Chapter 79: A Villainess Tries to Ignore the Male Lead (And Fails Miserably)
Chapter 79: A Villainess Tries to Ignore the Male Lead (And Fails Miserably)
Seraphina had a new strategy.
It was simple.
It was brilliant.
It was foolproof.
She was going to ignore Lucien Kingston.
No matter what he did, no matter what he said—
She. Would. Not. React.
Easy, right?
Wrong.
—
Step 1: Avoiding Eye Contact
The moment Seraphina stepped into the ballroom, she felt his presence.
Lucien Kingston, standing near the grand staircase, sipping wine, looking infuriatingly perfect.
She resisted the urge to look.
She resisted the urge to acknowledge his existence.
"Seraphina," Lucien's smooth voice called.
She ignored him.
She turned to a random noble and smiled.
"Ah, Lord… um…" She had no idea who this was. "Your jacket is… very… red."
The noble blinked.
"Uh. Yes. It is."
Lucien chuckled.
"I believe you're avoiding me, darling."
Seraphina took a deep breath. Stay calm.
She turned to another random noble.
"Lady… uh… what a lovely necklace you have!"
Lady Random blinked.
"I'm not wearing a necklace."
Seraphina cursed internally.
Lucien took a step closer.
"You do know I can see you ignoring me, yes?"
Seraphina smiled sweetly.
"I'm simply engaging in polite conversation, Duke Kingston. Nothing to do with you."
Lucien smirked.
"Ah. I see. And yet… your ears are red."
Seraphina froze.
Traitorous ears.
—
Step 2: The Accidental Encounter
Seraphina fled the ballroom.
Clearly, this was not a safe zone.
She turned a corner—and slammed into a broad chest.
Strong arms caught her waist, steadying her.
"Careful, darling," a familiar voice murmured.
She looked up.
Lucien.
Of course.
She quickly pulled away.
"Apologies. I didn't see you there."
Lucien raised an eyebrow.
"You ran straight into me."
Seraphina huffed.
"Yes, well, the palace layout is terribly designed."
Lucien leaned in slightly, voice lower.
"Or maybe you're just… distracted?"
Seraphina refused to take the bait.
She squared her shoulders.
"Excuse me, Your Grace. I have urgent matters to attend to."
She turned on her heel and walked away.
Lucien watched her go, a slow smirk forming.
"This is going to be fun."
—
Step 3: Realizing the Plan is a Disaster
Seraphina stormed into her study and collapsed onto her chaise lounge.
Lila was waiting with a cup of tea.
"So. How did ignoring him go?"
Seraphina groaned into a pillow.
"He knows."
Lila sipped her tea.
"Of course he does. He's obsessed with you."
Seraphina peeked up.
"He is not obsessed with me."
Lila raised an eyebrow.
"Seraphina, the man once burned down a rival's mansion because they flirted with you."
Seraphina scowled.
"That was… coincidental."
Lila smirked.
"Sure. And you 'accidentally' stare at him when he walks by."
Seraphina threw a pillow at her.
"I hate you."
Lila caught it effortlessly.
"And yet, here I am."
—
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: A Villainess Ends Up on a Surprise Date (Against Her Will).