Chapter 6 – A Letter, A Visit, and A Cold Oath

A Letter Arrives

Dear Miss Diana Wellington,

I cannot forget our delightful meeting and so I write to you again. I hope you returned home safely last night.

I must apologize first for my rudeness. My impatience resulted in a grave lack of etiquette.

As a token of my apology, I’ve sent a bouquet I thought would suit you.

Our previous meeting left a deep impression—I realized that your careful words and considerate actions set an example for others.

After spending that time together, my curiosity piqued regarding you, Miss Diana.
While gradually building a connection could be pleasant, marriage talks are already underway implicitly. Therefore, there’s no need to take a roundabout path.

If you’re agreeable, would you kindly send me an invitation? I would like to visit the House of Wellington.

It would please me greatly to spend more time with you—within bounds of courtesy.

If you suggest a convenient date, I will adjust my schedule accordingly.

I await your reply.

— Ian Crawford

His elegant script was filled with genuine warmth. No wonder Diana’s mother was so thrilled—it was easy to misinterpret such words as affection.

But Diana felt anything but flattered. Her disappointment simmered into indignation:

“Curiosity? No—it’s something else you’re curious about!”

Like hearing about casino losses in our conversation! Did he really hear nothing? Or was he feigning ignorance—all part of his act?

He needed to know whether I had discovered his money laundering. That would determine whether he killed me—not flowers!

“Does he think I’m a fool? Who does he take me for?”

For three days, Diana had lived in fear. Rage flared for the first time in a long while.

“Fine. Then I’ll pretend I know nothing at all!”

She’d just smile through whatever oily flattery he tossed her way—see how he likes that!

A Week Later

In the afternoon, a carriage bearing the Crawford arms sped through the gates of her family’s estate. The carriage drew closer, and Diana gripped her fan tightly.

“I’m happy! This is normal, I’m calm… I heard nothing, I responded joyfully…
He must be delighted I showed up! I’m excited—this is good!”

She forcefully summoned enthusiasm. Smiled pleasantly. Feigned ignorance. Just mindless as a fly irritating a villain.

That’s how he’ll lose interest.

Born into a minor role in some romance fantasy, possibly doomed to die—she refused that.

This time, I’ll crush the death flag.

Her palm trembled.

Her mother mistook Diana’s anxiety for excitement—but there was no opportunity to correct her at that moment.

The carriage finally stopped. As Ian Crawford stepped out, Diana greeted him with a practiced smile.

“Welcome, Young Duke! You’re always welcome at the Wellington residence.”

“It’s good to see you again, Miss Diana.”

He removed his hat politely. She responded:

“Thank you for coming. I’m so glad to see you again. Have you somehow grown even more handsome in just a few days?”

“Ha‑ha, Lady Diana—you’ve only grown more beautiful. Thank you for the invitation.”

“Who would refuse to visit the future Duke? Make yourself at home here.”

With those words, his smile darkened.

“Please, call me Ian,” he said.

“…”

“And consider me your fiancé—feel at ease.”

Her fan clenched harder. Was that even allowed?!

A timely sound—her mother’s voice calling them—rescued Diana’s composure.

“Young Duke Crawford, welcome.”
“Countess Wellington.”

He kissed her mother’s hand delicately.

“Thank you for inviting me. I hope I haven’t caused any inconvenience.”

“Not at all. Compared to the House of Crawford, ours may be modest—but we hope you’ll understand being family is all that matters.”

He replied politely, praising her mother’s grace, but something in his tone felt off—too smooth, too practiced.

Tea with Unexpected Company

“We’ve prepared light refreshments. Would you care to join me?”

“Of course.”

As Diana escorted him to the tea room, her mother surprised her by staying—sitting at the same table.

Wasn’t this supposed to be their private meeting? she thought.

Her confusion vanished when her mother said:

“It may be awkward for me to say—but Diana has truly grown into a respectable young woman.”

Diana nearly spit out her tea.

“She’s always been so gentle and well-mannered… she’s grown so beautifully.”

“Mother!”

“She’s been oddly fidgety since meeting the Duke. I’ve never known her like this before.”

Please, please stop—Mother…

He spoke up, softly but clearly:

“There’s no need to blush, Miss Diana. Your mother’s deep love for you is natural.”

An unnervingly clear and clean laugh from the Young Duke.

“Seeing you both at the same table is a pleasing sight. Please, feel comfortable. Let’s speak slowly.”

“Thank you for your thoughtfulness.”

Her mother stood, offering one last sly invitation:

“Please take good care of our daughter.”

Diana sank inwardly. Her nerves shredded.

But Ian? He seemed thoroughly pleased.

He watched her mother leave, then gently sipped his tea.

“You and your Countess wife seem quite devoted to Diana.”

“I’m sorry—it must be awkward?”

“Not at all. Count Wellington often spoke of his daughter with pride. That image remains vivid.”

“I… feel so embarrassed.”

Father… what were you saying outside?

Ian raised his cup, smiling as though the air around him cleared.

“A strong bond between parent and child isn’t something to be ashamed of—it’s a blessing.”

Now, finally—he returned to the awkward subject.

“I must apologize again for my previous indiscretion. It was uncalled for.”

“No, truly—it’s done. Please don’t worry.”

“I was at a loss. Strangers approached me, I lost focus.” He explained smoothly.
“I wanted to avoid involving others, but I came crashing into your resting lounge.”

“That’s understandable. I wasn’t even aware you visited the lounge.”

“My mistake. I didn’t expect anyone to be there.”

His last phrase sounded genuine.

But everything else was a lie.

She remembered how he glanced nervously around during their walk—he must have sensed someone tailing them.
And he’d said to the subordinate: “How many chances have I given you?” Yet he claimed people kept approaching him?

A blatant lie… yet unsurprising.

The worst part: he was basically accusing her of betrayal and seeing if she’d lie.

She clasped her hands tighter.

“I truly heard nothing.”

“Then you were startled when I pulled you close?”

“Yes.”

She emphasized again that she heard nothing.

I know nothing. Even if I knew, I’d pretend ignorance—so just stop testing me!

Then his tone changed—smiled as though amused.

“Would you swear, on your family’s name, that you heard absolutely nothing?”

“…Yes?”

“Even if a life were wagered, would you maintain that answer?”

His voice was calm—still polite.

But Diana’s smile vanished.
He was asking her to stake something she could never stake.

A threat loved ones would suffer if she lied.

“Well, Miss Diana?”

The cursed marionette raised his cup, waiting.

She could only swallow hard and pray it was all a bluff.