Abigail pov contd

Everyone looked at me and then at him to understand where the conversation was going. I gritted my teeth as I knew he would not let the matter go.

Yesterday when he told me that the northern duke had asked him to free me from my duties, I panicked because I was sure there were many more attacks on him left and the last one in the woods was strong enough to kill him if he would have been alone.

So, I vehemently denied it. The shrewd man took it as a chance to benefit from me. He again offered me the same deal! To be his wife! I did not understand why he suddenly wanted me to be his wife when I had already told him that I already have a love interest. 

It was not like the offer was not tempting. Being the empress could give me a chance to humiliate Gerard upto my heart’s content and then kill him when he did a single mistake. But he had such a large harem that my whole life would be spent on handling it. 

The way he was looking at me with that evil smirk and that crazy glint in his eyes, i was sure that if i didn ot handle the matter, he would even take my name and tell everyone that i was the one he wanted to pursue.

I gulped with the thought of facing so many questions by all of them. Most importantly, I was sure that Josephine was going to be disappointed if that happened. She had clearly stated that she wanted Scarlet as the wife of the crown prince. Why did I feel that the burdens on me were increasing with every passing hour!

“You must be making fun of my being single. How can I, who has never been in a relationship, guide you, your highness, who has experience of having more than a dozen lovers? “ I asked with an awkward laugh on my face and he smirked.

“Relay! The way you kissed did not feel like you were a novice. In fact, it was much better than I could have ever imagined.” said the man who sleeps with a new woman everyday.

I heard a lot of gasps as they all looked at me like I had done holy sins. What the hell was this man trying to do suddenly. Did he not care about me being the daughter of the noble duke!

“Haha.. I must say, you are getting better at jokes, your highness. How can giving a peck to a young girl be called a kiss and how can it be counted as an experience in a relationship. The girl was cute to begin with. I am sure no one would be able to let the chance go.“ I glared at the man who was trying to embarrass me. His eyes were twinkling and his smile was filled with mischievousness. Oh lord, someone close his mouth. 

“Oh so that was what it is. For a moment a lot of scenarios passed through my eyes. You scared me there, your highness.” Isabella murmured as she took a breath of relief.

Though Josephine was still looking at me with that strong gaze, her posture was much more relaxed than the shocked face before.

“Is that so? Then I would ask the young girl to visit you again at the same place where you have met before. She was so delighted when you kissed her.” he was testing my patience with every word he was speaking. Come, sure, come to meet me alone, then I will tell you what I could do with you.!!

“It would be my pleasure to meet her, your majesty. Shall we go now?” I asked, trying to get rid of the strange discussion we were having.

“But..”

“Sure, we are going to meet the empress and apologize to her anyway.” said Josephine, cutting William in the middle and I gave her that grateful look. 

“Then, I shall take my leave. The empress should not be kept waiting. Have a good day, your highness.“ I did not give him a chance to speak or deny as I scurried out from there.

I never knew you even have young girls as your lovers.“ I heard the sarcastic voice of Josephine while William just chuckled.

“You did not know anything about me for a long time, sister.” he replied in the same tone as I heard his footsteps following me and I increased my speed again.

Finally walking to the backstage again I tried to find Amayra when Sharon held my hands.

“Oh Abigail, I am so happy. Only the last piece was enough to provide us five times the amount you have invested together in all the jewels. Even after deducting all the other expenses, we have made a fortune.” she was glowing like a fairy as she continued to hold my hand and started singing the song of winning.

“My lady must have earned that much in the past topo.” I complimented and she shook her head.

“We have earned five time of the cost but not from a single piece. I think Amayra, who was not satisfied with only a 30% share in profits, would be delighted too. As we have earned more than 30% than we usually earn.” she replied with pride and mischievousness.

“Ah, but as the daughter of the earl and viscount, I do not think that you need that amount. You are rich enough as your family has been in the line of selling rare gems for a long time.

“Yes.” She sighed and hesitated but then closed her eyes and opened her mouth, “I did not need money to live a better life like others. I need it to prove my worth to my family who think that only men can handle the business well.” her voice was low and filled with grief and my face expressions softened.

“You do not need to worry about that.. I promise that i will make you famous enough that you will be remembered as the best trader of jewels for centuries to come.”