Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

"Though it is rare, a person who shows brilliance in any kind of work can get the title of a noble by his majesty as an appreciation of his or her skills!" He didn't even know why he offered her that when he was sure that their relationship with the royal family had been severed after the case of Eli's marriage.

What if she had her hopes high and he was not able to achieve it for her! No! If she would excel in her tasks then he would convince the council to take her in! With that thought he felt better.

"And why would i need that:?!" she asked with a frown on her face as if he was not offering her a title of the noble but a useless thing that stunned hm for a second,

Evan looked as his cold eyes cracked and he looked at her dumbfounded. But she did not feel embarrassed of her strong gaze at all, but continued,

"Being a noble could be a boon for you. But I did not like their life. For me, running in the fields freely or planting flowers and vegetables in the garden are much better than attending the tea parties and always facing the politics.

I feel like I am part of never ending drama and politics that made me feel suffocated a few times.

So, I am grateful to you that you thought about my welfare but at the same time I want to politely deny the offer.

I did not want to take the job or the offer of the title. All, i want is a simple life and for that you better find a way to prove me an incompetent wife!" she relied in a soft but stern voice as if there was no place for further discussion.

His heart clenched when she finished her words. Could it mean that the dream he had seen with the open eyes was going to turn into a reality soon!

She did not want to be part of even lower nobles, and here he was! Standing on the peak of it where the politics and traps were worst! Would he be taking her happiness and freedom away by forcing her to be with him?

Could it be that she would be happier with Martin in that small town where her whole face was radiating. The more he thought about it, the more he felt like he was suffocating! He could not breathe at all.

"But why do you even want me to have the title of a noble?: she raised her head but was stunned when she looked at his darkened face.

He was looking like he had seen a ghost in front of him.

"My lord, are you okay? Perhaps you are feeling unwell or are tired?" she picked up the sac of water they always carry and filled the water in glass

"My lord," she only realized that he was not even listening while she was muttering all this time as he did not forward his hands to take the glass of water from her.

"My lord!" she called him again only then did he blinked and turned to look at her.

"Are you feeling unwell? Would you like to have some water?" he looked towards her with his soulful deep eyes as if he wanted to suck her soul deep into his heart that she felt a bit uneasy by his look.

"Thank you!" she felt relieved when his gaze moved away from her face to the glass and took it.

It should have been simple passing of glass but she felt electrified when his fingers touched hers.

There was something different about it, it felt like he rubbed them sensually or was she hallucinating after his act while having dinner.

She took her hands away with the speed of lightning but due to his quick reflexes the glass did not fall off.

'What was he trying to do now! Hoodlum! Hooligan!' she cussed him when she saw that smirk over his face.

"Since you did not want to work for me but have helped me, I will add a gold coin in your reward!" as the word fell in her ears, her grumbling face turned all smiles. 

Her eyes turned starry as she raised her head and looked back at him, 

"Leo, I was waiting to ask when you are going to return my rewards to me. If you can not change them into silver then return them as it is, would I manage somehow?" his eyes narrowed when he saw the change in her voice.

He was sure she was cursing him in her heart but look at her now! That flattering smile of hers!

Even if it was money that kept her interested in him, he would take its benefit until he would be able to seduce her.

Since he had realized that he loves her, he would not let her go.

"I will give you all the treasure at once after your help this week!" her brows furrowed as she looked at him with questioning eyes,

"I have a few more files to work on. Since my father is not here, I have to go to his office tomorrow too. You are good at calculations and checking files.

Help me this week and I will pay you all at once and even talk to my father about our marriage once he returns!" her smile turned stiff when she heard the last line but she shook her head and smiled brightly.

In a week, not only she would get her rewards but freedom too! Then she could pursue her dreams freely!

'In a week! I will make you fall in love with me and even fix the date of our marriage, so that you will always stay with me. And in the gift, I will give you all the wealth and treasures that belong to me Evangeline. 

In a week, you will be mine!'

[Who do you think will win?]