THE DUKE'S MASKED WIFE (C)

Chapters 1-5

Chapter 1: Contract marriage (1)

"Duke Edgar, please spend the night with my daughter and you would see she is an excellent choice for your wife," a bold mother pushed her daughter towards the Duke as he passed by them.

All eyes were on the three of them as Duke Edgar was the main topic for the night.

"I wasn't aware your daughter started working in the red light district. I am not looking for a wife there," Duke Edgar stepped to the left to pass the disappointed mother and daughter.

He had only arrived less than three minutes ago but this was his second encounter with a mother and daughter looking to win over his favor. Ever since it was announced he was looking for a wife this was happening.

The culprit behind the rumor was none other than the scheming king who had nothing better to do than to ruin the life of his friend.

It was no surprise the women had accepted the bait and pushed their daughters to try and catch the Duke as their husband.

Duke Edgar Collins was the only son of his father and sole heir of countless lands. He lived similar to that of a king and thanks to his connection to the king himself, nothing was impossible for Edgar.

He was said to be a cunning dangerous man but when money came into the equation, his history was long forgotten.

.....

"Duke Collins is here," a young woman whispered to her companion as Edgar walked into the baron's home.

'This is going to be a pain in the ass,' Edgar sighed, already knowing how the night would end. Countless offers to take the young women who were just finished learning what it meant to run a household would be the death of him.

The heat from their desire to find a husband quickly made the place hot and uncomfortable. A nice cold drink was needed to relieve him of the hot temperature.

Edgar had no idea why he agreed to attend the Baron's party. The Baron, Desmond Barrett, owner of a failing household was a man he never cared for. Edgar couldn't figure out why a man on the brink of bankruptcy would throw such an elaborate party.

Was the man looking to speed up being kicked out of his own home?

"Duke Collins," the man himself appeared. The Baron approached Edgar with his hair tied into his usual ponytail. He wore a black and white suit Edgar felt matched the man's hair. Black with specs of white here and there.

Edgar didn't miss the way the baron announced his name like he was a young girl making her debut at a ball and was coming down the stairs. "Baron," he greeted the man.

"It was so kind of you to visit my home to attend my party," Desmond said, pleasantly surprised to see the duke. He was a nervous wreck from all the questions being thrown his way from guests who had only come to see the duke.

Desmond made sure to spread the news the duke would be at his party.

"Save it, Baron. You know why I am here. Unlike the king, I am yet to believe you have the information I am looking for." Edgar was looking for any lead for the case with the young women disappearing.

Desmond sent a note claiming to have information and wished to speak with the Duke here. However, Edgar quickly saw through his ploy.

"Of course, I know why you are here but it would be rude of me to not offer you a drink first Edgar. Forgive me but you seem to be sweating quite an awful lot," Desmond looked around wondering if his house needed more windows opened.