THE DUKE’S DEBT (3)

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CHAPTER 19

«What do you mean no? No to what exactly?» the Duke inquired, his tone now laced with hostility that was completely different from the relaxed and charming demeanor he had put up earlier.

Evelina drew herself up to her full height, meeting his gaze with steely determination. «No to you, Duke of Burnsbury,» she said firmly. «I will not marry you, and I will not be coerced into doing so. My answer is final.» She knew deep down that she was making the right decision, no matter what the Duke's reaction may be and even though a huge chunk of her heart was calling to him. Well if he wasn't so smug, maybe, just maybe she might have considered it. Who was she kidding? She could not afford to do that to Priscilla, her own best friend even though.

The Duke's eyes narrowed as a brief silence ensued. She could see the anger simmering under his skin, and for a moment, Evelina felt a twinge of fear. But she refused to back down, not after everything she had been through with him.

«How dare you?» the Duke spat, his voice filled with venom. «Do you know what you're rejecting, Evelina? I am offering you a life of luxury, of power, of everything you could ever want. You would be a Duchess, with all the privileges and benefits that come with it.»

But despite his words, Evelina remained resolute. She knew that the Duke's offer was not one borne out of love, but of ego.

«I know that but I still decline your offer, Duke, because I cannot accept it,» Evelina said, her voice firm.

The Duke's face contorted with rage as he stepped towards her, his eyes blazing with anger. Evelina stepped back, fearing for her safety.

«What is your reason?» he asked.

«I do not have one.» Evelina's lashes fluttered as she said this.

«You do not have one?» Alexander's thick baritone voice immediately resounded a forced and bitter laughter. «And you expect me to believe that you do not have a reason for rejecting my offer of marriage?»

Evelina stood her ground, refusing to be intimidated by him. «I already told you, your Grace. I don't have a reason,» she repeated firmly, her voice steady despite the fear that churned in her stomach.

Alexander's expression darkened as he took a step back, his arms crossed over his chest. «Is it the Prince then?» he sneered, his tone dripping with contempt. «If he's the one you're afraid of, that can be easily arranged. From what I gather, you haven't accepted his proposal, so I see no problem here. You are free to be with me and do as you please.

«I'm telling you, Prince Laith isn't who you should fear, I am.» Alexander continued, his voice low and menacing. «He's nothing short of a puppet in the Queen's hands. He's not a real man. He doesn't have a mind of his own. But I do. I know not to back down from a challenge.»

Evelina's breath caught in her throat as Alexander leaned in closer, his eyes glittering with malice. «When I say I want you, Evelina, and that you owe me a debt, I wasn't mincing words. I could go to any length to get what I want. I am the man who knows so much about you that could ruin you. Are you not scared of that?» he taunted. «How bold can you be when the public learns of your dealings with the red light district? Can you stomach the shame it would bring on your family?»

Evelina's heart sank as she listened to Alexander's words. She knew that he was dangerous, but she had never realized just how ruthless he could be.

She felt tears prick at her eyes as she realized the extent of Alexander's power over her. She knew that he could destroy her reputation, ruin her family, and leave her with nothing. But she also knew that she could not give in to his demands. She had to stay strong, no matter what the cost.

«I can handle my business,» Evelina said, her tone defiant.

«Can you?» Alexander asked, a teasing lilt in his voice.

Evelina's chest tightened at the condescending tone of his voice. She knew she had to stand her ground, but it was hard to keep her emotions in check when faced with someone as ruthless as Alexander.

«I can,» she said, her voice shaking slightly. «Besides, no one but you recognized me back at that place. It is merely your word against mine.»

Alexander chuckled, his eyes glinting with amusement. «Oh really?» he said. «Then you must be quite delusional. Either that, or you don't understand the status of the man standing here before you. I am the Duke, Evelina. The Duke! Let that sink in. I don't need a lot of witnesses. I just need to say a word. My word is law. Accept me, and let us end this madness of words.»

Evelina felt her anger rising at the arrogance in Alexander's voice. How dare he try to intimidate her like this? But beneath her anger, she felt a deep sadness. This was not the type of man she could encourage her heart to admire. This was a cruel, manipulative monster.

«I reject you all over again, Duke of Burnsbury,» she said, her voice trembling with emotion. «And if I could, I would unwind the clock and go back to that night so that I never have to set my eyes on you to begin with!»

With that, Evelina turned and fled towards the ballroom, her eyes stinging with tears. She didn't want Alexander to see her break down, to see the power he had over her. She collided with Priscilla as she made it out of the garden, and she clutched her friend tightly, grateful for the comfort of her presence.

This novel is exclusive to Web Novel, please contact me through the chapter comments if you find that all or any part of this publication is being uploaded elsewhere (on another site). Thank you.