ONE NIGHT STAND WITH HOT DUKE-Chapter 82: I am a nobody

His hand still supported Ivanka steady, protective just as expected.

But inside him, something stirred uneasily.

Valerie had never left like that.

Not without a word. Not without a look. Not without trying to explain, or at least to restrain herself.

And Demian knew Her departure just now was not merely retreat.

It was withdrawal.

Meanwhile, deep within the castle, Valerie walked without any clear destination. Corridor after corridor passed beneath her feet, her vision blurred, her ears ringing. Each breath felt too short, too painful.

She pressed a hand to her chest, as though she could hold something there from collapsing completely.

She waited.

There were no footsteps chasing after her. No voice calling her name. Nothing at all.

And that was when the pain changed shape.

No longer sharp but hollow.

Valerie finally stopped in front of her bedroom door.

Her hand lifted... then fell again.

For the first time, she asked herself in silence:

If I leave like this... will anyone still come looking for me?

In another room, Ivanka leaned back weakly and Demian remained by her side.

And a distance that had once been nothing more than a fine crack began to yawn open, soundlessly.

Valerie closed her bedroom door with trembling hands.

The moment the door shut, the strength she had been forcing herself to hold onto collapsed all at once.

Her chest felt tight not like choking, but as though something were pressing from within, slowly, relentlessly crushing her. She took a few steps forward, then stopped in the middle of the room, as if her legs could no longer support her weight.

It’s fine, she tried to convince herself again.I knew this could happen.I should be all right.

But her mind refused to follow her heart.

The image returned without permission the way Demian had leaned down, the way Ivanka had stood too close, the way they had looked... in sync. Not accidental. Not just a moment.

Valerie covered her mouth with her hand.

And finally, she lost.

The sob broke out of her raw, uncontrolled, painful. Her shoulders shook violently as she cried, tears streaming without restraint, as if everything she had been holding in for so long fear, jealousy, loneliness had finally found its way out.

She was jealous.

And that realization wounded her own pride.

She hated herself for feeling this way. Hated the truth that she had hoped if only a little that Demian would chase after her. That he would choose her. That she mattered enough for him to leave Ivanka without hesitation.

But there were no footsteps outside the door.No knock.No voice.

Her crying gradually weakened, turning into broken, uneven breaths. Her body felt exhausted too exhausted to keep feeling. She lay down at the edge of the bed without changing her clothes, tears still damp on her cheeks.

And in the midst of the pain still throbbing in her chest, Valerie fell asleep.

When she woke, the light had changed.

The room felt silent too silent. Her eyes burned, her head was heavy, and her chest though no longer as painfully tight still felt hollow. Valerie stared at the ceiling for a long time, with no desire to get up.

She didn’t want to go out.

Didn’t want to see anyone.Didn’t want to pretend she was fine.Didn’t want to face glances that might not be looking for her at all.

She pulled the blanket higher, as though it could shield her from the world beyond the door.

In the dining hall, the atmosphere was entirely different.

The long table was filled. Dishes were arranged neatly. Demian sat at the head of the table, Ivanka not far from him. Light conversation flowed, servants moving efficiently around them.

But after a few minutes, Demian noticed that one chair remained empty.

He glanced toward it.

"Where is Valerie?" he asked at last.

A servant bowed respectfully. "Your Grace, Miss Valerie has not been seen this morning."

Demian frowned. "Call her."

"Yes, Your Grace."

The servant left at once.

Not long after, a gentle knock sounded at Valerie’s door.

"Miss Valerie," the servant’s voice came softly, cautiously. "His Grace the Duke requests your presence in the dining hall."

Valerie opened her eyes and stared at the door for a long moment.

She drew a slow breath, then replied in a voice quieter than usual, yet clear enough to be heard.

"Please tell him... I’m not feeling well."

There was a brief pause on the other side of the door.

"Do you require a doctor, Miss?"

Valerie shook her head, though the servant could not see her. "No. I just want to rest."

"Very well, Miss."

The footsteps moved away.

Valerie closed her eyes again.

In the dining hall, the report was delivered just as it was.

Demian fell silent for a moment.

Ivanka lifted her teacup, sipping calmly.

And Valerie remained in her room, choosing to hide from a world that, today, felt too painful to face.

The servant returned with measured steps, stopping beside the dining table before bowing respectfully to Demian.

"Your Grace," he said in a composed voice, "Miss Valerie has conveyed that she is unwell. She has chosen to rest and will not be joining dinner this evening." 𝑓𝓇𝘦ℯ𝘸𝘦𝑏𝓃𝑜𝘷ℯ𝑙.𝑐𝑜𝓂

Demian paused his spoon.

Not for long only for a moment but it was enough to show that the name still carried weight. His gaze lifted briefly, settling on the empty chair across the table, before dropping back to his plate.

"Very well," he said shortly. "You may go."

The servant withdrew at once.

Ivanka, seated not far from him, observed everything closely. The way Demian did not ask further questions. The way he did not summon a physician. The way he accepted the answer as if Valerie’s illness were something minor, something that would pass without needing attention.

"Valerie isn’t coming down at all?" Ivanka asked at last, her voice gentle, almost concerned. "That’s not like her."

Demian shrugged slightly. "There’s nothing unusual. She’s usually fine."

The tone was calm. Too calm.

Ivanka lowered her gaze, her fingers touching the edge of her plate without truly reaching for the food. She seemed hesitant, as though weighing her words.

"Perhaps..." She paused, then continued carefully, "perhaps Valerie chose not to come down because I’m here."