The Charm of a Darling Renegade

Adrian made a subtle gesture, directing his horse to veer in another direction, and he rode off after hearing her bold statement.

Seeing Adrian's horse veered away, Juli couldn't help but exhale a sigh of relief. Easing herself down onto the ground, she took a moment to settle her nerves. She found solace in the belief that the Duke possessed a kind heart.

The passing of one week marked the end of the mourning period, silence that draped over Wismar like a heavy blanket, the town suddenly burst to life with the vibrant energy of spring. Laughter bubbled up from the cobblestone streets, mingling with the cheerful chatter of residents who had emerged from their homes, eager to embrace the newfound sense of joy and camaraderie.


Children ran through the town square, their playful shouts echoing off the ancient buildings that lined the streets. Smiles adorned the faces of adults as they greeted one another with warm embraces and hearty handshakes.

Cafés and taverns overflowed with patrons, the clinking of glasses and lively conversation filling the air. Friends gathered around outdoor tables, savoring hearty meals and raising their glasses in toast to brighter days ahead.

Juli who had just returned from the school, heard a knock on her door. As she opened the door to find Bernhardt standing before her, a black box adorned with satin ribbon cradled in his hands. Her face broke into a radiant smile at the sight of him.

"Sir Bernhardt, it's wonderful to see you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine delight. "Do you have any candies for me today?" For her, Bernhard had always been the bearer of candies, since she started living there.

Mr. Bernhardt chuckled warmly, his eyes twinkling as he nodded. "Of course, Juli," he replied, his voice as comforting as ever. "But first, I have something special for you." With a flourish, he presented the box to her, the satin ribbon gleaming in the soft light filtering through the doorway. "It's from the Duke, and I've been instructed to deliver it to you personally."

'Duke?' Juli was puzzled by the unexpected delivery from the Duke, she questioned him with curiosity, "What is in this, Sir Bernhard?"

"Unfortunately, I'm not privy to the contents of this box," Mr. Bernhardt admitted with a gentle smile. "But I have a feeling it holds something delightful from the Duke himself."

Despite a hint of hesitation, Juli accepted the gift. With a farewell, Bernhardt took his leave, leaving Juli alone with the mysterious package.

Opening the box, Juli found a letter carefully placed at the top. Intrigued, she retrieved the letter and began to read its contents, embarking on a journey into the Duke's words and the secrets they held.


The contents of the letter were succinct yet intriguing: "You are requested to wear the attire enclosed within this box and present yourself in my office chamber."


Juli couldn't help but feel that the tone of the letter sounded more like an order than a request.

As Juli's gaze fell upon the dress nestled beneath the letter. There it lays—a black dress. The sight sent a jolt of surprise through her, leaving her to ponder the significance of this unexpected gift from the Duke.


Juli scrutinized the black dress with a sense of dread creeping over her. She couldn't help but mutter to herself, "This isn't a gift; it's a punishment."

Her hands began to tremble, betraying the hidden traumas that the sight of the black dress had stirred within her.

The sight of the black dress stirred painful memories within Juli, reminiscent of her cruel childhood with her mother. A mother who was always intoxicated, spending her nights with different men. Juli was confined to their home, forbidden from venturing outside, while her mother roamed freely.

Her mother indulged in delicacies and Juli was often left with only bread and milk to sustain herself. Instead of colorful attire, her mother would only bring back black garments, a stark reminder of Juli's unhappy existence. She endured abuse at the hands of her mother, who harbored resentment towards her as a constant reminder of her failed marriage, left Juli feeling trapped in a suffocating cage of despair.

She sat on the veranda, Juli's gaze fell upon the black dress before her, tears streaming down her cheeks as memories of her abusive mother flooded her mind. The trauma of her past, which she had burried deep down, now came live as if it had happened yesterday.

She had no where to run to. Despite her unease, she knew she had to gather herself and wear the dress, as it was a direct order from the Duke itself—a consequence for not adhering to his previous instructions.

Adrian's life had been a flawless mosaic of bliss until that instant. Every aspect seamlessly aligned, his days orchestrated in perfect harmony. He was brought up with a detachment instilled by his parents, he traversed a world of rigid education, a constant reminder of his preordained fate as the Duke.


He would give commands, and they would be promptly followed. As the heir of the Louis family, he was accustomed to obedience from all around him. He played the role of the ideal son, the perfect brother, and a flawless friend. In the eyes of others, he was the embodiment of perfection.


Yet, the boldness of Juli's refusal to wear a black dress took Adrian by surprise. It was as if he had discovered a new and exciting unknown territory. The mere thought of what Juli might do next was akin to an adrenaline rush, injecting a thrilling unpredictability into his otherwise carefully structured life.

Juli was on the verge of becoming his newfound source of amusement.

Juli donned the black dress, each stride toward the Duke's palace fanning the flames of her smoldering anger. Despite her efforts to suppress the brewing tempest within, her outward calm belied the torrent of emotions raging beneath. She knew all too well the reason for wearing black dress while others were in colorful attire - a silent rebellion against an order she dared to defy.

Adrian who was sitting behind his desk, engrossed in the documents laid out before him. A polite knock interrupts the stillness of his office.

He smirks, anticipating it as none other than Juli. He opens the door for her, stepping aside to allow her to enter. After entering the room, she acknowledes the Duke with a respectful nod.


She hesitates, standing near the vast expanse of the room, her eyes fixed on the floor, anticipating the Duke's initiation of the conversation.

However, Adrian returned to his work, and the room descended into a silent observer of unspoken tension.

Her, uncertain of the purpose behind being summoned to the study, questions in her mind why he called her there instead of just instructing her to wear the dress at home. She contemplates, wondering if his decision indicates a lack of trust in her compliance with his orders. She wouldn't fault him for lacking trust in her, knowing she hadn't complied in the first instance. Juli reasoned in her mind why he had summoned her to his chamber.


After a prolonged pause, Juli decided to speak. "My Lord," she began, her voice sounded calm and composed.


The Duke's gaze lingered on Juli before shifting to the couch opposite his work desk, silently indicating where she should sit.

Juli follows his unspoken command and takes a seat on the couch, anticipating that perhaps he will initiate a conversation. However, the Duke surprises her by instructing her to eat the refreshments placed in front of her. After this brief interlude, he resumes his work, leaving the room steeped in focused silence.


Duke had anticipated that, Juli would not have time to eat lunch, as she would have rushed here on his command.

Juli had no appetite. Nothing could coax food down her throat, especially not while clad in this suffocating black attire, a constant reminder of her abusive mother.

Juli's patience waned. She was growing increasingly frustrated with the Duke's prolonged silence.
Now her gaze had shifted from the floor to the Duke, who sat directly across from her. Her focus sharpened, and her thoughts began to whirl as she observed the Duke's striking features.


His eyes, like the boundless sky on a clear day, seemed to draw her in. His perfectly groomed black hair framed a face of captivating allure, while his commanding presence, seated confidently in his chair, accentuated his broad shoulders and strong, his chiselled chest.

For a brief moment, Adrian's eyes shift, catching Juli's gaze fixed upon him. Juli blushed and quickly averted her eyes, returning her attention to the floor.

A faint smirk graced the Duke's lips, as he looked at her and with a gentle voice called her name, " Miss. Juli Hahn."

A tingling sensation runs through her as she hears the Duke calling her name. Swiftly composing herself, she inquires, "May I know the reason why I have been called here?"


Adrian silently watching her as if he did not hear her question.

Juli repated her question.

"I see no reason to explain myself," Adrian retorted in an arrogant tone, tinged with frustration at her questioning, as if daring her to challenge his authority with her inquiry.


Juli's frustration mounted. She found Adrian's response unhelpful.


She rises from the couch, fists clenched, and boldly declares, "My Lord, I will wear this black dress for the entire day as a self-imposed punishment. If there's nothing else you wish to convey, I would like to take my leave and return home."

Now Juli got his full attention. His eyes remained calm, devoid of any hint of expression, yet his tone carries an authoritative edge, "Is my statement registering as a request in your understanding, Miss. Hahn?"


Adrian did not loose his composer, instead he took pleasure in Juli's reaction, although he concealed his emotions.

"You are to wear that black dress for an additional three days. After your school, you will proceed to my office, dressed in the same black attire, taking your place on the couch, and partaking in refreshments," declared the Duke.

Juli was stunned by this extended order, found herself rendered speechless.

How could she bear wearing this stifling black dress for three additional days? She already felt suffocated in it, and now she had to endure it for three more days. Her eyes welled up with tears, as if any moment, they would spill down her cheeks. But she controlled herself, she did not want to be seen weak infront of Duke.

If she dared to voice any opposition, the daunting prospect of wearing the black dress for an even longer duration hung ominously over her head.

Resignedly, she took a seat on the couch and let out a sigh. Rationalizing that there was no point in letting the food go to waste, she began to eat the sandwich that was on the tea table, telling herself she was feeling hungry.

Adrian initially intended the punishment for just a day. However, witnessing Juli's reaction only served to provoke him further. After Adrian completed his day's work, he allowed Juli to leave.

Juli left the place with a frown, opting not to offer any greetings to the Duke.

Adrian couldn't suppress a smile, finding Juli's behavior even more intriguing. Her departure only heightened his interest in her.


Under his breath, he murmured her name, "Juli"

"Juli Hahn"

The mere mention of her name was intoxicating to him, stirring emotions that threatened to overwhelm his senses.


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