Her steps were slower than a slug, for Ivy was deliberately moving slowly. She didn't want to reach Lucien too quickly. She was already close to him, and their gazes locked.
"Duchess, please sit next to this Duke."
Ivy nervously nodded as she heard Lucien's words and sat in the seat next to him.
She shifted slightly, wanting to keep a distance. Even though they weren't sharing a seat, Ivy still wanted to be careful—not to get too close, fearing he might hurt her.
She felt in her heart that he could harm her…
She wouldn't be foolish enough to trust her heart that he loved her. She would believe the information the system showed her instead.
Ivy remained silent, not wanting to say anything more for the rest of the day until the occasion ended. She would just remain a statue before him—silent, and nothing more.
"Duchess, why are you so quiet today? Of all occasions, you should be talkative as you usually are, but you're not. Why is that?"
