Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

There was no one in the nobles who could challenge her for her skills. Even her majesty had personally praised her many times. 

So, the defeat was unimaginable to her yet the reality was in front of everyone.

Olivia did not say anything but her face turned ghastly pale. As if she had suffered a great blow. Her eyes filled with tears. She looked at Leo with pleading eyes. She was looking like a perfect damsel in distress.

Leo did not say anything but his face was still the face of Olivia. 

Evan felt apprehensive when she saw that expression of his. Was he melting when he looked at the pretty woman filled with grief? But then another thought hit her! Was she the girl he was in love with? 

She had only received extreme hatred from Olivia who was sure she would be the duchess if Evan left the way. She looked at both of them with suspicious eyes! 

Should she accept if he decided to forget about the bet, but then how would she be called wicked when she would behave kindly? She was having an internal dilemma when he withdrew his gaze, opened his mouth coldly, and said, "I remember you were the one who suggested this wager. Are you backing out now?"

His words were challenging! Nobles valued their promises a lot. Their words were taken seriously as they have respect. If nobles broke their promises then they were to be frowned upon and ridiculed in society. For them, their image was most important.

"..." Olivia's face turned ghastly pale! She could not deny that she was the one who challenged Evan.

Her heart was filled with thousands and millions of regrets; she was truly muddled. How could she have known that a mere beggar knew how to play the piano and that also at this insane level or she would have never put this ridiculous bet!

She had come to the party with hopes to be announced as the future duchess of the Thayne dukedom and win the love of Leo. Wouldn't she be a joke if she was chased out of the palace after losing the bet?

Only the thought was enough to make her completely panicked.

"Leo, I was deceived by Evan. She lied to me about her piano skills. Could you give me another chance to defeat her, the bet is not over yet, the dance was also part of it!" 

That was when everyone was reminded that the singing and dancing both were part of the bet. She still had the chance to win the bet. Looking at the nodding face of everyone, the confidence that Olivia had lost, returned.

"That's right. There is still a dance competition left. Which dance styles are you going to choose?" asked a lady with gleaming eyes.

"Monique Elfreazado. Why don't you suggest a song to us for dancing?" asked Olivia flattering the old lady. Though she was a monique, she was the dean of the dance department of the academy of royal and nobles where every noble girl goes when reach the age of 15 for three years to train herself in etiquettes and manners and develop her literary skills. Everyone knew that she had a strong affinity towards music and mostly towards dancing. 

"What could have been better than a waltz? Or are you going to perform solo dancing?" she asked with much enthusiasm and those who had expected a single side winning were also looking eager at how the show would unfold. Who would be chased out of the estate. Would it be a noble or a commoner?!

"Of course, a waltz would be perfect for a beautiful evening like this." nodded Olivia. She chose the dance because she was sure no noble would initiate dancing with Evangeline. And she did not know any noble to ask for help. It had been years but Leo never danced in the parties Except his debut in the social gatherings four years ago, even that day he did his first dance with his mother and then with his sisters. He never danced with a girl except his family.

With that thought she was sure that Evan would be disqualified even before starting the dance. But then his eyes fell on Chester. He was famous for his two left feet. If he could be the partner of Evan, she would surely lose badly and then she would be mocked and chased out of the duchy.

Confidence filled her heart with that thought! 

"Do you know how to do a waltz?" asked Olivia and Evan nodded. She had danced a few times with her mother. She was a talented lady and often taught Evan things commoners did not know. 

She told Evan that there might be a day she would need all these skills and that day Evan would thank her. Evan honestly thanked her mother today. Due to her she was able to face all these nobles with a high head or else!

"Great! Then we both need a partner. Since you do not know anyone here. Shall I ask nobles to be your dance partner?" she asked in a sweet tone. "So that you would not blame the lack of having a partner for losing this round?" she asked righteously as if she was only worried about her.

Evan looked at Olivia with suspicion. She was sure Olivia was not among those who would help her competitor but when she looked at Leo, hoping he would dance with her the man was not even looking at her.

She sighed! Leo was highly unreliable. She was not even sure if she needed to win this round too for the prize he had offered her or if only playing piano was in the bet. She could not even take a risk in case he would use that against her.

How bad could it be!' with that thought, she nodded to Olivia who gave an alluring smile in return.

"Let me ask my friends then."