Chapter 80: A Villainess Ends Up on a Surprise Date (Against Her Will)
Chapter 80: A Villainess Ends Up on a Surprise Date (Against Her Will)
Seraphina woke up to bad news.
Lila was grinning.
That was never good.
"Good morning, my dearest Seraphina," Lila cooed.
Seraphina sat up cautiously. "What did you do?"
Lila gasped dramatically. "Me? Nothing! But… someone may have arranged a special outing for you today."
Seraphina narrowed her eyes.
"…Define 'special outing.'"
Lila clapped her hands.
"A date!"
Seraphina stared.
"A what."
Lila smirked. "With a very handsome, very persistent duke."
Seraphina groaned.
"Lucien. Of course, it's Lucien."
"Correct!" Lila chirped. "And he left a note."
She handed over an elegant black envelope.
Seraphina hesitated before opening it.
> Dearest Seraphina,
If you refuse to acknowledge my existence, I shall have to make my presence known.
Meet me at the Garden Pavilion at noon.
If you do not come, I will personally fetch you.
And we both know how much of a scandal that would cause.
Yours (inevitably),
Lucien Kingston
Seraphina closed the letter very slowly.
Then she screamed into her pillow.
—
Step 1: Attempting to Escape
Seraphina did not want to go on this "date."
So she did what any reasonable person would do—
She tried to escape.
She snuck out of her bedroom window.
She tiptoed past the guards.
She almost reached the stables—
Until she walked straight into Lucien Kingston.
Lucien, who was leaning against a pillar, arms crossed, smirking.
"Going somewhere, darling?"
Seraphina froze.
"…No?"
Lucien gestured behind him.
"Then why is there a carriage waiting for you?"
Seraphina glanced past him.
Her own traitorous carriage driver was waiting—looking guilty but still holding the reins.
Lucien tilted his head.
"Now, be a good girl and get in my carriage instead."
Seraphina sighed deeply.
She was doomed.
—
Step 2: The "Totally Not a Date" Date
Lucien took her to the most extravagant tea house in the kingdom.
Gold-trimmed china. Soft violin music. A private balcony with a breathtaking view.
Seraphina sipped her tea, pretending not to be impressed.
Lucien watched her with amusement.
"You look lovely today, Seraphina."
She snorted.
"I'm in the same dress you kidnapped me in."
Lucien smirked.
"And yet, you still take my breath away."
Seraphina choked on her tea.
—
Step 3: Admitting It Was… Kind of Nice
Despite her best efforts, Seraphina… enjoyed herself.
The conversation was teasing, witty, fun.
Lucien was still infuriating.
But also charming.
And when the sun began to set, and the lanterns glowed softly—
She felt her heart betraying her.
Lucien leaned in slightly.
"You can admit it, darling."
Seraphina raised an eyebrow.
"Admit what?"
Lucien's eyes glowed mischievously.
"You had fun."
Seraphina huffed.
"Fun is a strong word."
Lucien chuckled.
"I'll take that as a yes."
Seraphina rolled her eyes.
And yet—when Lucien took her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her fingers—
She didn't pull away.
—
To Be Continued…
Next Chapter: A Villainess Is in Denial (Again).