The Duke and the Girl from Nowhere

Yuna stood alone in the center of the ballroom, her breath shallow, her skin still tingling where Ji-Hwan had touched her. The crowd had scattered back into motion, yet the whispers clung to her like static.

Who is she?

Why did the Duke choose her?

She took a step back, desperate to disappear, when a new figure approached. The room stilled again. Polished boots, a golden sash, and a presence that commanded attention.

The Crown Prince.

"I take it His Grace left you rather abruptly," he said, offering her a gentle smile and his gloved hand. "May I?"

A murmur rippled through the crowd.

"That's the Crown Prince… Lee Sun-Woo."

The name felt too royal to touch.

"You want to dance… with me?"

"I always make it a point to investigate court rumors myself," Crown Prince Sun-Woo said lightly, his lips curled in amusement.And the tale of a strange girl stealing the Duke's attention is far too intriguing to ignore."

The orchestra began to play again, and Yuna—completely dazed—placed her hand in his. He was charming. Effortlessly smooth. Their steps flowed gracefully across the floor, yet her heart didn't pound the same way it had minutes before.

"You don't seem like one of us," the Crown Prince noted as they twirled. "That's not an insult. It's… refreshing."

Yuna laughed softly. "You have no idea."

The conversation floated easily between them—playful questions, amused observations—but Yuna felt the prickle of something behind her. She glanced over the Prince's shoulder.

And there he was.

Ji-Hwan.

Standing near the entrance, jaw clenched, eyes locked on them like a predator denied his prey. His hand flexed at his side.

Then he moved.

The crowd parted, sensing a storm.

Ji-Hwan stopped just a foot away, gaze cutting through the Prince like glass. "I believe you've had enough of her time, Your Highness."

Sun-Woo arched a brow, amused. "Possessive, aren't we?"

"I don't share," Ji-Hwan said coldly.

Before Yuna could speak, he reached out and grabbed her wrist—not harsh, but firm. The kind of grip that made it clear: you're coming with me.

"Let go," she hissed under her breath.

"Not a chance."

He pulled her to his side, his arm sliding around her waist with such confidence it left no room for protest. Murmurs swirled through the ballroom like wind through silk. Fans fluttered. Curious stares pierced the air.

She must be his mistress.

Or his fiancée?

But from which family?

Yuna could feel her face burn. "People are staring—"

"Let them."

His voice was low, dark, and dangerously close to her ear.

He didn't let go until they were outside, the cold air biting at their skin as they stepped into the carriage that would return them to the Duke's estate.

Silence followed.

Until night deepened.

The estate was quiet. Servants had long retreated to their corners. Yuna stood before her bedroom mirror, brushing her hair, still shaken.

A knock.

She turned. "Who—?"

The door opened without waiting for permission.

Ji-Hwan.

His jacket hung open, his tie loose. His eyes darker than she'd ever seen them—unreadable. And the scent of aged wine lingered faintly around him.

"You've been drinking," she said.

"A little." He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. "But I'm still clear about what I want."

She stepped back instinctively. "Ji-Hwan—"

He didn't stop. "Do you feel it too?"

Her heart pounded. "What?"

"When I'm near you. That chaos in your chest. That… pull."

He stood inches from her now. "Do you feel your heart beating too fast when I'm around?"

She opened her mouth. "Yes, I do but—"

He didn't wait.

His hand slid around her waist, pulling her flush against him. She gasped.

"You drive me mad," he whispered, voice low and trembling. "Your name—Yuna—it's the only thing I know… and yet, it still feels like I don't know you at all."

His hand tightened ever so slightly around her waist.

"You're right in front of me… but somehow, you're still just out of reach."

And then—he kissed her.

Not soft. Not hesitant.

But urgent, desperate, like he'd been holding back for far too long.

Her hands trembled at his chest. Her lips parted beneath his.

And the world, once again, disappeared.

End of Chapter 8

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