Chapter 176: I Do
"We are!" Soleia insisted, even as her heart sank to her toes in utter dismay. She hurriedly glanced at Ralph, hoping his glib tongue would be able to resolve this situation before they were homeless for good.
Sir Ralph frowned. "This is a very serious accusation you are making, Duke Kinsley. Leia and I have been nothing but honest. We are a married couple."
"The lack of documentation regarding your marriage says otherwise," Duke Kinsley said, and Soleia’s eyes widened in horror. That was one thing she and Ralph had overlooked!
"You checked?" Sir Ralph exclaimed, his eyes bugging out in shock. "Why would you? Who gave you this idea?"
Soleia wanted to kick him. They were the ones in the wrong! How could he still question Duke Kinsley as though he was the criminal?
"That is not important," Duke Kinsley said severely. He shook his head. "I am very disappointed in you, Ralph. To think that you would take advantage of my trust in you to blatantly lie to my face. Not only that, you have roped in an innocent woman with your lies and roped her into your schemes! Miss Leia, I would advise you to reconsider your relationship with this man."
Sir Ralph’s face seemed to darken, but Duke Kinsley stood his ground. The situation was getting tense, and Soleia was half-afraid they might come to blows with each other. She quickly cleared her throat and apologized.
"Duke Kinsley, we are very sorry for misleading you," Soleia said, clutching her hands tightly together. "But the circumstances were dire. We would not have done it if we had any other choice."
A tear beaded at the corner of her eyes as she thought of the circumstances that led her here.