บท 117: Desmond or Valerio?

Even with her eyes open, the alcohol had gotten to Leonor's head so much that she could hardly see. The room was spinning so the duchess decided to keep her eyes closed. 

There was a small voice within her telling her to hold back so she wouldn't ruin what she had with the duke but the lonely part of herself that was speaking so much louder that day was who responded to Desmond. 

Did she care about him?

"More than you could ever imagine," she uttered, a sad voice that Desmond was unfamiliar with. Perhaps a tone that was reserved for Valerio only.

Since she was letting him, Desmond removed his glove and touched her back, hoping to soothe her sadness. He was surprised his hands weren't shaking because of what her answer did to his heart.