"Then what is?"
"I want them humiliated," Liv said quietly. Each word left her lips like a calm, deliberate strike.
Jay took a slow step forward, closing the distance between them. "Julian won't like his celebration being ruined," he murmured, "but if it's a game worth playing… he might just indulge it."
Liv didn't flinch. "And your price?"
Jay smiled faintly. "A price?"
"You never do anything for free," she said.
He leaned in closer, voice dropping to a whisper.
"For my future bride… I'll make an exception—but I still want something in return."
Liv's eyes narrowed. "And what is it that you want?"
Jay's smile deepened. "A kiss."
Liv's breath caught. Only now did she realize how close he was—close enough that his breath brushed her cheek. One arm rested against the tree beside her head, caging her in.
Her pulse quickened.
Jay tilted his head slightly, eyes never leaving hers, and whispered, "Just a kiss."
Liv closed her eyes.
Jay's lips found hers—warm, deliberate, and commanding. It wasn't gentle; it was the kind of kiss that claimed silence and air alike, drawing her into his world whether she wanted it or not.
The faint sound of their lips meeting echoed in the quiet evening air. Annie and Isabel lowered their heads even more, faces burning in embarrassment and disbelief.
When Jay finally pulled away, his voice brushed against Liv's ear, low and dangerous.
"Now," he whispered, "I'll listen to whatever you have to say."
"Are you some kind of lecher taking advantage of the situation?" Liv asked, her tone calm yet cutting.
Jay's lips curved into a faint smile. "It's only a kiss," he murmured, his thumb brushing softly against her lips, tracing them with deliberate slowness. "Once we're married, I'll be free to have all of you."
Liv didn't flinch. "One more thing," she said quietly.
Jay arched a brow, his gaze never leaving her face.
"When we attend the banquet," Liv continued, "I want you to be the one who comes to fetch me."
For a brief moment, silence stretched between them—thick, charged. Then Jay gave a slow nod, a knowing smile tugging at his lips, as if he understood that her request meant far more than it seemed.
Liv returned to her castle that night, while Isabel left with the Duke.Inside the carriage, Annie sat quietly across from her, occasionally glancing at her mistress, who stared blankly out the window.
Liv's cheeks were faintly flushed, her eyes shimmering under the soft light. Absentmindedly, her fingers touched her lips—the very spot Jay had kissed her.
She pressed her lips gently, as if to erase the memory, but the more she tried to forget, the clearer it became.Every movement of Jay's lips… soft, calm, and dangerously tender.Every touch felt like an unspoken promise.
She took a deep breath, trying to steady the wild rhythm of her heart.She couldn't believe a single kiss could make her knees weaken like that.Liv Albrecht, known for her composure and cold grace, had just lost control because of a man who wasn't even her husband yet.
Annie watched discreetly, then lowered her gaze—she knew better than to ask.
That night, Liv said little after returning to the castle.She went straight to her chamber, stood before the mirror, and once again touched her lips, still warm from his kiss."Foolish…" she whispered softly, though the faint smile at the corner of her mouth betrayed her words.
Two days later, the Crown Prince's birthday celebration was held at the Imperial Palace.Since early morning, Albrecht Castle had been a whirlwind of activity. Servants ran about carrying jewelry boxes, gowns, and invitations. Even Marchioness Albrecht oversaw the preparations herself — the entire family was invited.
But what truly sent everyone into a frenzy was the news that Duke Zareth would personally come to fetch Lady Liv.
When the deep hum of a black luxury car echoed through the courtyard, the servants rushed to the windows.Marchioness stopped halfway down the grand staircase, and Leon — Liv's older brother — grinned broadly behind her.
"Don't tell me… he actually came himself?" Marchioness murmured in disbelief.
"Looks like it," Leon said casually. "And judging by that car, he's not sending an escort. That's his personal ride."
Moments later, Liv appeared at the top of the stairs in a soft pale-blue gown. Her hair was styled in an elegant updo, silver jewelry glinting beneath the light. Annie followed behind, carrying a small clutch.
Leon gave a low whistle. "Now I understand why you've been getting ready since morning."
Liv shot him a glare. "Stop talking before I cancel your invitation."
Marchioness smiled knowingly. "You look stunning, Liv. The Duke won't know what to say."
Before Liv could protest, the car door opened — and Jay stepped out.Tall, composed, dressed in a tailored black suit and silver tie, he drew every gaze the moment he appeared.
He inclined his head slightly. "Marchioness. Lord Leon."
"Your Grace," Marchioness greeted, dipping her head. "It's an honor that you would come to collect my daughter yourself."
Jay's eyes shifted to Liv. "I gave my word I'd escort her tonight."
Liv's lips parted slightly, her cheeks warming. "Thank you for coming."
He opened the car door for her. "Shall we?"
Liv nodded and stepped inside gracefully.
Before leaving, Jay turned toward Marchioness. "We'll see you at the palace."
"Of course," she replied with a smile.
As the black car rolled away, Leon leaned closer to his mother with a grin."Mother, I think the Duke's already fallen for her."
Marchioness chuckled softly. "Or perhaps she's the one who caught him."
They shared a knowing look, then turned toward their own car.They wouldn't be arriving with Liv — but at the same grand celebration, where every noble in the empire would soon witness the Duke and his future Duchess making their entrance together.
The Imperial Palace shimmered that night, bathed in the glow of chandeliers and candlelight.Music flowed softly through the grand ballroom, and the scent of spring blossoms lingered in the air.
Every noble family was in attendance — dukes, marquises, counts, and high-ranking ministers.But the moment Duke Jay Zareth's black car stopped at the entrance, the entire hall seemed to pause.
All eyes turned toward the grand staircase.Jay stepped out first, then turned and opened the car door for Liv.
As Liv descended, her pale-blue gown caught the light, scattering silver reflections like moonlight on water.Whispers rippled through the crowd.
"That's Lady Liv Albrecht…"
"Wasn't she the one involved in that scandal with the Ericksons?"
"Still, they look stunning together, don't they?"