“Leah, are you sure you want to meet Duke Lysander?” Alina asked.
“Of course, you know that I’m someone who will do what I say.”
“That’s why I’m worried, what if this is a trap?”
“Then you’re with me.” I smiled at her.
Alina took a breath, “Okay, if you think like that, I won’t stop you.”
Alina and I ate breakfast before saying goodbye to Marchioness Hartbow. In front of Alina’s house, there was a golden carriage waiting. The two of us took the carriage to Duke Lysander’s residence in the capital. When we got there, Austin welcomed Alina and me, then took us to Duke Lysander’s study.
“Master, Miss Eleanor and Miss Alina have arrived.”
“Come in.”
Austin opened the door, Duke Lysander looked busy, surrounded by piles of papers. Alina and I sat on the sofa.
“Who let you bring your friend?” Duke Lysander asked.
“Well, you didn’t tell me not to either.” I answered, Austin tried his best to hold back his laughter.
Duke Lysander glanced at me, “It seems like you’re getting bolder.”
I smiled, “So why did you ask me to come here?”
“Austin, take your sister out.” he ordered.
“No, I won’t go out. Who knows what you would do to Leah if it were just the two of you.”
“Alina, let’s wait in the living room.” Austin said.
“But-”
“Don’t worry, Alina, I’ll be fine.” I said.
“Okay.” said Alina, giving up.
Alina looked at me one last time before getting out of the study, led by her brother.
After Alina came out, Duke Lysander sat down on the sofa opposite me.
“So, you must have felt something was suspicious because I thought you were a spy, correct?”
“Yes, does this have anything to do with the rumors circulating around you?” I asked back.
“That’s right. It’s fortunate that you understand. I need a fiancé, so I don’t have to get involved with a family that competes with mine.” he said.
“What do you mean?” I asked, even though I already knew it from the novel.
“I suspect that the Monrence family are siding with Prince Luciano. It seems like they intend to overthrow me because I am the main supporter of Prince Lawrence.”
“Then, right now you are offering me a contractual engagement where I become a Duchess for a while, right?”
“Yes, because you already know this and I spared your life, I’m giving you this opportunity.”
“Hmm, show me the contract.” I said, I decided to at least listen to him, I cherish my life after all.
I don’t know what will happen if I die in this dimension.
Duke Lysander showed me a contract containing articles that both parties had to obey. In my opinion, the contents of the contract are fair, in fact it seems like I am the one who benefits more, even though my life could be in danger. But this is too suspicious. In the novel I read, there was no part where Duke Lysander found out that Duke Monrence sided with Prince Luciano. Is that part not written, or has the story of this novel started to change because of me?
“What do you think?”
“I think this is fair enough.”
“Then sign it.”
“But… you will have to meet my parents first, after all, this is very sudden. They must be worried about me.” I need to make up something to buy some time.
Duke Lysander took a breath, thinking, “Well, if that’s something I have to do, Leah.”
I signed the contract and then gave it to the duke. He put the contract on his table.
“First of all, if we want to make your parents think we want to get engaged because we’re in love, we have to call each other names.” he said as he approached the sofa.
“Actually, Ace is not my nickname, mine’s Leo.” he continued, bringing his face closer to me.
“Y-you already know my name.” I said then turned my face away..
“Try calling my name, from now on, don’t use my title, and don’t speak to me formally.” he said while holding my head so that I was facing his face.
I felt my face getting hotter, perhaps because Duke’s face- no, Leo’s handsome face is too close to me.
“L-leo.” I said and stood up, banging my head against his face.
We both screamed in pain, my head felt dizzy after being hit. At the same time, someone knocked on the door.
“Excuse me sir. Prince Lawrence came and is now waiting in the living room.” said someone who seemed to be Austin.
“Why did he come?” Leo asked.
“He said he was bored.” answered Austin.
“So troublesome. He’s 2 months older than me, but why is he so childish? Never mind, I’ll go to the living room.” Leo said.
“Okay sir. I will go first.” said Brother Austin, then left Leo and me.
“Come with me, Leah. Your friend must be in the living room too.” Leo said.