Jewelry Box

Ch. 4 A Surprised Fiancee

Victoria

I saw my reflection in the mirror. The yellow ruffled dress I had on flowed down until it reached my feet. The white and pink flower pattern made me cringe. This was horrible.

“Take this off,” I ordered in annoyance. The maids exchanged a worried look. “I said take this off,” I repeated angrily this time. They both nodded and helped me out of it.

Once I had my robe on, I sighed and massaged my temple. Looking back at the rack of dresses, I grace my fingers over each of them.

There were at least twenty dresses. They all looked ugly and none of my taste. The worst thing was I had to choose one for my special day.

Groaning in annoyance, I heard a knock on the door.

“My lady,” the butler called. I waved my hand at the maid so she could open the door. “Lady Victoria, Duke Graham is here.”

I looked over my shoulder as the notorious duke walked in. My eyes quickly darted up and down at his imposing presence. I have to admit; he yelled sexy all over as he walked.

“Victoria,” Duke Graham greeted. My eyes looked at his suit, which was white and blue. This made his eyes pop more on his chiseled face.

“Hi,” I mumbled, and looked back at the dresses on the rack.

“Is something the matter?” Duke Graham inquired as he stood behind me.

I hummed in response but still kept going through the dresses. It would be nice to match his outfit, but none of the dresses were even close to his outfit.

“Victoria?” Duke Graham called. His soft voice was near my ear, which made me jump in surprise.

“I don’t like the dresses,” I answered in a hurry. Truthfully, they were all ugly. “Sorry, I’m making us arrive late.”

I moved away from the rack and stared at some other simple dresses that were brought over by the other maids. I seriously was having a tough time with this.

Today was the supposed meeting with my father. We were going to tell him about our wedding. Which, of course, had me worried. I didn’t know what to expect when we told him the unexpected news.

I know my father would question me about the rush of our wedding. But I need him to accept it. If he doesn’t, I’m still marrying the duke behind his back.

I need to get revenge on those bastards.

Closing my eyes, I bit on my nail, which was now crooked. The flashbacks of my death made me want to cry. It suffocated me every time I recall. The scenes were so vivid; I had to control my emotions sometimes in front of everyone, which was already hard to do.

“Here, this one,” I heard Duke Graham say. I opened my eyes and saw a long, royal blue dress with some ruffles in front of me.

“Oh,” I murmured in awe. Where did he get this dress from?

“Help Lady Victoria get ready. I will wait outside,” Duke Graham suggested and smiled at me.

I sighed and walked to the divider to get ready. The maids quickly helped me into the dress, fixed my hair, and put my jewelry on. Once finished, I stepped out from behind the divider just to find Duke Graham’s blue piercing eyes looking my way.

His gaze was so intense, I looked away, embarrassed. Why was he so handsome?

“Perfect,” Duke Graham whispered as he got closer. I forced a smile and wrapped my arms around myself, hugging. “That color suits you.”

My eyebrows shot up as he cleared his throat and looked anywhere but me. Well, that’s an unexpected compliment coming from him.

“Shall we go then?” I said as I grabbed my small purse and passed next to him.

Duke Graham followed behind without a word, but I could feel his gaze on me, studying me. It was unnerving. Why was he staring so much?

I moved my hand to soothe the delicate silk dress I had on. I am amazed the dress he chose looked so good on me. It was simple, yet elegant, as I walked.

The dress had a belt around the waist and some ruffled lace that covered my neck and arms. And now that I notice, it looked like we matched each other, which is embarrassing.

“Here, let me help you, my lady,” Duke Graham said as he offered me his hand.

I glanced at it. With a sigh, I took it and got in the carriage that would take us straight to the restaurant where my father waited for us.

“You’ve been silent since earlier,” Duke Graham commented, making me spare him a glance.

“I know,” I whispered back. My mind was planning what I would need to do to get my father’s approval. Also, he made me nervous, in a good way which I didn’t like at all.

Everyone in the capital knew him, and I stupidly agreed to a marriage contract with him, knowing why no one approached him, especially women.

“May I ask why you offered me that contract, Duke Graham?” I asked curiously. His eyes shifted towards me.

“I don’t know,” Duke Graham shrugged. “And call me Alexander.”

“That’s not an answer,” I spat, annoyed.

“I have my reasons,” he responded, and looked back outside the window.

He had his reasons?

I frowned, feeling suffocated in this small place with him. But I had no choice. I needed this man for my plans, and no matter what, I would have to do things his way as well.

“You haven’t told me so much about your plans,” Duke Graham said, distracting me.

“Neither do you, Duke,” I barked back, then leaned on the seat.

“Alexander,” he smirked, looking straight into my eyes.

“What?” I furrowed.

“My name is Alexander. So call me that,” he suggested. I blinked a few times before I chuckled.

“We are not that close,” I smiled while fixing my rings.

“You are to be my fiancée and wife. So we should address ourselves by our names, Victoria,” Alexander pointed out. His stoic face reminded me he wasn’t a patient man. And neither was I now.

Everyone knew Duke Graham wasn’t patient with people and he didn’t like to repeat himself. But I wouldn’t allow him to step on me. I was no longer naïve, stupid, and I would do anything to get stronger and have him by my side as long as things went as planned. The moment they don’t, I’m leaving him.

Turning away from his stare, I leaned my head on my hand while I stared out the window. Alexander remained silent for the rest of the trip.

***

Reaching the restaurant, we both went down. I stared at the building before taking a deep breath.

“You seem nervous,” Alexander pointed out.

“I’m not!” I barked back. A small, smug smile played on his face. Seriously, he was getting under my skin.

“We had better go in. The duke must wait,” Alexander suggested with a smile.

Putting a smile on my face, I grabbed his arm and walked in with him.

***

“So you want to get married?” my father asked eight-time as we all sat at the table that was loaded with unnecessary food.

“Yes,” I said, forcing a smile. My father didn’t believe us and I felt like crying.

“Duke Graham, I know this might sound rude, but I can’t trust you. My daughter isn’t for selling,” my father groaned. “I don’t want her with someone like you.”

I stared at my father in shock. Does he think the duke is forcing me? Is that why he keeps rejecting him?

“You’re not the best choice for my daughter. So sorry Victoria, but I don’t agree with this,” my father sternly responded. Then, standing, he made a move to leave.

I tried standing, but Alexander clutched my arm. Helping me back down to my seat. I threw him a questioning look, but he wasn’t looking at me anymore. Now he was focused on my father.

“It is fine,” Alexander whispered while squeezing my hand out of nowhere.

“Father!” I snapped. I wasn’t planning on letting Alexander do all the work. It was my idea, so I was going to make this work no matter what.

Putting his arm around my waist, Alexander halted my movements. I blushed at the contact.

My father stopped and turned to look at me. He had to say yes.

Feeling tears brimming in my eyes, I blinked to stop them, but it was in vain. Just remembering how I was hurt made me boil with anger.

My father sighed and reached for my hand. Pulling me to his chest, which I was thankful for. Burying my face, I silently cried.

Now I had cried in front of Alexander and my father.

“Can I have some privacy with my daughter?” my father asked Alexander. I didn’t hear a response from Alexander, only his footsteps distancing as a door shut behind us.

“Now look at me, my dear daughter,” my father said as he made me look at him. I sniffled. “Is he threatening you?”

“What? No!” I retorted, and pushed myself away from him. “Alexander isn’t doing any of that.” If only he knew the truth.

“Alexander?” my father repeated with a pointed look.

“Yes, and I’m serious about him,” I mumbled, looking away, blushing. “Why can’t you believe us?”

“I believe you,” my father whispered. I looked up at his smiling face. “The one I don’t believe in him.” Now his smile was gone and replaced by his thin lips.

“I don’t believe him because I know what kind of man he is,” he continued, his eyes full of anger. “He will hurt you.” I don’t know why his words made me worried. It’s like they held some truth to it.

“Alexander Graham is a cold-heartless person, Victoria. He has to be playing with you and I won’t let my beautiful jewel get hurt by him. Not when I’m still alive.” This was his way of saying no. “I can agree with anything else you want, but not that,” my father explained. I clamped my teeth as I forced myself not to complain.

There is nothing I want but my revenge. And my father sees me as something fragile, unable to fend for myself. If he only knew that I was no longer that weak girl.

“I know,” I muttered, balling my hands on the sides. “I know it’s hard to believe, but I want to marry him.” My determination was there. There is no other person but Duke Graham out there that can help me carry this out.

My father looked straight into my eyes as I kept my head high and chin up.

“I know it’s rushed, and it’s hard to believe someone like that man can have any ounce of feelings for someone like me. But I believe him,” I spat. “I will marry him even if you don’t agree with that.”

“Victoria!” my father yelled. This will get out of control soon.

“No, father, this is something I want. And if I fail, then it will be my mistake. Haven’t you thought of me learning from mistakes?” My voice trembled slightly.

We both remained silent, but after a while, my father finally sighed.

“Fine, but under two conditions,” my father said. Did it work?

“Anything,” I added happily.

“You will have a big wedding, not a small one,” my father pointed out, which made me groan. “Second, the duke will sign a contract.”

“What?” I snapped loudly. He wasn’t referring to that contract, was he?

If he made him sign that, it would be harder in the future to let the duke go without having a problem with my family.

“Wait, I don’t get you,” I raised my hand.

“He signs the contract or there’s no wedding,” he hissed. He wasn’t backing out of this. “It’s for your protection.”

This had to be a joke. Alexander Graham can’t accept this. Thinking about what to do, I realized there was no way. My father wouldn’t accept this without conditions or an offer that would tempt him to agree without these absurd conditions.

“Fine,” I agreed. “But I don’t think Alexander will agree to that.”

“He will,” my father said, grabbing his coat. “I will see you on Friday.” With a kiss on my head, my father left. I stood angrily, rubbing my temple where he kissed me.

Hearing another set of footsteps getting closer, I looked behind me and saw Alexander with an emotionless face.

“I’m sorry,” I sighed, facing him. Alexander shook his head.

“I heard it and it’s alright,” Alexander answered. I eyed him.

“You agree?” I asked, confused for a split second.

“What else can we do? Your father cherishes you, right?” Alexander stated and grabbed our things. “I value that.”

I was confused and baffled at the same time.

“Now, should we have lunch?” Alexander offered. I lowered my eyes to stare at his white-gloved hands that were extended towards me. Not a speck of dust on them.

“Yes,” I muttered, and my stomach grumbled right on time. I cursed, embarrassedly.

“Now that’s music,” Alexander said, pulling me behind him. I stared at him from behind. Was this man smiling more? Or was I looking wrong?