The next morning, the estate was unusually quiet. The tension from last night's dinner still lingered in the air. The servants moved carefully, as if afraid to disturb the fragile peace.
Nora sat at the breakfast table, staring at the untouched plate in front of her. Elise, the head maid, refilled her tea without a word.
Kay entered the dining room first, looking as effortlessly elegant as ever, her silk robe flowing behind her. She poured herself a cup of coffee, then lazily glanced at Nora.
"You didn't eat," Kay observed.
"I wasn't that hungry," Nora muttered.
Kay smirked. "You'll get used to this house. It has a way of taking your appetite."
Before Nora could respond, footsteps echoed from the hallway. She tensed.
X entered like he owned the place, dressed in a crisp, tailored suit, his presence commanding the room. He smiled at Kay, then casually pulled out a chair beside her.
"Morning," he greeted, his voice smooth, controlled. He reached for a slice of toast, completely ignoring Nora's presence.
Moments later, Duke arrived. He was dressed sharply, his posture stiff, his jaw clenched as he saw X so comfortably seated beside his wife.
Duke didn't acknowledge X. Instead, he walked to Kay and placed a lingering kiss on her forehead—a move that was more of a statement than affection.
"You have meetings today," he said in a low voice. "Don't be late."
Kay leaned back in her chair, looking amused. "Oh? Worried about me, dear?"
Duke's gaze was unreadable. "Always."
X chuckled. "You two have such a… fascinating marriage."
Duke's attention finally shifted to him, his voice flat. "And you have a habit of overstaying your welcome."
The air in the room thickened.
Kay sipped her coffee, unaffected. "Play nice, boys. We're all family here."
Duke let out a short, humorless laugh. "Are we?"
Nora sat still, her hands tightening around her napkin. She felt like an outsider watching a war she wasn't supposed to witness.
But the war was real.
And she was in the middle of it.
That afternoon, while walking through the corridors, Nora overheard hushed voices. She stopped near the study, heart pounding.
X and Kay were inside, their tones low but sharp.
"You're pushing him too far," X muttered.
"He deserves it," Kay snapped. "Do you think I'll let him win?"
X exhaled. "And what about her? She's starting to notice things."
"Nora is insignificant," Kay dismissed. "She's useful, nothing more."
Nora swallowed hard.
What did they mean by that?
By evening, Kay made an announcement.
"We're hosting a party this weekend," she said casually. "A formal gathering. Everyone will be there."
Duke looked up from his drink. "Why?"
Kay smiled. "Because we need to remind people who we are."
She turned to Nora. "You'll be attending, of course."
Nora hesitated. "I—"
"No arguments," Kay interrupted. "Consider it… part of your duty."
Nora felt the weight of those words.
She was being pulled deeper into their world.
And there was no way out.
The estate was transformed. The grand hall was filled with chandeliers, flowing champagne, and laughter that felt just a little too forced.
Nora stood at the edge of the room, watching.
Duke and Kay played their roles perfectly—a powerful, unshakable couple.
But their eyes told a different story.
And then, there was X.
He was charming, effortless, mingling with guests like he belonged.
But he wasn't here for them.
His eyes kept seeking Kay.
Duke noticed.
And Nora saw the moment his patience finally snapped.
Kay had barely taken two sips of her wine when Duke approached her.
"Dance with me."
Kay arched a brow, amused. "Since when do you dance?"
"Since now," Duke said shortly, grabbing her hand.
They stepped onto the dance floor, the room watching as the couple moved in perfect synchronization.
But their conversation wasn't so graceful.
"You're playing a dangerous game," Duke muttered.
Kay smiled sweetly. "Am I? Or are you just afraid of losing?"
Duke's grip tightened on her waist. "Don't test me, Kay."
She leaned closer, whispering near his ear. "Then do something about it."
The dance ended.
Duke let her go, jaw tight, and walked away.
Nora watched from the sidelines, gripping her glass.
X approached Kay then, offering his hand.
"May I?" he asked.
Kay didn't hesitate. She took it.
And the second dance began.
Duke didn't stay to watch.
He disappeared into his study, pouring himself a drink, his movements sharp.
Nora found him there.
"Are you okay?" she asked hesitantly.
He scoffed. "Do I look okay?"
Nora hesitated. "Why do you let this happen?"
Duke looked at her, expression unreadable. "Because some things… can't be broken."
"Even if they're destroying you?"
A long silence.
Then, Duke sighed. "Especially then."
Nora realized something that night.
The real fight wasn't between Duke and X.
It was between Duke and Kay.
And neither of them planned on losing.