---- If Elliot let her touch him, I swear, my grace would end right here and now! But before she could reach us, the shadow of a man stepped in, his deep voice joining hers, turning the performance into a duet.


    He took her hand, sparing us from a scandal.


    Only, this was just the beginning of a stormy night, one filled with trials for this sham of a marriage, already leaking from all sides.


    sek Elliot left me with awomanthe wife of a Baron, one of the few kind souls in this nest of vipers.


    Baroness Hildaly, I appreciate you keeping my Duchesspany.


    I have some matters to attend to with the gentlemen, but I return shortly.


    Dont worry, Your Lordship, Ill entertain Her Grace, and we ll both enjoy each otherspany, she responded pleasantly.


    After the singers spectacle, saved only by that other Duke we saw earlier at the entrance, things had settled somewhat.


    I wanted to curse Elliot to the heavens, but there was no point in acting like the betrayed, scorned woman.


    He owed me nothingand certainly nothing to Rosse, who had clearly ckmailed him into marriage.


    Iwas reluctant to be separated from him, but I understood the basics of etiquette.


    The men now gathered in their own space to smoke and discuss business, while the women retreated to their quarters.


    I wasnt about to cling to Elliot like some burden.


    Pll return soon, Duchess.


    We ll talkterI promise, you wont go through this again.


    Ill take care of things.


    ---- He leaned in and whispered into my ear.


    Isighed, nodding.


    I hoped he was referring to his lover.


    Was he nning to end things with her? My heart clenched at the thought.


    Could it be? Shes even more beautiful than I remembered.


    Her skin is so radiant! You must share your beauty secrets, Duchess! Youve been the sensation of the partythe Duke was so possessive over you...


    Iwas about to reply when a mocking scoff cut off the Baronesss words.


    We turned to see Zafiro standing with two other women, all of them eyeing me with disdain from head to toe.


    Tts true, Duchess, please share your form so we can all be just as...


    dazzling, my husbands mistress chimed in, feigning grace, though her words dripped with daggers.


    My form is a bit of a secret, but since its for the famous Zafiro, I can give youa hint.


    When youre married and be the official wife, make sure to invite your husband into your bedchamber every night, I replied suggestively,ced with sarcasm.


    Besides, that shouldnt be difficult for you.


    You clearly have a talent for seducing the opposite sex.


    Her viperous face twisted despite her attempts to maintainposure, fury seeping through her pores.


    Oh, is that so? she arched a brow.


    And here I thought the rumors were true.


    People can be so cruel imagine them iming that the Duke hasnt set foot in your chamber in over ten years.


    ---- The bold woman even ced a hand over her mouth, feigning embarrassment.


    Iwas about to explode, grinding my teeth in rage, sick of this ridiculous aristocratic exchange.


    Topened my mouth to throw a proper, lowborn insult her way, when one of her little friends called attention to something I hadnt noticeda detail that would utterly humiliate me.


    Oh, what a coincidencethe Duchess and Miss Brenda are wearing the same sapphire pendant, she said, pointing at me in a voice loud enough to draw stares.


    My eyes darted to her neck, where she tugged on the delicate gold chain, pulling arge blue gemstone from her cleavage, its golden frame glistening under the light.


    It was identical to the one I worethe one I had taken from Rosses jewelry box simply because it matched my dress.


    Except...


    no.


    They werent exactly the same.


    Hers shone brighter, more...


    genuine.


    While mine, now, was nothing more than what it truly wasapletely fake imitation piece.