The proposal had been her idea.
And yet, a growing sense of foreboding crept through her chest.
Something felt wrong.
But it was too late to turn back now.
The wedding, only days away, had to be destroyed.
That was her highest priority.
When your life was on the line, there was no luxury to worry about anything else.
Steel settling into her resolve, Milena lifted her head and met the man's eyes directly.
“Marry me.”
Her voice was firm.
“In return, I'll take responsibility. I'll have the marriage contract nullified within a year, and I'll bring you evidence against Duke Calion.”
“Alright.”
“...Wait. Did you actually just agree?”
“Yes.”
The corner of Lexion's mouth curved upward.
“It's still a terribly unromantic proposal, but I'll accept it.”
He had approached her because he needed something.
Yet now that he'd accepted so easily, she found herself growing suspicious instead.
She had to ask.
“Why?”
Lexion tilted his head slightly.
His gaze remained fixed on her, as though he expected her to bolt at any moment.
They were standing so close their breaths mingled.
He studied her carefully, like a jeweler appraising a priceless gem.
Then he murmured softly,
“Because I think it'll be fun.”
His crimson eyes gleamed.
“Having you as my wife.”
His voice was deep and steady.
Dangerously captivating.
The air itself seemed to shift, drawing them even closer together.
“As for that kiss...” he continued lazily.
“I'll count it for double. If it happens again.”
They were close enough that all she had to do was tilt her head slightly.
Their lips would meet.
If circumstances had been different—
If her life wasn't currently falling apart—
She might have helplessly fallen for this absurdly beautiful man.
“If I kiss you again,” she asked quietly, “can you stop there?”
“Mm.”
A grin spread across his face.
“I can't promise that.”
The heat in his gaze cooled slightly.
But now her own thoughts were spiraling.
Fortunately, she didn't have time to be flustered by his shameless flirting.
Instead, she leaned her forehead against his shoulder.
For a brief moment, Lexion froze.
“That's a relief.”
His brows lifted.
“What is?”
“Knowing you're interested in my proposal.”
If he had refused...
If he had laughed or ignored her...
She would have been forced down a much harsher path.
Having an ally changed everything.
He was clearly experienced with women.
Far too smooth.
Far too charming.
But she could handle that much.
“Thanks to you,” she said quietly, “this will go much more smoothly.”
Even without him, she had intended to burn everything down.
Leave behind the ruined House of Calion.
Walk away without looking back.
Her tears had already dried.
Her emotions had long since frozen over.
A dull ache pulsed through her head.
She endured it and looked up.
Crimson eyes met emerald ones.
“Thank you.”
The words were calm.
Almost emotionless.
Yet for some reason, Lexion looked dissatisfied.
“Are you really okay with this?” he asked.
“With what?”
Taking two steps back, he touched the crimson earring hanging from his ear.
At once, his appearance shifted.
Gray hair.
Ordinary features.
Once again, he became Hubert.
Perhaps because of the transformation, even his tone turned polite.
“You don't know who I really am.”
He folded his arms.
“You don't know my age either. I've been pretending to be a knight, but I'm not actually one.”
He truly was impossible to predict.
His speech changed whenever he felt like it.
His attitude shifted just as easily.
By now, she was almost getting used to it.
“You're the daughter of a count.”
His gaze sharpened.
“What if I'm just a commoner with no money and no power?”
“Doesn't matter.”
Her answer came instantly.
Decisively.
Cutting through his hesitation.
If she were still the cruel villainess she had once been forced to become, perhaps she would have despised the idea of marrying beneath her station.
In this society, a noblewoman marrying a common knight was considered disgraceful.
But she genuinely didn't care.
She had no money.
No power.
As long as she could escape safely, what difference did it make?
The fact that he was willing to play the role of husband at all was already something to be grateful for.
“What do money and power matter?”
A teasing smile appeared on her lips.
“As long as I get to stare at a handsome husband all day, that's enough.”
His messy gray hair shifted slightly as his smile deepened.
Apparently, he liked that answer.
Once again, he stepped closer.
“Then what about you?”
His eyes narrowed.
“Even if it's only a temporary marriage, you're still a noblewoman. But your family is practically worthless.”
“Doesn't matter.”
Without hesitation, he reached out and wrapped a strand of her golden hair around his finger.
“Uh... e-excuse me?”
“Lexion.”
His voice dropped.
“We're getting married. You don't need to speak formally. Just use my name.”
“Alright, Lexion.”
But why did his speech keep changing?
Formal one moment.
Casual the next.
It was becoming irritating.
“Why do you keep switching the way you talk?”
She frowned.
“You seem younger than me.”
Most nobles married in their early twenties.
An unmarried woman nearing thirty, like Milena, was unusual.
Naturally, she had assumed he was younger.
Besides, his face made it impossible to guess his age.
If he wasn't married yet, he was probably in his early twenties.
Lexion laughed.
“Despite appearances, I'm older than you.”
Her age was well known.
Twenty-eight.
Unmarried.
An oddity in noble society.
Older than her?
Milena blinked.
“Oh.”
She looked awkwardly impressed.
“So you just have a baby face.”
His eyes narrowed.
His finger was still wrapped around her hair.
“I’m the same age as the Duke.”
The mood darkened instantly.
She didn't know the details.
But one thing was obvious.
He truly disliked Calion.
“I see.”
She shrugged.
“That’s unfortunate.”
His lips twitched.
“So you like older men?”
“What?”
“Should I call you darling?”
His grin widened.
“Or honey?”
Just moments ago he'd seemed gloomy.
Now he was smiling again.
He changed moods as easily as breathing.
And everything was moving far too fast.
They'd only just kissed.
Only just discussed marriage.
And now he was already talking about pet names.
“Just use my name, Lexion.”
“Alright, Milena...”
Lowering his head, he leaned close enough for his breath to brush her ear.
“Honey.”
A shiver shot through her entire body.
Milena immediately covered her ear and glared at him.
“Lexion.”
Her voice hardened.
“I'm going to take revenge on the Duke. This contract benefits you too, so—”
“So?”
“Don't get too close.”
She had no resistance to men.
The kiss had been an accident.
Nothing more.
She intended to ignore it completely.
“How cruel.”
He pressed a hand dramatically against his chest.
“We're husband and wife now.”
“Not legally.”
“Details.”
“This is just an act.”
“You're so cold, my love.”
“We've stayed here long enough.”
She turned away.
“We'll talk tomorrow.”
There was no time for distractions.
The situation was too urgent.
Yet somehow, his smile continued to unsettle her senses.
The memory of that kiss still lingered on her lips.
Pretending her racing heartbeat was anger, she quickened her pace.
Thankfully, her reputation as the infamous villainess meant Lexion never let on that he'd noticed how flustered she was.
“Hmm.”
But he had.
Perfectly.
“Cute.”
His voice was low.
Dangerously amused.
“And far too tempting.”
Muttering to himself, he dismissed the hidden barrier surrounding them and followed after her.
“Milena.”
Walking beside her, he spoke again.
“There's something I'm curious about.”
She glanced at him, silently telling him to continue.
“What if you only make the Duke sign the marriage contract and leave everything else alone?”
His expression sharpened.
“Would that really count as revenge?”
The wedding would be ruined.
But that alone wouldn't be a serious blow.
If the Duke truly intended to kill her, it wouldn't matter who she married.
He could still carry out his plan.
Milena smiled.
A dangerous smile.
“Don't worry.”
Her emerald eyes gleamed.
“I'm preparing something much bigger.”
Seeing her confidence, Lexion merely shrugged.
He had plans of his own as well.
“Then sleep well, Sir Hubert.”
They had arrived outside her room.
His messy gray hair had fallen slightly over his eyes.
For some reason, he looked reluctant to leave.
“No goodnight kiss?”
“Do you honestly think that's happening?”
“How cruel.”
He sighed dramatically.
“A little while ago you were so passionate. Am I really the only one disappointed?”
“Go to sleep already!”
Without hesitation, Milena slammed the door shut.
Outside the room, Lexion stood silently for a moment.
Then a low laugh escaped him.
She really was—
the most entertaining woman he'd ever met.
