Adrian pushed open the heavy door of the Hawthorne estate, his jaw set tight. He wanted silence, maybe a drink — not another conversation.
But of course, his mother was waiting.
"Where have you been?" the Duchess asked the moment he stepped inside.
"Out," he replied flatly, unbuttoning his coat.
"Out?" she repeated. "You've been avoiding your responsibilities again, haven't you?"
Adrian didn't answer. He walked past her, but she followed.
"Adrian," she said sharply, "your uncle and I have discussed the matter. The Blackwell family is expecting your proposal soon."
He stopped. "No."
Her eyes narrowed. "Excuse me?"
"I said no. I don't even know the girl."
"Then you'll learn," she said, her tone calm but cold. "Your uncle has already arranged the understanding. It is your duty."
Adrian turned, frustration flickering in his voice. "Duty? You mean business. You don't care who she is, you just want their name tied to ours."
"Names are everything in this world," the Duchess snapped. "You'd do well to remember that."
He exhaled, tired. "I won't marry someone I don't know. ' and look like that' "
"You will," she said firmly. "Your uncle already sent word — the Blackwell family is expecting your visit this week. You already met them, after all. It's a good thing… you'll get to know each other better before the marriage."
He looked at her, disbelief turning to anger. "So it's already decided."
She gave a satisfied smile. "Yes."
" Oh, really," he said, his voice tight.
"Yes," she answered, just as firm.
For a moment, it felt as if they were challenging each other — a silent battle neither of them intended to lose.
Evey day turned into an argument; every attempt at peace failed.
Adrian: "I told you, I'm not a pawn in your plans. I said no!..... You merry if you like her so much!! "
Duchess: "stop acting like a child. Brat"
From behind his newspaper, the Duke sipped his tea, watching them like one might watch a storm from a safe distance.
"Are you not going to say anything?" Adrian asked his father finally.
The Duke shrugged. "Your mother always wins, son. Best save your breath."
The Duchess smirked. "As they say—happy wife, happy life."
Adrian groaned. "Unbelievable."
a servant came and brought a sealed envelope.
Adrian broke it open — his uncle's handwriting, elegant and absolute.
> "It is with great joy that I announce the engagement of Lord Adrian Hawthorne and Lady Evelyn Blackwell. Preparations will begin immediately."
Adrian crumpled the letter in his hand. " what a Great joy," he muttered bitterly.