ONE NIGHT STAND WITH HOT DUKE-Chapter 37: Let me go!
The words froze the room.
Edward, listening from a distance, held his breath.
Demian did not answer immediately. His jaw tightened, his eyes darkene, not with anger alone, but with something far more dangerous: loss.
"You want to leave?" Demian asked at last, his voice so low it was nearly a whisper. "After everything we’ve been through?"
Valerie lowered her head. "I don’t want to live as a shadow," she said. "I don’t want to wait for the mercy of a lawful wife who will one day arrive."
Silence fell once more. 𝘧𝓇𝑒𝑒𝑤ℯ𝑏𝓃𝘰𝑣ℯ𝘭.𝘤ℴ𝘮
And for the first time, Edward and anyone who had ever known Duke Demian Morvex understood that the most dangerous battle that man would ever facewas not war, not magic, not the empire itself.
But the woman standing directly before him now.
Demian let out a short laugh not warm, but low and mocking."You really think it would be easy for you to leave me, Valerie?"
Valerie straightened her back even as her chest trembled."I could run."
The air between them froze.
Demian stepped forward just one step.But it was enough to make Valerie instinctively hold her breath. His gaze hardened, darkened, like a wolf finally baring its fangs.
"You’re truly foolish," Demian said coldly, "if you think you can run from me."
Valerie clenched her fists."You promised."
Demian’s eyes narrowed."A promise?" He laughed again, softer this time. "You created that promise yourself, Valerie. Don’t pretend I was the one who forced it on you."
"I still refuse to be your second woman," Valerie said stubbornly, her voice shaking but unyielding. "I will not be a mistress."
Instantly Demian’s expression changed.
"Enough," he snapped.
Valerie lifted her chin, refusing to bow."I won’t be silent."
In one swift movement, Demian was standing directly in front of her. His shadow swallowed her whole. His presence pressed down on her heavy, suffocating making her heart race uncontrollably.
"You will obey what I say," Demian spoke low, dangerous. "And you will not defy me."
Valerie met his gaze, trying to stand her ground, but for the first time... she truly felt small.
"Do not test me," he continued. "Because you may not survive my anger. Whatever I want you will comply."
The words struck Valerie harder than any slap ever could.
At that moment, she finally understood.
From the very beginning...She had never truly had a way out.
Not because Demian imprisoned her but because she had stepped into the snare herself, because she chose Demian, chose feelings that had been too dangerous to possess from the start.
Demian exhaled sharply, as if restraining something darker."Don’t let your thoughts wander again," he said, his tone calmer but far more terrifying. "I don’t like you talking about running."
Valerie fell silent.
Not because she agreed but because she knew her words would change nothing.
"Whether I marry or not," Demian continued without hesitation, "you are not going anywhere."
Valerie swallowed.
"Think for yourself how you will remain by my side," Demian said. "Because I will do whatever it takes to ensure you never behave like this again."
He leaned closer, his voice dropping into a piercing whisper."If you do not obey then you will learn... who I truly am."
Silence fell between them.
Valerie lowered her gaze, her chest tight.
Not only because she feared Demian but because deep within her heart, she knew...
She had gone too far to turn back.
Demian left with heavy strides, his long coat flaring as it caught the corridor’s cold draft. He did not slam the door but the sound of it closing still echoed like a hammer striking Valerie’s chest.
She did not move.
Valerie remained where she stood, fingers clenched at the sides of her dress, her breath held as though one deeper inhale might make her collapse. Demian’s words still rang in her mind cold, sharp, leaving no space to resist.
Only when his footsteps completely faded did her legs finally weaken. Valerie lowered herself onto the edge of a chair, bowing her head. In that moment, she understood something she had long refused to face.
From the beginning...she had never truly had a way out.
Not because Demian bound her with chains but because her own feelings had dragged her too far in.
The door opened softly.
Edward entered with measured steps, his expression as composed as ever. Yet his eyes usually neutral now held something difficult to read. He had clearly heard part of the confrontation, even if he pretended otherwise.
"Lady Valerie," he said calmly, almost flatly."The two noblewomen I mentioned earlier have arrived."
Valerie did not answer at once.
Edward waited patiently, then continued, "By the Duke’s order... you are to meet them now."
Valerie slowly lifted her face. Her eyes were slightly red, but no tears fell. She was far too tired to cry.
"I don’t wish to see anyone," she said quietly.
Edward inclined his head, his gesture still perfectly courteous."I understand your feelings. However... this is not a request, Miss."
The words were not harsh.And precisely because they were spoken so politely, they cut deeper.
Valerie let out a soft breath.
She knew refusing now would only worsen things. Demian was angry. And Edward, no matter how gentle his manner, was still loyal to his master.
"I will prepare myself," Valerie said at last.
Edward nodded. "Thank you for your understanding."
Sera and Lira soon entered to help Valerie change. The gown they chose was simple yet elegant a soft hue befitting the northern lands. As they brushed her hair, Valerie stared at her reflection in the mirror.
The face looking back appeared calm.But beneath it lay confusion, fear, and a growing sense of being trapped.
When she finally stepped out toward the small receiving room where the two noblewomen awaited, Valerie straightened her back.
If she truly could not leave...if she truly could not defy Demian now...
Then the only thing she could do was endure.
And hope without knowing what she was hoping for that one day, things would change.
Or at the very least...that she would not completely lose herself within the shadow of Duke Morvex.
The eastern sitting room was a place Valerie rarely entered. The moment the door opened, the scent of warm tea and cinnamon greeted her. Inside, two women were already seated, their backs straight against chairs upholstered in dark velvet.
Both of them rose the instant Valerie stepped in.
The first woman had silver-gray hair, swept into a neat chignon without a single strand out of place. Her face was composed, her gaze sharp and authoritative. Her gown was simple, yet unmistakably expensive a classic style favored by northern nobility.
The second woman appeared slightly younger, with dark brown hair and a gentler expression, though her eyes were keen with observation. She studied Valerie from head to toe not with disdain, but with careful assessment.
Edward bowed respectfully."Allow me to introduce you, Miss Valerie. This is Lady Evelyne Frostwyn former steward of the northern court and adviser on noble etiquette. And this is Lady Maribel Rowan an instructor in social diplomacy and courtly conduct."
Valerie stiffened for a brief moment before inclining her head politely."It is a pleasure to meet you both."
