The Duke's Bride

ith a burning intensity. However, after what felt like an

y, his voice returning to calm. "T

night sky, feeling the cool breeze against her flushed cheeks. She realized the mistake she had almost made. Amid the confusion and desire, she nearly made an improper decision, especially in the midst of such a crowd

g else. The man had left his coat hanging on her shoulders.

hing for the man among the guests. But there was no

ured to herself, feeling a bit disappoi

ious gaze. Yet, there was no trace of him. Her mind was f

his behavior. But beneath that feeling, there was a deep curi

ew of his whereabouts. Frustrated and slightly desperate, sh

ce sounded from behind her. Hazel turned and saw the

"Did you see a man with black hair and sharp blue

moment. "Sorry, I didn't see anyone matching

azel as she nodded. "Th

, Hazel remained in place, feeling an odd emptiness. The man had appeared

eyes on her. But this time, she paid them no mind. That night had given her an unexpected moment of

man's coat. The masculine scent was still strong, reminding her of their brief encounter on the balcony.

arty even before it reached its peak, immediately called for

hy did Hazel come home early?"

y. She was mostly by herself. Strangely, Miss Hazel suddenly started looking for a man and aske

esitation, he went to Hazel's room. When Barnum roughly opened the door,

, his voice echoing in the room. "You fool

ther with tearful eyes

ndal with a stranger? Especially when you're already engaged to Duke Kingsley!" Barnum

in every sharp word her father said. Tears well

Tomorrow you must attend Countess Lora's tea pa

hands. "Yes, Father. I will attend," she replied with a

e with her shattered feelings. Hazel felt tears streaming down her cheeks. She clutche

ily anymore. She realized her life was being controlled by others, and she had t

*

wo dresses her mother had prepared, a soft-colored dress with simple yet elegant lace detailing. Afte

h and Jacob Ellsworth, who had just returned from special royal military training, chatting with their mother in

nt, Hazel finally mustered the cour

r conversation and looked at Hazel in surprise. Samantha stared at her daughter with wide e

d warmly, trying to ease the awkwardness. "Abou

on her. "Yes, Mother. Is ther

ust need to bring it," she said, trying to reduce the awkwardness. "Why don'

bit awkward. Alastair, the older one, cleared his throat and tried

, "I'm fine, Brother

d, added, "You seem ready for the

. "Yes. I just hope I can uph

d and guilty. "Hazel, dear, I'm glad you're talking and getting involve

nk you, Mother. I just wanted to kn

hand. "Of course, dear. You've always been a part

ouched. "We do too, Hazel. You're our sister, an

Don't hesitate to talk or ask for

that had not fully faded. "Thank you, everyone," she said with a voice t

. "You'll never disappoint u

she felt a slight weight lift from her heart. Though there were still many challenges ahead,

Mother and my siblings all this time? Maybe they do c

*