Chapter 3 - She’s so Beautiful

Few days had passed since she transmigrated and faked her sickness. During this time, she managed to gather more information from Lily regarding her intended fiancé and his background. It all matched whatever was described in the novel, except Lily didn't know anything about Lady Sophia, Duke Kensington's cousin and her nemesis in this life! This lady caused all her sufferings and ultimately her death, so she needed to know everything there was about her. Fortunately it was mentioned in the book that she lived on the Duke's estate and was one of the estate's staff. Hence, she was able to get close to Lady Melissa and manipulated her.

So now, all she had to do was to avoid this marriage. Without this marriage, she wouldn't meet this vicious woman and thus she would be safe. Right, good plan so far.

"My Lady, your presence is required in the drawing room." Lily suddenly appeared by her side while she was engrossed with her thoughts.

"Reason?" Melissa asked Lily.

"I was informed that Duke Kensington is waiting for you. He arrived a few minutes ago and is now talking to the Duke. His Grace asked you to be there promptly." Lily bowed and retreated from the room.

'What a cunning man! Hmmph! Coming unannounced! Just to catch me off guard. Not a chance. Let me see what you want to say.' With that thought, Melissa stormed out of the room to confront this ridiculous man.

Duke Zachary Kensington was a handsome man. Without a doubt. Anyone who first met him would be stumped and speechless, be it men or women, young or old. From a young age, Duke Kensington had shown great abilities be it in academic or worldly affairs. He was able to judge characters and be sound in his judgments. Therefore, when he first heard of the Queen's choice for his bride, he was reluctant as he had never met this Lady Melissa before. She seemed to have vanished from the elite social circles two years ago and never made an appearance since. It was said she was isolated and bullied during her last social gathering, causing her much grievance and thus she refused to show her face again. As to how she was bullied, no one knew what happened back then. She had no friends and not much achievements attributable to her name. As to her appearance, some said she was stunningly beautiful but majority said she was so ugly and hence the bullying and isolation from the nobles.

Duke Kensington intended to find out the truth today. His last visit was cancelled due to her falling sick, which irked him so much as he felt time had been wasted because of this. Furthermore, something felt off about her attitude towards this marriage. He sensed her reluctance as there was no indication whatsoever from the Knights as to when he could come for a visit, which prompt him to thicken his face and came unannounced today.

When he met Duke Malcom Knight, a glint of displeasure displayed in the older man's eyes but quickly replaced with a smile, which still didn't quite reach his eyes as well. Duke Kensington sighed inwardly. His intuition was right, the Knights seemed to be reluctant with this marriage as well. Like him, they were also stuck with the Queen's orders. He wondered how Lady Melissa would react when she saw him later since he had come unannounced and therefore must had annoyed her immensely. It was a custom for ladies to be ready beforehand when their suitors came calling. Now he had come to visit her suddenly, she must not be pleased.

There was a knock on the door and a servant announced Lady Melissa's presence. Hearing this, Duke Kensington immediately turned around to see his future wife. What met his eyes were beyond his expectation.

A graceful looking young lady, of tall stature with slender frame stood there looking at him. Her beautiful violet eyes were as clear as the cloudless sky. She kept her long black hair free and it cascaded down her back. The young lady was wearing a very simple gown but somehow on her, the gown looked lovely albeit free of any jewelleries. She was breathtakingly beautiful. Duke Kensington noticed she neither offered him a smile nor a look of displeasure. She simply just stared at him. For once in his life, he couldn't read this person in front of him and he felt helpless.

Looking at her standing quietly, Duke of Hurrey felt uneasy. He immediately went to his daughter and hold her hands.

"Melissa my dear, this is Duke Kensington, the one I told you about. He is here today to meet you. Zachary, this is my daughter, Melissa." Duke Malcom introduced the both of them.

"Lady Melissa, it's my pleasure to finally meet you." Duke Kensington approached her and offered to take her hand.

Looking at him, Melissa's heart felt troubled. 'Dammit! Why must he be so handsome!'

"Your Grace, how are you? Thank you for taking the time to come and visit me." Lady Melissa curtsied and offered her hand to be kissed, as custom dictate. Luckily she had watched many old dramas in her free time and remembered this was what they did when they met guests, especially ones with a noble status.

"Father! Father! Is this my new mother??!" Suddenly a small boy of tender age came bolting to her side and tugged at her skirt.

Melissa was taken aback. She did not think that this man would bring his son to visit her for the first time. He's truly a cunning person! To think he was using his son to subdue her!

"Are you my new mother? They said you're ugly but that's not true at all! You're so pretty. Will you marry my Father?" The little boy looked up to her with his sparkling eyes.

The two men just stood there looking at this scene. Duke Kensington made no move to stop his son. Only by this way would he be able to see how she react to his son. If she push him away even at the slightest, he would not agree to this marriage at all.