His darling rose
"I never knew you were such a cowardly man," she began, her tone sharp and biting, her chin raised in defiance. "Too weak to break the news to me yourself. How pathetic."
"It isn't like that," Ezekiel protested, stepping closer. "I have my reasons."
"Reasons?" she snapped, pulling her hands away as he tried to hold them. Her glare hardened, a look of disgust flashing across her face.
"My lady," he began, his voice thick with longing as his green eyes searched hers for any trace of understanding. Tentatively, he lifted a hand toward her face, only to let it fall back to his side. "I thought you, of all people, would understand me. Hear me out. This is what is expected of me—what I must do to secure my title. I—"
"How is that any of my concern?" she interrupted, her voice like a whip, cold and unforgiving. "Do you expect me to be swayed by your empty words? Your honeyed excuses? I won't be moved by this pathetic display."
"Can you just listen to me?" he snapped, his voice hardening in frustration.
"Listen to what?" she shot back, venom dripping from her tone. "Your pathetic moaning and excuses? You've made a mockery of me, Ezekiel. You humiliated me—used me as nothing more than a bauble to decorate your arm before discarding me like trash. You are pathetic."
"Eris," he growled, his once affectionate green eyes now shadowed with an eerie red. "I am still Duke Loxley, and I will not tolerate this tone from you. Know your place."
She flinched at the harshness of his words but held her ground.
"Sienna is a necessity," he continued, stepping closer to her. "I have to marry her to secure my title, but my affection—my care—it remains with you. I love you, Eris."
The confession hung heavily in the air, but she did not falter. Instead, she took a deliberate step back, curtsying with practiced grace.
"Apologies, Your Grace," she said, her voice detached and cold. "This mere human seems to have forgotten her place and overstepped. I will ensure it never happens again."
"Eris..." He reached for her, desperation seeping into his voice, but she pulled away, her movements deliberate and precise.
"Please excuse me. I will be taking my leave," she said, turning on her heel and walking away without a second glance.
