The Villain's Wife (Book 2)

270

"Trusting people..." Lisa said. "You can trust them... and be good at them. You can be kind and generous and forgiving. You can be a good leader and a good friend. But... they are not liable to treat you the way you are treating them." Lisa continued. "Of course... do not just trust my words. Have someone test them. Silently. I can help you get rid of them... give you the names of their contacts. Give you proof of their illegal activities."

The Duke mindlessly listened to Lisa's words. He nodded as if he understood some words that man sitting opposite him was speaking. On the outside, the Duke was calmly staring at Lisa. However, on the inside, he almost could not control his emotions. He could not keep his anger at bay.

Everything... Everything about Lisa's words sounded painfully true that it hit him right in the middle of his chest. What Lisa said was true. You can be a good man, a kind man, a respectful human being. However, at the end of the day, no one is liable to treat you the same way that you treat them.

But isn't this too cruel? All these people... even his attendants and servants... every one of them. He had treated them like family. He respected them and had been generous to them. Yet, in the end...

But how could he complain? Again, they are not liable to treat him or respect him the way he respected them. The painful truth hit him like a nail that was hammered In his chest.

It was simple, direct, and it... was breaking his heart. The betrayal of these people... the betrayal of the trust that he gave them...

"What do you have in mind?" Lisa asked.

"I want to kill them." The Duke's gaze turned dark.

"But... you know you are not allowed to that."

"I know." the Duke gritted his teeth. "I know. Mr. Manoban.... I know."

...

On the other hand, Jennie was also dealing with some drama in the form of Prince Leandro, Princess Mikaela, and Princess Eliza. The three are actually arguing a few feet away from where she sat. Their voices were in a low hush, making sure that only the three of them can hear whatever it is that they were talking about.

"You know..." It was her brother. Taehyung never left Jennie's side since they arrived in the hall. "I think being royalty is tiring." He said. "And not as rewarding." He heard from Eliza that they always have events like this one. Events that needed everyone to interact with other people, nobles, and royalties from other countries. This is something that the poor Taehyung could not do. Talking to people about history and politics and the current issues in the economy is not his thing.

Moreover, smiling while doing such things needs a lot of effort! How could these people maintain a smiling face while arguing? This is a question that he would never understand.

"I feel you." Levi who was sitting next to Taehyung chimed in. Unlike Eliza's fiery and bubbly personality, Levi is the exact opposite. He is quiet and does not really like to argue much with people. Just like Taehyung, he too would prefer to just do his hobbies. Surfing the waves and skiing, playing video games, and maybe even dancing. Just simple stuff that would give him a satisfying feeling. "Being like them is indeed hard."

Both Taehyung and Jennie turned to look at Levi. However, both decided not to say anything.

"Do you want to leave this place? Maybe we could get some air?" Levi asked.

"Can we do that even if the Duke is not yet here?" Taehyung asked.

In response, Levi only shrugged. "No. But no one would notice." However, Taehyung still ended up refusing. How could he leave Jennie alone in the middle of all the wolves eying her? More especially, that Harringfort had been trying to get close to Jennie for a few minutes now. The only thing that is stopping the man is the fact that Eliza and the other Nassae siblings are standing next to Jennie.