Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Goosebumps emerged from her entire body when she felt his bloodlust. But she was bewildered why he was behaving so. Wasn\'t he dancing with her willingly just a while ago? Was he furious because she defeated Olivia? No! That could not be he was the one who had asked her to win the competition.

Was he planning to go back on his word and not give her the reward? The thought made her panic. She had put so much effort into winning, if she did not gain anything then wouldn\'t it be a double loss for her!

She racked her brains to present the situation in a better way, but she had already used all her ways that she could think of.

"My lord, it is not good to back on your words as a gentleman." she reminded him righteously and finally his grip on her loosen. 

Then without giving her another look, he turned and left her there alone. When she came out of the initial shock, she was alone on the stage while everyone was whispering to each other, while looking at her.

She cussed her luck to get involved with a crazy man. He was so kind and gentleman for a second and rude and rough at the other. He wanted to lose so that she could leave and then offer her reward for winning.

\'His mental balance is unstable.\' She reminded herself to stay calm with a crazy person. As she flashed a proud smile to everyone. She was waiting for everyone to announce her as winner, but even that did not happen. So, she held the hem of her skirt and walked towards the garden like a proud lady, through her eyes continued to search for the entire family. She did not know why, but she was not feeling comfortable while left alone though she was alone most of the time in the party. But before they were all avoiding her,  while mocking her subtly. But now they were looking at her like hawks look at their prey which made her feel uneasy. 

Wicked!

Finally finding Eve standing in a corner, she felt relieved. But then she frowned when even Eve was looking pale. Did something happen she was not aware of? But everyone was looking normal. There were still a few couples dancing on the stage while a few were enjoying the wine and she wondered how a tea party changed into an alcoholic one.

"Umm, Evelyn, where is everyone?" She wanted to ask where the man who abandoned her on stage was when she won the competition. But she restrained herself. She still had to behave haughty. So, she could not show her desperation. 

"Eli got a little injury so father had taken her to the infirmary, Leo might have gone to check up on her. They will be back soon,`` Eli replied with a small smile. No matter how worried she was, she was trained to behave calmly in front of others. She knew that a single mistake could blow the topic and create it into a sensational rumor where her sister would be proved as a wicked lady who was trying to manipulate the crown prince.

Her eyes instinctively moved to the crown prince who was still dancing leisurely on the stage after creating havoc in their life. If possible she would have given him a good lecture and realized his mistakes, but she knew it would only create troubles for her family.

Evan followed her gaze and found the crown prince dancing on the stage with another woman in his arms. But when her eyes fell on his face, it was hard, his eyes had gone cold and once again she felt goosebumps. Had all the men of the royal family leak the bloodlust while dancing. 

"You danced and played piano very well. I did not know you were so talented." a grateful smile formed on Evan\'s face when Eve praised her wholeheartedly. Evan was not expecting Eve to behave well with her as she had not apologized to her yet. And she did not know if she still needed to behave wickedly or not.

Before they could talk further, the family returned with a bandage on the ankle of Eli. 

Eve and Evan walked towards the table and sat together when William turned and looked at Evan with an excited face, no sign of the elderly or strong aura could be seen on his face.

"You danced so well. This is the first time I have watched Leo dancing on his own accord. And you both complemented each other\'s steps so perfectly. I knew since the start that you both are destined for each other.`` The smile forming on Evan\'s face turned stiff when she heard the last line. Her pale face turned instinctively to look at Leo\'s face.

As expected he was looking like he would kill her that instant. His face was so cold that she was sure the temperature of the room decreased by a few degrees. So was that the reason he was so furious? But it was him who asked her to win!! So, it was his fault. What right did he have to give her a cold shoulder?

  She felt better after cursing him a few times in her heart. If he didn\'t pay her, her rewards, then she would tell him what a true wicked lady could do!

"I am relieved that you handled the situation well. Olivia left the party on her own accord. Or else I was afraid that a scene would have been created." added Eli too. Though she did not praise Evan like others or showed excitement. Her eyes were filled with genuine appreciation that made Evan forget all her grievances.

"Is your ankle okay?" she asked back and Eli instinctively looked at the stage where Andrew was still dancing like spirits have taken control over his body. She blinked and looked back at Evan who was looking at her with a confused face and nodded.

"I am much better now."

"Speaking of which, what date shall I announce for your marriage?"