"Duke Volkov, what about my daughter?" the Count asked.

"My apologies, I'm not interested in marriage," I replied coldly.

These nobles only care about my status and power. Even as they pester me, my eyes are on a woman. 'You look happiest when smiling,' I thought.

"It's better if you don't get involved with me," I mused, but our eyes met.

thump thump "My heart still beats only for you."