The Villain's Redemption

Before Lucinia could utter a word of response, the Duke already chuckled. "Let's go?" he uttered and held his hand in front of her.

"If you come with me… people would think that something is going on between us."

"Then, what do you suggest? Shall we tell them we are about to marry each other?"

"I want you to ride your own carriage!" she said, irritation flashed in her eyes as she wondered if this man had something going on in his head. Then she moved past his hand and started walking toward the stairs. She heard him laughed. The next thing she knew, Duke Mo was already walking next to her.

"So? Are you going to paint something for me?"

"I don't have any talents in art, Duke Mo. I am sure you are very well aware that I haven't learned anything when I was living in the kingdom."

"Liar." Amusement filled his voice. His words confused Lucinia. There should be no way that the Duke would know about her painting skills. She was certain this body never painted before. In fact, she was also certain that she had never talked to the Duke before yesterday.

"I think you are mistaking me for someone else." She said, hoping to hear him say yes. However, he never uttered a word. He maintained his silence until they arrived in front of her carriage.

She was about to tell him not to ride with her. But before she could say a word, the Duke already disappeared inside her carriage. Frustrated, Lucinia lifted her head towards the moon and let out a sigh. Why was the Duke trying to sabotage her plans?

Helpless, Lucinia went inside the carriage and sat across the Duke. She crossed her arms across her chest as she glared at the man who was grinning at her.

"You seemed upset?"

Lucinia didn't answer him. Was she supposed to smile around him? Was she supposed to laugh while knowing that this man was invading her privacy? "Should I feel happy after you forced yourself into my castle? And now this? Can't you ride on your own carriage? Or your horse?"

"I am not very good at riding horses."

She fell silent at the familiarity of his words. Lucinia felt that she knew someone who didn't know how to ride a horse before.

"But if you teach me— "

"No time," she interrupted his words.

He shrugged in response. "Then from now on… I will use your carriage." She rolled her eyes and turned her head away from him. She couldn't imagine the storm that this man's company would bring her.

"Look…" she spoke and let out a sigh when she realized the uselessness of this conversation. A part of her already knew that she wouldn't be able to convince him to change his mind. "Just… pretend that we don't know each other when we get there."

"Why?"

"Because… Because people are afraid of you."

"And?"

She stuttered. So what if everyone was intimidated by the Duke? What does it have to do with her? Seeing her reaction, Duke Mo laughed.

"Actually, it is best that we stay together all the time. After what you did, other noble families now wanted you on their side. Who knows what kind of scheme would they do just to acquire your trust?"

She snorted. At least those people wouldn't force themselves inside her castle. They feared her and what she can do. Those people are unlike the fearless Duke who seemed to know… a lot of things about her.

'Robot' she suddenly called out. When she never heard a response, Lucinia shrugged inwardly. It wasn't like she was expecting the robot to say anything to her. Maybe just like her, the robot was also frightened by this man's presence.

"Just don't kill anyone tonight." She heard the Duke say.

"Even if I kill someone… " she paused when she realized how serious he was. Then a realization hit her. Was it possible that this man was just like her? Was it possible that he was sent here with a mission too? Did he recognize her? Is that why he was staying with her? Was he trying to stop her from killing anyone?

Questions… tons of questions started popping in her mind.

It made her frown. Why was she overthinking things? "Alright," she nodded. It wasn't the right time to meet the female lead. So, she would like to avoid any possible scenario that would jeopardize her quest. When she noticed him turned silent, Lucinia gulped and slowly raised her head to stare at his side profile.

Duke Mo's features were perfect. His jaws were perfectly sculpted, matching his cheekbones and wonderfully formed eyebrows. His pinkish pouty lips emphasized his pale jade-like face. Lucinia would dare say that the man looked as if he was sculpted by the gods.

But, a part of her seemed to find his face familiar. Was it because of the sinister atmosphere around him?

"You should stop staring."

Lucinia's breath hitched when he suddenly turned his head and met his eyes. "I would think that you recognized me."

"What— What are you talking about?" she didn't miss the pain in his eyes. "Of course, I know you." She faked a laughter and avoided his eyes. Seeing him stare at her like this seemed to remind her of something— a part of her that she had forgotten.

She lowered her head and immediately stilled when she felt him sat next to her.

"Do you?" she felt his breath caressed her left cheek. "Do you know who I am?"

Lucinia gulped. "Too close…" she moved her body a few inches back. His smell … his smell overwhelmed her senses. "You are too close." Her chest raised and fell as her heart started racing. She could feel her blood boiling. "Stay away." Her words almost sound breathy.

She couldn't help it. The knots in her stomach tightened as she held her breath. Just being close to him was doing something to her body. However, she wasn't about to give in. She held into the tiny sanity that she had left as she wished that he would stay away.

…

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