Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Though Evan knew the whole plan, she still felt hurt noticing the disappointed and painful face of the duke and others.

"Your highness, the marriage is not possible without the groom and priest!" she whispered softly as if she was disappointed too when hurt filled his eyes.

The lonesome look was so strong that she felt pain too, she felt that she was unable to breathe for a second.

"Your highness, the lady has faced a shock. It would be better if she were given time to rest since the marriage is postponed!" the physician who was still standing on the side whispered softly when he saw the deteriorating condition of Evangeline.

Many nodded in understanding as they all felt Evan was looking pale and weak.

"I will take care of the guests. All of you shall go home and rest!" Eli wanted to refuse and ask her father to go instead but when she met with his stern eyes, she could only nod and accept.

Eli came forward and helped Evan in standing while Eve asked the knights to prepare a carriage for them.

As soon as they left, William stood up to greet the guests and bid them goodbyes.

Everyone was waiting for the moment. William had even called nobles from the countryside. Now that the marriage did not happen, they all were staring at him to see how he would react now.

Would he break down and apologize to all of them or would he steal his gaze away and his aides would ask us to leave with heavy gifts to keep our mouths shut?

No matter what he would choose, the fact that he was going to lose respect was what everyone was waiting for!

Their eyes were twinkling and their faces had that scornful smile on them while waiting for him to approach them.

But contrary to their expectations, the duke stood up upright. His eyes were filled with confidence and the light that was shining in his eyes could not be ignored!

When they thought that he would be embarrassed, his eyes shone with pride that shocked them.

"As you can see, due to some misunderstanding, Leo is not here. So, I will inform all of you about the new date of marriage in a week.

Please have a meal before leaving and I hope you like the gifts I have prepared for you!" with that he nodded his head and then left the room without looking back, shocking all the nobles with his dominating aura.

Once he was out, his eyes that were still calm burnt with anger. His gloomy face was no less than a demon who would devour everyone's soul.

"Send a warning letter to duke Grastias! Make sure that the man comes to visit me this evening or else attack them and bring them to me.

But they must know the consequences with the letter." Theodore trembled, attacking a duke meant starting a civil war.

Though the duke was saying it so easily. The consequences would be dire. If the royal family interfered then the whole empire would burn.

"My lord, please reconsider. It.." before he could say so, the duke glared at him shutting him down.

They walked out of the church only to see a swarm of knights waiting for them.

A look of pride filled his face when he stared at them,

"I am thankful for all of your efforts. But I still need your help.

Theodore would explain to you what we need to do now." they all saluted him with full force that even the ground trembled.

Walking towards the carriage, the man took a deep breath. Everyone was present in the marriage except the royal family, who did not have even sent a deployment let alone coming by himself.

It could not be a pure coincidence, is it? His eyes turned cold at that thought.

They have done so much hard work to marry them but it looked pre planned to break their marriage or how could it be that there was no priest in the royal church.

"My lord, I still did not understand, why would anyone want to break the marriage of a young lord when it would be on the latter date?" his grip on his sword tightened as he knew it was the time that everyone would know the truth!

He stayed silent until he reached the palace.

"Go and ask everyone to come down. Did Gabriella come for a visit?" even she was not in the marriage that had surprised him.

Even if Leo and she had had an argument, it was unlikely for her to not visit them in such circumstances. She should have at least attended the marriage.

"No! My lord. Matriarch had not come even when the knights had gone to escort them personally.`` Why? Could it be that..

No! He shook his head. Though his sister had been too strict and had insulted his daughters she would never go against their family.

It was only her conservative thoughts that kept her from behaving like that.

Soon everyone started to come and bowed their head,

"I have called all of you here to confess a sin I had committed a long time ago.

When your mother was pregnant for the third time, her body was very weak and if she had not given birth to a boy this time, it would be impossible for her to give birth to another one.

Whole empire was thinking that our dukedom would collapse soon. When she gave birth... I only came to know that Leo was not my son when she died.

It was already too late! I could only amend my sins by bringing her back. But I could not give her the name and respect she deserves as it would have ruined the whole family.

But I am still guilty of yours, Evangeline. Not only have I failed to take care of yours as your guardian, I have not given justice to you when I brought you back.

I have been forced to marry you to a stranger and never called you daughter even once.

I apologize for all my crimes and I am ready to accept any punishment!"