The Duchess and the Devil - Chapter 99.1

Chapter 99.1
As soon as he realized that he had momentarily lost his composure, he immediately bit his lip and touched his forehead with his palm.

– Judith… No matter how much I think about it, I just can’t figure it out.

– What?

– Since when have you known the Duke? And why did this story become public knowledge? Wasn’t this the first time you met at a banquet?

Vincent clearly remembered the moment when Judith asked his name. And all of this puzzled his brother. Given the Duchess’s behavior, she had met Derrick for the first time on the day of the banquet. So why did she kiss the first man she met, and now she wanted to go to the ball with him?

— Have you ever fallen in love at first sight?

The Marquis was afraid: he had done nothing wrong to Judith, but he had been inactive for a long time, driving his sister into an even bigger hole. And now Vincent felt responsible for her. And in order to lose the Duchess’s trust, it was only necessary to make one mistake.

Then he would meet the cruel golden eyes and the lifeless face again. Vincent did not want Judith to fall down again, having only recently found the will and desire to live.

After thinking for a long time, the Marquis looked at his sister. She was not the kind of person who would fall in love with just her appearance. Although the Duke’s appearance was impeccable, Derrick attracted the attention of all the women in the hall. He looked like a sensual and strong man who could shake the heart of every woman. Moreover, after seeing the Duke, Judith really could not take her eyes off him.

“Love at first sight,” Vincent repeated.

After some further thought, the Marquis allowed his sister to attend the banquet, accompanied by the Duke. And all this despite his own fear. Judith smiled at her brother’s reluctant answer.

***

The day of the ball arrived.

Judith was about to walk out the front door of the mansion, holding on to the loose hem of her dress. She carefully walked down the stairs and saw the man waiting for her, leaning against the carriage as before. Black hair, red eyes, and a tightly closed mouth.

Derrick slowly turned his gaze to the door and saw his wife. Then his lips immediately curved into a smile. What she wore today was a gift from the demon from head to toe. This was another reason for this satisfied smile.

“Shall we go?” he extended his hand to Judith.

The Duchess froze for a moment, but then grabbed it. The demon’s palm exuded a pleasant warmth.

***

As soon as Derrick entered the ballroom, all eyes immediately turned to him. The unexpected partner surprised everyone who had not yet heard the latest rumors. Those who usually discuss all the news just smiled. Just looking at their eyes, you could understand what they were thinking: the Duke of Mexillion was definitely in love with Judith and was passionately pursuing her.

The girl took a deep breath, because the rumors around her did not subside.

Suddenly Derrick pointed somewhere. At the end of the direction stood the young ladies who had recently been to tea.

— Do they give you trouble?

Judith’s eyes widened.

– How do you know?

Of course, the Duchess knew perfectly well about the demon’s abilities, but goosebumps still ran down her spine.

– There is nothing that I don’t know.

My heart sank from this completely understandable and natural answer.