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"Oh.."
Aelia was rendered speechless, never had she once even entertained of such an idea as the Grand Duke being in love with her. She was lost in thought before regaining her senses and looking at the Duke who looked back at her with eyes full of worry. Understanding that he wishes the best for her and wanted to be transparent she gives a small smile.
"As you know, Ezekiel, I am in no state to reciprocate your feelings. But, thank you for your honesty. When my revenge has been perfected, I will give you can answer. I won't take your feelings lightly. And no, it will not affect this plan."
She could tell that the Grand Duke was immediately relieved due to his sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness, I was half expecting to be thrown out of the Perez manor."
Aelia giggled, "I did not expect the great Grand Duke of the South would be such a humorous man."
"I find myself in such a manner only when I am with you, my dear lady." Ezekiel smiled ever so softly at the lady leaving her cheeks tinted with a slight red.
"A-Anyways, back to the point!" She let out a small cough hiding it with her hand and so the two proceeded with their finalised contract.
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"Just sign here." Aelia pointed at the end of the page while reaching out to the man with a pen with the other hand.
Graciously accepting, he signed the contract, "All done?"
"Yes, thank you." She spoke as she signed her own name besides his. "Now, we are all set for the plan! Thank you for your cooperation, I look forward to working with you." Aelia gave him her hand for a handshake.
However, he had other plans as he took her hand and placed a gentle kiss on top of it. "Pleasure is all mine, my lady."
Once again, he had left her speechless. She was not quite used to such flirting. Javier had never been the sort of man who would, or maybe he was only flirty to the woman he had proposed to. Shaking her mind free of such thoughts, she looked at him with a small smile on her face.
"Will you like to stay for dinner?" The lady asked politely, as it would be rude not to offer her future husband some food before he went.
"I am afraid to disappoint you, my lady, but... I have some business to tend to. So, do pardon my rudeness." Ezekiel seemed sad that he was not able to have dinner with her and her family.
"It is quite okay! I should have known you were to be busy before introducing such an idea.. I apologise."
"It is alright, I assume you asked just to be polite hence there is no need for you to apologise." He smiled at her softly to reassure her as her face had creased with emotions of worry.
Her facial expression softened as she looked up at him, "Alright, thank you. Come, let me escort you out, your grace."
"Ezekiel to you, miss." The Grand Duke responded with a slight teasing tone in his voice.
She ignored his comment and led him outside of her room. They walked, besides each other, down the stairs in total silence. The Marquess, Aelia's father, also came out to bid his grace goodbye.
"Do come again, your grace." The older man smiled at him as the younger made his way to his carriage.
"Thank you for welcoming me, but please do drop the formalities. I will soon be your son-in-law." Ezekiel smiled benevolently before sitting inside and riding off back to his place.
The Marquess then turned towards his daughter and looked at her. "You have some explaining to do, my dear. Come with me, let's talk in my office."
"Yes, father.."
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A man's laughter was heard echoing down the halls.
"So that is how it was, huh, Aelia? To think that my darling would have been able to unite our family with such a prestigious one! I am proud of you." Marquess Perez patted her head in approval. He was often proud of his children and had praised them for their achievements but this was something he was much more happy and proud of.
The woman only smiled at her father, she had concealed the fact regarding the revenge plan and the contract, only specifying Ezekiel's feelings for her and how she accepted.
"I am glad you are over that kid, Javier. He was not worth your time."
"I know papa, I am sorry I didn't listen to you in the beginning.."
"It's okay, my dear. You know now and will forget about him. I am happy as long as you are."
Aelia smiled wryly as she thought 'Yea, I will be happy but only after I take my revenge.' "Anyways, papa. It's time to eat. Let's go?"
"Yes, let's."
The two got up and then left for the dining room where the rest of the family had already gathered. The night was lively and exciting as talks of the new couple buzzed in the room as the family ate.
"Soo, my little sister finally upgraded?" A man in his late twenties grinned as he sliced into his steak.
"Oh, quit teasing me Alex!" Aelia rolled her eyes at Alex, her older brother who remained with a smug expression on his face.
"But it is quite a surprise. I mean, Ezekiel never seemed interested in anyone." Her other older brother, Altair spoke up. He was the one who was friends with the Grand Duke and hence were on first name basis.
"Well, he must have seen something in our little Aelia. She is one of a kind, a special beauty." Their father piped in, having nothing but praises for his daughter.
"Yea.. right. One of a kind? And a beauty? Please..." Alex snorted as he made the remark while Altair hid a smile.
"Oh, 'haha'. Stop it you two." Aelia rolled her eyes at them, her immature but older brothers.
"Well, I am glad you are over that other boy. What was his name? Well whatever it was, it does not matter." Her mother dabbed her lips with a handkerchief after she spoke.
Everyone else nodded in agreement, they all were against her and Javier's relationship but they wanted her to do whatever she wanted to make herself happy hence reluctantly agreed.
Aelia smiled softly as she saw just how much they cared for her, "You all were right. I apologise for not trusting your judgement."
"It's okay, you can always learn." The older woman smiled back at her daughter.
"Or just remain stupid."
"Alexander!" The Marquess was flabbergasted.
"What? I'm just giving advice to my little sis."
"It's not needed." She stuck out her tongue at her older brother.
And so the night lived on, remaining cheerful. Despite the heavy plans she hid in her heart, she was glad that she had her family to rely on. Being with them made her happy.
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