The warmth persisted as he poked the area around the cut, dabbing the blood with his ascot. Jane could not understandhow such a cold man could possess such a warm touch, her confusion elevating when he ripped the sleeve of his shirt without a second thought, using the strips of fabric to dress her wound.
His gaze was focused as he worked and his hands were steady, gently wrapping and tugging at the fabric until the injury was securely concealed. He had moved closer to dress the injury, and now that he was even closer, Jane could see that his face was littered with scars.
Many of them, some thin, some jagged, running over the swell of his cheeks, the curve of his jaw and even on his forehead. She could not help but wonder who this man was and what sort of life he had lived to have gotten hurt to this extent.
She also wondered how he had survived whatever dangerous situation gave him is scars, and with every moment they spent together, her intrigue was growing. As his fingers traced along the makeshift bandages, she could not help but wonder how it would feel… if he touched her more.
The absurdity of the thought shocked her to her senses and she quickly rose to her feet, ready to flee as she expressed her gratitude, already turning away.
“Thank you for your help, truly. But I am afraid that I must be on my way now. My friend will be worried if I do not –”
“Is the idea of marrying me such an unbearable thing?”
His words stopped her abruptly in her tracks. Slowly, she turned around to face him, watching as he rose to his feet, holding a stem of daffodil. Instinctively, she reached for her braid, running her fingers as she realized that the flower in her hair must have dropped when she fell without her noticing.
Her mother’s words echoed in her head as she watched him twirl the flower between his fingers.
It was your husband-to-be that sent these lovely flowers. It would be good to show your appreciation by wearing it.
Jane felt as though she had been doused with a bucketful of ice water, shocked as she realized exactly who was before her. Misery flooded her veins and she shook her head, wondering to herself, ‘How could fate be so cruel?’
“Y-Your Grace, I –”
“I understand that you may have your reasons for fleeing from our wedding, but I would like you to reconsider. As it stands, I am in dire need of a wife, and my desperation will not allow me to give up on the suitable match I’ve found. Especially not when a contract has been signed. Therefore, I am going to do whatever it takes to convince you.” He told her, his tone still as cold as it had been when he spoke to her about her injuries.
Jane instinctively took a step back as he approached her, stammering quickly,
“That contract was signed without my knowledge and I was only informed about the wedding afterwards. My feelings were completely neglected during the entire process and – I do not wish to be married. I just… I want to be left alone.”
He watched her for a moment, then he said,
“Three months. All I need is three months of your time after we are wed.”
Jane frowned, hesitating a tad. She did not wish to speak to him at all, but his sudden request made her curious.
“Why should it only be for three months? What will happen in that time?” she questioned uncertainly.
“Nothing. We will not consummate the marriage or do anything else beyond sustaining our marriage on paper. We can remain strangers during that time if you wish.”
“Then... why? Why do you wish to marry me at all if after three months, the marriage will end? What will be the point of all of that? What do you want?” Jane snapped, feeling irritated.
The more he spoke, the less she understood. What did he really want from her.
The man sighed deeply, then he said, “All that I need is… your help with my son. Just for three months and you will be free to do as you please.”
Jane’s mind reeled with the information she had just received.
Son? The duke had a son?
“A-A son? I did not know you had a son,” she whispered, confused and surprised.
The duke exhaled deeply, then he told her with a heavy tone,
“I do have one. A little boy who is… troubled and in need of your help.”
“My help? How am I supposed to help a child I have never met?” Jane questioned exasperated.
“It is rather complicated, but I hope that perhaps the presence of a motherly figure in his life might help him work through his problems. Just for three months. Help my son for three months and your life is yours to live however you desire. You have my word.” He urged, taking another step towards her.
