Chapter 154: Seclusion

The grand ball was everything Jane expected and more - a sensory overload of silk gowns, booming laughter, and thinly veiled social jabs. Olivia, a whirlwind of activity, transformed Jane into a sapphire goddess, complete with a family heirloom necklace that practically blinded anyone who dared look directly at her. Across the ballroom, Lucian looked like a prince out of a storybook, his black suit practically shimmering under the chandeliers. He charmed the ladies with his easy smile and wit, while the men seemed impressed by his quiet confidence. Despite the dazzling scene, Jane felt a longing for something simpler, a shared breath outside the suffocating expectations of their new roles. As the night wore on and the waltzing grew more frantic, Lucian leaned close, his voice a welcome anchor in the sea of noise. "Jane," he murmured, "I need a break from this… from everything." Jane totally understood. The weight of the Duchy must have felt like a ton of bricks on his broad shoulde